[Bcma-l] TWO RIVERS GALLERY ASSIGNED CATEGORY 'A' DESIGNATION

[bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca]

Congratulations to the Two Rivers Gallery!
Well done!
--Jim

> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
> Contact:
> Peter Thompson
> Managing Director, Two Rivers Gallery
> Fax: 	 250.563.3211
> Phone:   250.614.7803
> Email: peter@tworiversgallery.ca      
> 
> TWO RIVERS GALLERY ASSIGNED CATEGORY 'A' DESIGNATION
> 
> PRINCE GEORGE, BC, June 06, 2007 - Two Rivers Gallery is excited to
> announce its official designation as a category 'A' institution by the
> Ministry of Canadian Heritage. Managing Director Peter Thompson
> explains "this is an exciting development for Two Rivers Gallery since
> it has been a goal of ours for quite some time and it recognizes the
> Gallery as part of an exclusive group of Art Museums and Galleries
> across Canada." 
> 
> Two Rivers Gallery curator, George Harris states: "Receiving an 'A'
> designation is the result of a comprehensive assessment of all aspects
> of Gallery operation by the Federal Government. It is tremendously
> rewarding to know that the gallery has been recognized to have been
> built and is operating at the highest professional standard. This
> places us in the same category of art galleries as the Vancouver Art
> Gallery and the National Gallery of Canada. This designation is a
> credit to the vision, effort and energies of the City of Prince George
> and to all of those who contributed to the building of our gallery. It
> is an achievement of which we are tremendously proud."
> 
> The process of designation was very lengthy and took an in depth look
> at the Gallery facility and its systems to make sure it demonstrated
> the ability to meet specific legal, collections management and
> environmental criteria for the proper preservation of cultural
> property that is of significance and national importance to Canadian
> heritage. Besides confirming that the Two Rivers Gallery performs to
> exceptional standards, the designation also makes the Gallery eligible
> for Multiple Cultural Property Grants and eligible to seek
> certification of cultural property for income tax purposes. This
> presents exciting opportunities in terms of the development of its
> fine art collection. 'A' designation adds incentives to potential
> donors of highly valued artworks helping the Gallery keep important
> artworks in the region rather than loose them to museums elsewhere. 
> 
> Sharon Cochran, chair of the Prince George Regional Art Gallery
> Association which governs Two Rivers Gallery said "congratulations to
> George Harris, Peter Thompson, the Two Rivers Gallery staff, and the
> City of Prince George. Through their hard work and professionalism,
> the Gallery has earned a Category 'A' designation.  This designation
> recognizes the high standards with which the Gallery manages
> collections and preserves cultural property. Further, it opens future
> possibilities that were not available to us before. On behalf of the
> Two Rivers Gallery board, I would like to express our pride and
> gratitude for this significant advance."
> 

_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694