Funding from all levels of government paves the way for construction of new Polygon Gallery

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Polygon Gallery rendering

Shovels will go in the ground in early 2016 for a new art gallery on Vancouver's waterfront, after a major funding announcement July 31 by federal, provincial and municipal governments. At an event in North Vancouver, the Government of Canada announced it was investing $2.5M in the project, matching funds provided by the Province of British Columbia and the City of North Vancouver, for a total of $7.5M in public funding. This enables Presentation House Gallery to move forward in constructing a new, purpose-built facility after more than 30 years in the cramped quarters of a shared heritage building. The organization has already raised $6.5M in private donations for the facility. When it moves to the new building in 2017, the gallery will become known as the Polygon Gallery.

"We are honoured and thrilled by this support from the governments of Canada, British Columbia, and the City of North Vancouver," said Gallery director Reid Shier. "We are looking forward to beginning the construction of this great new public art gallery on Canada's west coast, and continuing our Gallery's decades' long tradition of presenting superlative Canadian and international art."

“I am pleased to announce our Government’s support of $2.5M for the new Polygon Gallery. This funding will help Polygon achieve its goal of nearly tripling its space with an iconic new facility right here on North Vancouver’s scenic shoreline," said Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver. "This renowned gallery will be a pivotal institution in the revitalization of our waterfront, and it is through projects like this that our Government remains committed to improving spaces and access to the arts for all Canadians.”

"The North Shore is blessed with a vibrant arts scene, and for nearly four decades, Presentation House has been at the forefront of our arts community. The gallery has promoted Canadian artists and provided art education, all while fostering a greater appreciation for arts and culture," said the Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness and MLA for North-Vancouver Lonsdale. "I'm very pleased the Province was able to contribute $2.5 million toward building the gallery a new home, which, when finished, will give all of Greater Vancouver opportunities to discover artists and their work for years to come."

“The City of North Vancouver is tremendously pleased to provide the location and $2.5 million in funding to support the Polygon Gallery, and to see this world-class project move forward,” said City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto. “The Polygon Gallery will be an exceptional addition to our vibrant central waterfront and an artistic and cultural hub for the community.”

The new gallery will take its name from Polygon Homes Ltd., which provided lead funding for the building in partnership with the Audain Foundation. Polygon Homes CEO Michael Audain has been a long-time advocate for the visual arts in Canada.

Established in 1976, Presentation House Gallery has developed an international reputation for innovative exhibitions featuring Canadian and international artists including Stan Douglas, Rodney Graham, Fred Herzog, Ian Wallace, Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus, Andy Warhol and many others.  Over three decades, Presentation House Gallery has presented more than 300 exhibitions of photographic and media art, and become one of Canada’s most adventurous and highly respected public art galleries. With its new nearly 23-thousand square foot facility, the Gallery plans to expand its presentations and programming.

Designed by renowned BC firm Patkau Architects, the Polygon Gallery will be Vancouver’s first new public art gallery of the 21st century. The new building is designed to be operationally self-sustaining, and includes a gift shop and cafe, as well as exhibition and education space.

Report courtesy Presentation House.