$30-Million Remai Foundation grant to Art Gallery of Saskatchewan

$30-Million Remai Foundation grant to Art Gallery of Saskatchewan largest philanthropic gift in provincial history

Saskatoon, Canada: The Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation today announced a $30-million grant in support of the new Art Gallery of Saskatchewan at a special reception in Saskatoon. The private donation is believed to be the largest in provincial history, with $15 million allocated toward the capital cost of the building and the additional $15 million directed to enhanced programming for the new facility. The programming grant will provide $500,000 annually for the next 30 years, more than doubling existing arts funding to the Gallery and helping the gallery secure unique exhibits previously unavailable to the city.

“We are incredibly grateful for the interest, encouragement and generosity of Ellen Remai and her Foundation,” said the Chair of the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Art Knight. “This gift will not only enable us to build a sensational facility, but also to deliver exceptional art exhibitions and programming that will rival other major Canadian galleries.”

Ellen Remai is a Saskatoon entrepreneur, philanthropist and long-time resident of the city.

“It gives me great pleasure to contribute to such an exciting project that will provide a beautiful gathering place for individuals, families and visitors to our city,” said Ellen Remai. “This is a tremendous opportunity to support people and programs that enrich the life of our community and help make Saskatoon such a great place to live and work.”

Friday’s announcement kicked off an ambitious fundraising campaign for the new gallery. The campaign was initially expected to raise $8 million for the building, a total that was increased to $20 million in late May in response to considerable public interest.

“The confidence that business and community leaders have shown in this project is overwhelming,” said Capital Campaign Chair Doug Hodson. “The Remai gift demonstrates the importance of celebrating and enhancing Saskatoon’s cultural assets and reinforces our belief that this gallery will be a tremendous addition to the fabric of our city.”

The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan project began in 2009 with a decision by Saskatoon City council to approve the relocation of the Gallery to a new building at River Landing. The project design by KPMB Architects of Toronto was approved in May 2011 and groundbreaking is scheduled for 2012. The Gallery’s grand opening is anticipated in 2014. The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan will meet rigorous modern gallery standards, allowing Saskatoon to host exhibits previously unavailable to the city and grow the city’s reputation as progressive, influential participant in Western Canadian and Prairie art.

You are here: Project Updates