March 1, 2015 – Gatineau, QC – Library and Archives Canada
On the 100th anniversary of the birth of acclaimed Canadian photographer Malak (OC, MPA), Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce the acquisition of a significant amount of the artist’s photographic archives. The recent acquisition includes approximately 200,000 photographic transparencies and negatives, ca. 1968–2001, as well as 13 exhibitions prints and textual records. This constitutes a significant addition to the Malak (1915–2001) fonds held by LAC.
LAC will work to make these holdings available through its website as they become digitized.
“Our Government is proud to have acquired this important part of our Canadian heritage. Library and Archives Canada’s acquisitions continue to document the rich diversity of Canadian society. The 100th anniversary of the birth of acclaimed Canadian photographer Malak is a great opportunity to reflect and appreciate our geographical and cultural diversity.”
- The Honourable Shelly Glover
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
“Photography is an integral and invaluable part of our documentary heritage. It serves as a record—providing not only a repository of information and knowledge, but also portraying a wide range of emotions—which gives it a broad and comprehensive relevance. Library and Archives Canada will preserve the images of the Malak Karsh fonds in optimal conditions and will digitize them to enable all Canadians to discover them on our digital platforms.”
- Dr. Guy Berthiaume
Librarian and Archivist of Canada
“Our family is very pleased that the Malak fonds at LAC will now constitute a far-reaching and unique photographic record of the beauty of Canada, its landscape and its people, and their activities, seen through the lens of an Armenian immigrant who truly loved his adopted country. It was a pleasure working with the dedicated staff of Library and Archives Canada and we are very excited that Malak’s legacy will be conserved and made available for Canadians to enjoy.”
- Barbara Karsh and family
Media Relations
Library and Archives Canada
613-894-7509
media@bac-lac.gc.ca
The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Stay connected with Library and Archives Canada on Twitter (@LibraryArchives), Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.
