GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alberta, February 17, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament (Peace River), today announced funding to support the Prairie Art Gallery in hosting the travelling exhibition "Jean-Pierre Gauthier: Machines à l'œuvre / Machines at Play" from the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal.
This contemporary exhibition by leading Quebec artist Jean-Pierre Gauthier comprises 12 major installations produced between 2002 and 2006. The exhibition has been circulating throughout Canada since January 2009 and is presented at the Prairie Art Gallery from January 8 to March 21, 2010.
"Our Government is proud to support museums in bringing travelling exhibits to communities throughout Canada," said Minister Moore. "This exhibit will allow residents and visitors to the region to enjoy the works of one of our great artists."
"I am pleased that the Peace Country region will now have the opportunity to take part in this travelling exhibit," said Mr. Warkentin. "This will be an opportunity for local residents to celebrate the artistic accomplishments of one of Canada's best."
"'Machines at Play' by Jean-Pierre Gauthier is exactly the sort of exhibition of national significance that the board, staff, and supporters of the Prairie Art Gallery had in mind when we began planning the expansion of the gallery seven years ago," said Robert Steven, Executive Director of the Prairie Art Gallery. "We are elated to be able to fill it with an exhibition of this quality and complexity."
The Prairie Art Gallery, incorporated in 1975, is a regional public art gallery serving the Peace Country region of Northern Alberta and British Columbia. The gallery provides year-round exhibitions of local, regional, provincial, national and international artists, both at its main location and through an extensive travelling exhibition program. The Prairie Art Gallery offers educational programs, including art classes for all ages, and provides lectures, school tours, workshops, seminars, and film presentations for diverse audiences.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $15,000 under the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Perry Boldt
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
