The Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) has unveiled plans to enlarge its physical space by integrating affordable housing for artists. CEO Shelley Falconer revealed the proposed renovation during an announcement at the King Street W. location, dubbing it a unique initiative for Canada and a solution originating from Hamilton.
The objective, Falconer explained, is to extend the 88,000-square-foot gallery to encompass the area between King and Main streets by utilizing city-owned land. This expansion would result in a 20% larger gallery, accommodating more programs and a greater amount of artwork. Currently, only a small fraction of the AGH’s collection is on display at any given time.
If the renovation proceeds as intended, guests will be greeted with the collection upon entering, eliminating the need to ascend stairs first as is the current layout. Falconer emphasized that every artwork, including pieces by renowned artist Tom Thomson of the Group of Seven, will be prominently displayed.
Acknowledging the support from the federal government, Falconer expressed gratitude for the $950,000 grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage Cultural Spaces Fund to aid the project. This funding will facilitate the initial phase of the undertaking, with the total cost estimate not disclosed during the announcement.
In the upcoming two years, the AGH will initiate a request for qualifications to engage an architectural firm for design creation. While the exact timeline was not specified, Falconer mentioned that projects of this nature typically require five to ten years for completion.
Hamilton Mountain Liberal MP Lisa Hepfner praised Hamilton as a thriving arts hub, highlighting the AGH’s status as the oldest and largest art museum in southwestern Ontario. Mayor Andrea Horwath lauded the AGH as a pivotal cultural institution for the city, emphasizing its role in sharing local and international narratives.
Alongside an increased art display capacity, the renovation will facilitate the inclusion of more artist studios, family-friendly spaces, educational programs, and a section dedicated to local art history. Collaborating with City Housing Hamilton, the gallery plans to integrate affordable housing tailored for artists and creatives, setting this initiative apart nationally.
Falconer outlined fundraising efforts for the renovation, which will also involve expanding the gallery’s wedding venue and enhancing the accessibility of the retail store to boost revenue. Noting the balanced budget of the AGH, she highlighted the increased funding received from the city in the previous year.