New ways A vision for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Halifax Yarmouth of PO Box 2262, 1723 Hollis Street PO Box 246, 341 Main Street Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 3C8 Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B5A 1E7 @ArtGalleryNS artgalleryofnovascotia.ca thinking

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 1-2 2018-11-30 1:40 PM Table of contents

03 Welcome to a new gallery 06 The people’s gallery 09 Our vision 10 A leader in contemporary Canadian art 13 A bold mission 17 Our beliefs 29 The journey here 30 The people speak 33 Community feedback 36 A bold future

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 3-4 2018-11-30 1:40 PM Welcome to a new gallery

Art is a conversation between an artist, society, and history. It transcends aesthetics. It fearlessly explores who we are, what we believe, and how we live. It expresses the often contradictory tension between what we think and what we feel. It belongs to all of us; it is not the purview of the chosen few, or a dominant culture, or a single school or movement.

An art gallery cannot be frozen in time or bound by tradition. Art is a living thing, forever evolving and changing, and an art gallery must constantly adapt if it is to remain relevant and vital. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia embraces these values and is engaging in a transformation and reinvention of what it means to be a gallery for all people.

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has set a course that matches the province’s diversity and ambition, in addition to a vision that will transform the gallery experience for Nova Scotians and visitors to the province.

Elenor King, Deepwater Horizon, 2015 Installation view 02 03

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 5-6 2018-11-30 1:40 PM Janice Wright Cheney, Widow, 2012 Tania Kitchell, Occupy, 2012 Installation view Detail of installation view 04 05

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 7-8 2018-11-30 1:40 PM The

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia people’s is a safe space where all Nova Scotians can experience the Provincial Collection through an gallery accessible membership program.

06 07

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 9-10 2018-11-30 1:40 PM Our vision

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is an inclusive public gathering place that connects people with art to inspire new ways of thinking.

SImon Hughes, Television Lake (detailed), 2014 Watercolour over graphite and collage on wove paper 96.5 x 147.3cm 08 Purchased with funds provided by the Art Sales and Rental Society 09

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 11-12 2018-11-30 1:40 PM The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia A leader in champions those working to push the boundaries of the artistic profession. We will continue to celebrate our rich and varied contemporary historical collection, but view it from a fresh perspective, bringing contemporary concerns Canadian art to its presentation.

10 11

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 13-14 2018-11-30 1:40 PM A bold mission

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia seeks to present the most vital and engaging contemporary art from around the world. We will embrace tradition and the past by applying a contemporary viewpoint that addresses relevant issues and challenges perspectives.

Duane Linklater, Tautology, 2011–2013 12 Edition of 5, Installation view 13

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 15-16 2018-11-30 1:41 PM David Milne, Lady in the Park (detailed), 1913 Graeme Patterson, Player Piano Waltz, 2013 Oil on canvas, 56.2 x 46.0cm Mixed media installation, Installation view 14 Gift of Sumac Corporation Limited 15

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 17-18 2018-11-30 1:41 PM Welcoming Our Contemporary beliefs As the Gallery sets forward on a new path, reflective of the diversity and ambition of the Challenging province, it will abide by four belief pillars. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will be: welcoming, contemporary, challenging, Ambitious and ambitious.

16 17

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 19-20 2018-11-30 1:41 PM Be welcoming

We illuminate. We use our space and our collection to tell stories that reflect community, create understanding, and generate meaningful debate. Our approach is inclusive. All are welcome to view, experience, and create in our space.

The Gallery provides meaningful experiences through art. We embrace diversity and recognize different learning needs, ethnicities, voices, languages, sexual orientations and the importance of gender equality and neutrality. The Gallery connects with communities through a host of tools and strategic partnerships that strengthen visitor experiences and infuse a wide range of voices into curatorial and programmatic offerings.

Lucie Chan, Untitled (detailed), 2003 Ink wash and charcoal on paper 56.5 x 76.0cm Hangama Amiri, The Shore, Wind (detailed), 2018 Purchased with financial support of the Canada Acrylic and oil on canvas, 91.8 x 61.0cm Council for the Arts and funds provided by Purchased with funds from the Elisabeth Connor 18 the Pauline Hildesheim Bequest Endowment Fund 19

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 21-22 2018-11-30 1:41 PM Be contemporary

We seek to present the most vital and engaging contemporary art from around the world while addressing relevant issues and challenging perspectives. We will embrace tradition and the past by reframing it and applying a contemporary perspective to its presentation.

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia champions those working to push the boundaries of the artistic profession, including established and emerging artists who connect communities across Nova Scotia and around the world. Our collecting practices will centre around ArtsSmarts, building an ambitious, and growing, collection of contemporary 4th Wall, Installation view art that tells the stories of today and tomorrow.

State-of-the-art, visible in-Gallery storage, and international artist spotlights are planned to support this belief, in addition to ongoing participation in important initiatives with local, national and international reach.

Dylan Fish, Tyler Hyde and Johnny Cann, 20 4th Wall, Installation view 4th Wall, Installation view 21

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 23-24 2018-11-30 1:41 PM Be challenging

We always challenge perceptions, complacency, and expectations. We work in provocative and unexpected ways using art to expand the way our visitors see the world. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is not a passive experience.

As a gallery, we are on the vanguard of change and new movements, and we maintain an openness to unconventional approaches to exhibitions, programs, and events. We will engage the audience with the collection in a way that is challenging and thought provoking.

It is important for the Gallery to be engaged in social change and be accessible. Our space and our programs will promote meaningful interaction and conversation about important topics like social change, healthcare, mental health, race relations, and more, through the lens of art and experience.

