April 3 , 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN MCMICHAEL COLLECTION
Showcasing Canadian Art Improves Quality of Life For All Ontarians

KLEINBURG — The Ontario government is providing the McMichael Canadian Art Collection with an additional $1.2 million to support its work in preserving and exhibiting Canadian art, Minister of Culture Caroline Di Cocco announced today.

“Art provides communities with a powerful and compelling way to tell their stories and celebrate  their successes,” said Di Cocco.  “With its idyllic setting and remarkable collection, the McMichael speaks to the very heart of our identity as Ontarians and Canadians.  I am proud we can support this unique gallery in showcasing our cultural heritage to residents and visitors to Ontario.”

“The McMichael has been showcasing some of Canada’s finest art for more than 40 years,” said Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance and MPP for Vaughan-King-Aurora.  “This new funding should help the McMichael on its path to an even brighter future.”

The McMichael is the only major public art gallery devoted solely to the collecting and exhibiting of Canadian art. Its permanent collection consists of almost 6,000 artworks by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Inuit and other artists who have made a contribution to the development of Canadian art. 

“This welcome new investment from the province enhances the impressive turnaround the McMichael has experienced in the past two years,” said McMichael Chair Noreen Taylor.  “With these funds, we will continue presenting important exhibitions and programs here in Kleinburg.”

In addition to increased funding to museums and cultural organizations, the Ontario government has introduced the proposed Status of Ontario’s Artists Act to formally recognize the contribution artists make to Ontario’s economy and quality of life. If passed, the legislation would be an important step in the McGuinty government’s plan to create a better environment for artists and to help cultural industries grow and prosper.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Ministry of Culture.  With its wide array of programs and exhibits, the gallery attracts about 120,000 visitors annually, helping to promote cultural tourism in Ontario.  

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Contacts:
Mark Thompson, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4071
Guy Lepage, Communications Branch, (416) 314-3497