[Bcma-l] CMA, Communique: National Portrait Gallery in limbo, once again

[bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca]

  National Portrait Gallery in limbo, once again


      Minister calls for co-operation from museums

*Ottawa, November 10, 2008 –* The new Minister of Canadian Heritage, 
Hon. James Moore, announced on November 7, 2008, the cancellation of a 
long promised new home for the National Portrait Gallery. The fate of an 
appropriate building for the Gallery remains uncertain, however, 
temporary exhibitions and programs will continue. As part of this 
direction, the Minister called upon other museums and galleries to 
ensure the extensive collections of the National Portrait Gallery are 
“proudly and prominently on display across Canada."


“The museum community can play an important role in making sure 
Canadians have access to this important collection," said John McAvity, 
Executive Director of the Canadian Museums Association (CMA). “We 
strongly support travelling exhibits and outreach to all Canadians of 
the valuable collections held across Canada in museums." He went on to 
say “the federal government needs to take positive steps to make this 
happen."


The Government had proposed a partnership to build a new home for the 
Gallery with private developers and invited submissions from many cities 
across Canada. A total of four proposals were submitted from three 
cities. “None of these proposals met the Government’s requirements, and 
we are therefore terminating the selection process," said Hon. James 
Moore. “The selection process failed to meet the best interests of both 
the Portrait Gallery and taxpayers."


Many in the cultural community were relieved with this part of the 
announcement as there was considerable concern over the model as well as 
potential location; others, especially in Edmonton and Calgary, two of 
the prominent bidding cities were disappointed over the decision.


The Minister went on to say that due to the economic uncertainties the 
Government has decided not to pursue this project further at this time. 
“After years of planning and millions spent to date, we are disappointed 
that the Government has cancelled this building outright. We call on the 
federal government to move ahead with plans to build the National 
Portrait Gallery as a full national museum," said John McAvity.


The CMA has asked to meet with the new Minister in the near future to 
discuss a new vision to support the museums and galleries across Canada.

– 30 –

For further information:
John McAvity
Executive director
613-567-0099 x226
jmcavity@museums.ca <mailto:jmcavity@museums.ca>



Jim Everson
Director, Government Relations
jeverson@magma.ca <mailto:jeverson@magma.ca>


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