Federal Funding to Support New Gallery in Downtown Toronto
The Government of Canada provided funding to support renovations and increased public accessibility at the Onsite Gallery at the Ontario College of Art and Design University

Newswire.ca
Sept. 16, 2017

Adam Vaughan, Member of Parliament (Spadina–Fort-York), today announced $750,000 in funding for the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) in support of the new Onsite Gallery in Toronto. Mr. Vaughan made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The funding, provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, allowed for renovation of the gallery space at 199 Richmond Street West and the purchase of specialised equipment. This expanded, publicly accessible space in a busy downtown location will allow more residents and visitors to enjoy better access to the gallery's new exhibits and diverse permanent collection.

The Onsite Gallery, the new flagship professional gallery at OCAD U, opened today with two major exhibitions featuring the work of Indigenous artists.

Quotes

"Cultural spaces are at the heart of our communities. Investments in spaces like these help create jobs for the middle class, strengthen our economy and provide more opportunities for Canadians to experience the incredible works of our talented artists."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The Government of Canada is proud to support cultural infrastructure like the Onsite Gallery. This newly opened space will be a tremendous asset for the OCAD U community, as well as for residents and visitors to Toronto.
—Adam Vaughan, Member of Parliament (Spadina–Fort-York)

"Our new professional gallery will be a platform for art, design, new media and experimental curatorial practice, displaying established and emerging creators from Canada and abroad. The opportunity to offer powerful, thought-provoking exhibitions at the heart of the campus is aligned with our goal of stimulating conversations on critical issues facing Toronto and the world."
—Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University

Quick Facts

OCAD U, established in 1876, is now one of the largest professional art and design universities in North America.

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund invests in professional not-for-profit arts and heritage organizations for the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as for the acquisition of specialized equipment and the development of feasibility studies related to cultural infrastructure projects.

Budget 2017 proposed to invest $300 million over 10 years in the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to support the development of Canadian talent and to promote entrepreneurship in the arts and culture community. These investments across Canada will help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities and celebrate Canada's rich cultural scene.