The Most Famous Art Gallery In Halifax: 3 Things To Know
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is a famous art gallery in Halifax.
It is one of the biggest art museums in Atlantic Canada and is committed to exhibiting and advancing both local and international artists as well as the visual arts of Nova Scotia and the region.
In Halifax, there are two venues for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: the main one is on Hollis Street in the city’s center, while the other is on the campus of the Nova Scotia Community College in the northern part of the city. During Thursday evenings, both places are free to enter and accessible to the public.
Famous Art Gallery in Halifax
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia being a famous art gallery in Halifax is a must-visit location for art lovers due to its dedication to displaying the best contemporary art from across the globe as well as its focus on promoting and maintaining the art and culture of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
1. History
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia was founded in 1908, making it one of the oldest public art galleries in Canada. The gallery’s early collections were focused on Canadian and European art, with a particular emphasis on British art.
The gallery relocated to its current location on Hollis Street in the heart of Halifax in 1958. The gallery’s collections and shows have grown over time to place more of an emphasis on the art and culture of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic provinces.
The decorative arts, folk art, and works on paper collections of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia are now housed in a second location that the gallery opened in 2011 on the campus of the Nova Scotia Community College. For educational programs and workshops, this venue also has a studio and a classroom.
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has experienced extensive renovations and growth recently, including the building of a brand-new cutting-edge facility on the Halifax harbour.
The new building will hold the gallery’s permanent collection in addition to expanded exhibition areas, an art research center, and other facilities when it debuts in 2025.
The art gallery in Halifax is dedicated to displaying the best contemporary art from all over the world as well as to promoting and preserving the art and culture of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
2. Collection
Almost 18,000 works of art are part of the diversified and sizable collection at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
The collection in the gallery is focused on the art and culture of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. It consists of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts.
Focusing on works by visual artists with strong ties to Nova Scotia, such as Maud Lewis, and the Atlantic Provinces, the gallery’s collection focuses on these artists.
Canadian artists who complement the permanent collection include historical and contemporary international visual artists.
Every year, the Gallery purchases a set quantity of artwork with a concentration on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color) and underrepresented artists.
The collection is divided into various categories, such as paper works, ornamental arts, folk art, and both international and local Canadian artwork.
The decorative arts collection includes a variety of objects such as textiles, pottery, glassware, and furniture.
3. Exhibitions
Several exhibitions are held at the art gallery in Halifax every year, featuring the creations of regional, worldwide, and well-known artists. The exhibitions are broad and provide a wide range of media and themes.
The following are a few of the recent and planned exhibits at the art gallery in Halifax (check beforehand for dates and times)-
3.1 “Ann Manuel: Private Eyes”
This show features the works of Newfoundland artist Ann Manuel, whose work explores questions of memory, identity, and place.
3.2 “Mi’kwite’tmn (Do You Remember)
The 215 Indigenous kids who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School are honoured.
The 215 Native children whose bodies were found in the Kamloops Indian Residential School in May 2021 are honoured by this exhibition.
Indigenous artists from all over Canada are represented in the exhibition with their works of art and installations.
3.3 “El Jones Against the Lie”
El Jones, a poet and activist from Halifax, is the subject of this show. She writes on social justice, inequality, and resistance.
3.4 “Mary Pratt: This Little Painting”
The Newfoundland artist Mary Pratt is honoured in this exhibition for her still-life paintings that explore themes of domesticity, memory, and mortality.
3.5 “Xenophile: Queering Contemporary Asian Canadian Art”
Contemporary Asian Canadian artists who address issues of identity, representation, and diversity are showcased in this exhibition.
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia also offers a range of activities, educational programs, and seminars for visitors of all ages in addition to these shows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can persons with impairments access the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia?
Absolutely, those with disabilities have full access to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. The gallery provides guides and audio tours for visitors who are visually impaired. It also has accessible entrances and restrooms.
2. Is there a gift shop at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia?
Yes, there is a gift store at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia that sells a variety of items relating to art, including books, prints, jewelry, and other presents.
3. Does the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia offer guided tours?
Yes, both individuals and groups can take guided tours of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. You can book your guided tour by getting in contact with the gallery beforehand.
4. Is admission to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia free?
Depends. There is no admission fee for children under twelve, students with proper identification, and members of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. All other visitors need to bear the standard entrance fees. Also, certain activities or exhibitions may impose an additional fee. On Thursdays, however, admission is free for everyone.
Conclusion
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is an important cultural institution in Canada with a rich and diverse collection of artwork depicting the history of Nova Scotia. The collection also represents the collection of Atlantic Canada.
The gallery’s collection includes works by both traditional and contemporary artists. Their main focus is to promote local artists.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of artistic experiences from a variety of media and themes through the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s exhibitions, making their trip unforgettable.
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