Unique opportunity extends until November 30, 2020
The Winnipeg Art Gallery recently announced a unique giving opportunity in the lead-up to the opening of the WAG Inuit Art Centre in a few short months. Winnipeg philanthropist Bob Williams will match up to $500,000 in donations to the Inuit Art Centre until the end of November. Bob Williams has been a longtime supporter of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
“I hope you’ll join me in helping to build this important and iconic museum. The Inuit Art Centre will soon celebrate its grand opening and I know that, like me, you will feel enormously proud when you walk through the doors and can say, ‘I helped create this,” he said.
Bob had already made major contributions to the $65M capital project, but he was impressed with the striking architecture and the opportunities this one-of-a-kind Centre will present. After a recent hard-hat tour, he announced he would make an even greater contribution by matching every donation made by November 30, 2020, dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000.
Bob believes the Inuit Art Centre, like the original WAG, will be a cultural landmark that does Canada proud, attracting Canadians and visitors from around the world. The WAG Inuit Art Centre is the first art museum of its kind, bringing Inuit voices to the forefront, dedicated to the art and culture of Inuit from Canada and beyond.
Williams says Manitobans are known for their generosity and he is certain there are many people who want to help create the WAG Inuit Art Centre. He hopes this opportunity will encourage others to contribute and help raise the matching funds to match his gift.
The Centre will animate the art museum, taking art from object to full sensory experience with Inuit-led programming, complementing and augmenting the cutting-edge art education that the WAG offers today.
The new 40,000-square-foot-building designed by Michael Maltzan Architecture with Cibinel Architecture will connect to the WAG on all four levels, providing stunning exhibition, learning and event spaces; a revamped shop; and a new café on the main level in partnership with Sparrow Hotels.
Dr. Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, Winnipeg Art Gallery, said, “All of us at the WAG are thrilled and incredibly grateful for Bob Williams’ investment in the Inuit Art Centre. This is the second of two major gifts that he has made to the project. Bob’s genuine desire to help bring the Inuit art collection to light, combined with his passion for Winnipeg and Manitoba, make this gift especially meaningful. Art is a Voice, a universal language that inspires connection and understanding.”
The Centre will benefit Manitoba and Inuit artists, whose work will be further shared and appreciated in a setting that echoes the power and beauty of the art itself.