“The art galleries and collection are among our university’s richest cultural and educational resources,” said Peta Bonham-Smith, interim dean of the College of Arts and Science. “This new centre provides us with a path to deeper engagement with Indigenous peoples and perspectives, greater opportunities for our students and closer ties to our community.”
Based on the recommendations of an independent review, the three U of S art galleries (Kenderdine, College 1 and 2) will be linked together with the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery and the University Art Collection into a single visual arts hub.
A new faculty member appointed to the Department of Art and Art History will head the centre, which will be established by the summer of 2017. The centre has not yet been named.
The galleries will maintain their locations across campus, but will be united by a shared vision.