The Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) is embarking on an expansion project that will see an increase in its physical space to accommodate affordable housing for artists. CEO Shelley Falconer, in a press conference held at the King Street W. location, described the initiative as a pioneering endeavor in Canada, tailored specifically for Hamilton.
The primary objective, as outlined by Falconer, is to enlarge the gallery’s current 88,000-square-foot area by utilizing city-owned land between King and Main streets. This expansion will result in a 20% increase in gallery space, allowing for more diverse programming and a larger art display. Currently, only a small fraction, ranging from two to four percent, of the AGH’s collection is visible to visitors at a given time.
Upon completion of the renovation, guests will be greeted with the gallery’s collection upon entry, eliminating the need to ascend to the upper levels first. Falconer emphasized that renowned artworks like those by Tom Thomson of the Group of Seven will be prominently showcased.
Acknowledging the support received, Falconer expressed gratitude to the federal government for a $950,000 grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage Cultural Spaces Fund to kickstart the project. This funding will facilitate the initial stages of the undertaking, with the total cost yet to be disclosed.
The AGH plans to initiate a call for qualifications over the next two years to select an architectural firm for the design phase. While a definitive timeline was not provided, Falconer mentioned that similar projects typically span between five to ten years to complete.
Hamilton Mountain Liberal MP Lisa Hepfner praised Hamilton as a vibrant arts hub, highlighting the AGH’s significance as the oldest and largest art museum in southwestern Ontario. Mayor Andrea Horwath underscored the gallery’s importance as a vital cultural institution that showcases the city’s narratives to a global audience.
In addition to increasing art display capacity, the renovation project aims to incorporate more artist studios, spaces tailored for children, educational programs, and a section dedicated to local art history. Collaboration with City Housing Hamilton will integrate affordable housing units for artists and creative professionals into the design, a distinctive feature that sets this project apart nationally.
Falconer disclosed plans for fundraising efforts to support the renovation, including expanding the gallery’s event hosting services and enhancing the accessibility of the retail store for revenue generation. She also mentioned the AGH’s financial stability, having maintained a balanced budget even after receiving increased funding from the city in the previous year.