Edmonton, AB – On May 28, 2008, the Art Gallery of Alberta will be launching the Light It Up Community Campaign as a key component of the New Vision new building Capital Campaign. Light It Up will provide Albertans with a one-time historic opportunity to participate in the building of a cultural legacy by offering to community members individual inscription panels that may be dedicated on a grand ‘light column’ in the new building.
More than a donor ‘wall’, this unique architectural feature is specifically created by architect Randall Stout for ‘builders’ of the building. The lighting element within the column will be visible to Churchill Square through the open glass and steel structure of the building façade.
“I’m honoured to have such a pivotal role in this fundraising campaign,” says Elexis Schloss, Chair of the Light It Up Campaign Committee, "This is an incredible opportunity for all Edmontonians to take a place in the new Gallery. Having a name ‘up in lights’ is a wonderful way to show your support for the Arts in Edmonton and all of Alberta."
The Light It Up Community Campaign Committee are recruiting additional community ‘Ambassador’ volunteers that will use their collective networks to gather support across Alberta through this campaign. By using a system of peer-to-peer advocacy to kick-start this venture, the fund raising goal of this community campaign is to raise $1M by late 2008 through securing individual donations of a minimum of $1,000 each per inscription.
Working toward incorporating an inclusive public initiative with key community leadership, Allan Scott, Chair of the AGA board of directors, feels “this campaign is a great opportunity for all Albertans to participate in building a flagship arts institution. The iconic structure will be a strong symbol of the strength of arts and culture in our vibrant province.”
Founded in 1924, the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is the only museum in Alberta strictly devoted to the exhibition and preservation of art and visual culture. In conjunction with a full and varied exhibition schedule of historic and contemporary works, the AGA provides lectures, talks and seminars on art and art-related issues. The New Vision building of the Art Gallery of Alberta, with opening exhibitions in early 2010, will be a greatly expanded 85,000 square foot premier presentation venue for international and Canadian art, education, and scholarship. The new building designed by Los Angeles architect Randall Stout will be an icon of architecture for Alberta and a centre of excellence for visual art in Western Canada. The New Vision Capital Campaign moves forward with great progress with contributions from private donors and all orders of government, reaching $82 million of the required $88 million project cost.
An orientation presentation & reception for Light It Up Ambassadors will be on May 28, 2008 at 5:30pm. Architect Randall Stout is expected to speak at this event. Media interested in attending the event should contact the Gallery.
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PDF of Light It Up Media Advisory (943KB)
Light It Up Brochure - High Res (PDF 5MB)
Light It Up Brochure - Low Res (PDF 403KB)
Media Contact
Sarah Hamilton
Media Relations & Communications Coordinator
Art Gallery of Alberta
t.780.422.6223 e.
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