Regina art gallery elated with anonymous $25M gift
REGINA The Mackenzie Art Gallery (MAG) has received a $25-million anonymous donation — the largest of its kind in the history of the gallery.
“This is truly a transformational and visionary gift,” said Anthony Kiendl, executive director and CEO of the Regina gallery.
“It represents support for what we do in the community.”
The donation is just one of two generous gifts recently received by the gallery. Local collector and philanthropist Lyn Goldman has also made a six-figure donation in honour of her mother and late brother, artist Tony Thorn.
“My mother’s commitment to civic institutions and my brother’s pursuit of art both fed my own passion for art and museums,” said Goldman in a news release.
The $25 million — which was endowed by the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF) — will on average provide 25 per cent of the gallery’s operating budget each year. The SSCF will manage the funds and disperse them to the gallery on an annual basis.
Goldman’s contribution will be split between the gallery ’s acquisition fund and ongoing programming and organizational needs.
“The great thing about Lyn’s support is that she values all the things that we do,” said Kiendl.
While Goldman’s donation will go toward more immediate shortterm needs, the $25 million will provide sustainable and dependable funding so MAG can make long-term plans.
Kiendl said the donations have allowed the gallery to create a new position.
John G. Hampton has been appointed director of programs and will oversee the gallery ’s curatorial and education departments.
Other long-term investments that will benefit from the donations include a “refreshed focus” on Canada’s Indigenous artists, enhanced programming for students and families, and the opening of a new cafe, which includes a programming space, in the fall.
“The gallery has established a burgeoning reputation as a world leader in contemporary Indigenous art,” said Kiendl.
An example of that is the newly commissioned artwork, Kâkikê / Forever (2018) by Omaskêko Ininiwak (Cree) artist Duane Linklater, which was installed this summer on the facade of the gallery’s building.
“That artwork is a kind of symbol of this moment and the direction that we’re moving,” said Kiendl, “and is ... a great representation for not only the gallery, but the city and the province and our role in the process of reconciliation.”
He said both donations are a great example of how non-profits and charities can be supported in different ways.
Elation, gratitude and excitement were just some of the feelings he said filled the air when the donations came in.
Last summer, the MAG received an anonymous donation of $1.6 million.
At the time, it was touted as the largest donation in the gallery’s history.