We will continue to foster new ways of thinking through collision spaces and studios for interdisciplinary art, as well as in-Gallery technology that deepens the art experience by expanding on its interpretation.

Kent Monkman, Miss Chief’s Wet Dream (detailed), 2018 Acrylic on canvas, 365.76 x 731.52cm 22 Gift of the Donald R. Sobey Foundation 23

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 25-26 2018-11-30 1:42 PM Be ambitious

We boldly pursue acquisitions, funding, relevant artists, new areas of expertise, and new ways to engage with the public. We adapt and change to remain relevant, challenging, and innovative.

The Gallery will capture the spirit and energy of a new and bolder Nova Scotia. We will embrace contemporary art and social movements, and will contribute to conversations with diverse communities. The Gallery will lead initiatives related to reconciliation and build stronger partnerships to expand our reach to serve communities in Nova Scotia and across the country.

The Gallery is part of a global conversation about relevant issues. Our strong collection, ongoing adoption of technology, and new spaces will provide access that transcends economic and geographic stumbling blocks across the province and around the world.

Emily Falencki, The Mira River (detailed), 2012 Oil on traditional gesso on plywood, 59.6 x 77.3cm Purchased with funds provided by the Art Sales 24 and Rental Society 25

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 27-28 2018-11-30 1:42 PM Jacques Hurtubise, Faux Dragon, 1986 Thaddeus Holownia, Sable Island, 1985-1994 Acrylic on canvas, 180.7 x 310.0cm Chromogenic contact print on paper Purchased with funds provided by Jacques Toupin 17.5 x 43.0cm (image) 26 Gift of the artist 27

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 29-30 2018-11-30 1:42 PM The journey here

With a history dating back to 1908, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has grown significantly from its past life as the Nova Scotia Museum of Fine Arts, which was entrusted to maintain the Crown’s 200-piece art collection on behalf of the people of Nova Scotia.

In 1975, the Museum was renamed in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Act. Shortly thereafter, the new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia implemented educational programs, started developing its collection, and began looking for a permanent home after years of using small non-Gallery spaces.

Edell, Nancy, Walrus Woman, 2002 The Gallery officially opened the doors to its new home in 1988 Oil and graphite on plywood, hooked rug, 155 x 260cm situated in the heart of downtown Halifax. This gave the Gallery a home and permanence in the city and province.

A decade later, in 1998, the Gallery grew again when two floors of the neighbouring Provincial Building opened. This expansion made room for the Maud Lewis House and Gallery, collection storage, office space, café facilities, and extended space for all other services, plus additional gallery space and an education centre.

In recent years, it has become apparent that a new space is needed if we are to continue to meet the needs of Nova Scotians, visitors, and artists. This led to an in-depth planning process and, ultimately, to redefining our vision.

28 29

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 31-32 2018-11-30 1:43 PM The Gallery hosted extensive The public engagement across the province with diverse communities and stakeholders, and conducted intensive workshops with Gallery people staff. This work set a course for where we could go next—as a gallery, and as a vital contributor speak to Nova Scotia’s culture.

30 31

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 33-34 2018-11-30 1:43 PM Community feedback

The feedback we heard from Nova Scotians shaped the guiding principles to inform our vision and belief pillars. Nova Scotians want the Gallery to be:

Inclusive – A place where Nova Scotians feel welcome and can Inclusive see their communities reflected in the Gallery. It must celebrate diversity both in how it welcomes guests and in the art it showcases.

Accessible – Programming must extend beyond the physical walls of any building to be truly inclusive, inviting, and to fulfill Accessible the province-wide mandate. The Gallery must recognize and intentionally address both visible and non-visible barriers to access, like cost, geography, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity. Art Centred Centred on Art and Artists – The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia must continue to be about art and artists, first and foremost. It can be a place that facilitates the creation of art and celebrates great artists, both from here and abroad.

Engaging Engaging – Nova Scotians want to connect outside of our spaces in more and better ways through our collection, programming, communications and technology.

32 33

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 35-36 2018-11-30 1:43 PM Chelsea Flowers, The George River Herd, 1995-1996 Rebecca Fisk, Confessions of an Invisible Sister, 2001 Wood, antler, 121.9 x 121.9cm, Installation view Mixed media on 12 canvases, 35.5 x 28.2cm (each) The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery, Purchased with funds provided by The Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition 34 Memorial University Collection Assistance Program and Private Donors 35

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 37-38 2018-11-30 1:43 PM A

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has a bold future ahead as it takes its place as the icon on the Halifax waterfront bold and as a leader in contemporary Canadian art. Our ongoing and critical research and scholarship programs will continue to provide context and thought leadership in the arts as we shift our story to a contemporary focus.

future The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is a gallery for the people of Nova Scotia and visitors to the province.

This vision is just the start. We aim to ignite new ways of thinking among all Nova Scotians as we challenge perception and complacency by sparking conversations about relevant issues through art and art programming.

Now is your chance to be part of the bolder Nova Scotia by celebrating diversity and championing fresh thinking through the visual arts.

Chris Hanson and Hendrika Sonnenberg, Fountain (The Way Things Are), 2012 Painted steel, cobra heads, and bolts 36 Public installation 37

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 39-40 2018-11-30 1:43 PM New ways A vision for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Halifax Yarmouth of PO Box 2262, 1723 Hollis Street PO Box 246, 341 Main Street Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 3C8 Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B5A 1E7 @ArtGalleryNS artgalleryofnovascotia.ca thinking

15105AGoNS Vision Book FINAL.indd 1-2 2018-11-30 1:40 PM