[BCMA] Changes for UVic's Art Collections

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Best wishes to the BCMA community.



The start of this new year brings a number of changes to Art Collections at the University of Victoria. First of all, Martin Segger is retiring -- although we all know that that 'retiring' for Martin means that he will have more time to write, connect with colleagues across the museum sector, and continue with the important work that he does as President of the Commonwealth of Museums. UVic won't be the same without him but it's great to know he is still happy to join us all for coffee!



I am taking on the role of Interim Director for the time being and expect that UVic will begin the recruitment process for a new director in the Fall. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to working with the staff on a number of exciting changes. One of the key strategic goals of the University of Victoria Art Collections (renamed to reflect the vast expansion of collections beyond the initial Maltwood Legacy) is to make collections more accessible for both research and teaching. To this end we have relocated the works of art on paper to the newly developed Maltwood Prints and Drawings Gallery in the McPherson Library. This space includes a classroom, accessible storage cabinets and exhibition spaces, and is run in collaboration with the Library’s Special Collections unit. We are particularly excited at the notion that workshops for faculty and classes for students on learning/teaching with these resources can be accommodated there.



We also plan to further develop the presentationof artworks in all the public buildings on campus as well as in a number of buildings in the community, including Government House, the Royal Jubilee Hospital and the new Access Health facility in downtown Victoria.

As well, we are closing the current Maltwood exhibition space in the University Centre Building in order to concentrate on the development of the downtown Legacy Gallery. We recognize that by further developing a downtown presence, we can engage with the community more effectively, develop more flexible and appropriate exhibition spaces, and accommodate students and classes who wish to focus on collections. The staff will be moving to that location once it is renovated – we hope to reopen in June. We are also committed to curating exhibitions in the Legacy's large and small galleries that draw more heavily on the University’s collections than has been done in the past. Doing so creates fascinating opportunities to involve faculty, students and community more effectively in the work of the Gallery.

Please let me know if you have questions --- Joy

Joy Davis
Program Director, Cutlural Managemen Programs
and Interim Director, Univeristy of Victoria Art Collections
University of Victoria
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