National Portrait Gallery - in Calgary?

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Paul Dewar has demanded that Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirm that the proposed Portrait Gallery of Canada, which had been planned for Ottawa, will be built in Harper's long-time home city of Calgary and will be partly funded by the energy company Encana.


http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/stor...t-gallery.html

Just rumours I guess, but if true I'm sure it would brighten up the artistic scene here in Calgary. It'd be nice to have a few more cultural offerings to tourists, particular at a National Gallery level. I also think portraits are more palatable to Western Canadian tastes, rather than say, a modern art gallery with dyed feces on canvas.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

[I] I also think portraits are more palatable to Western Canadian tastes, rather than say, a modern art gallery with dyed feces on canvas.

you know these kind of quotes really **** me off. All the amazing modern art in the world, and people always only seem to focus on the most trivial stuff out there than really doesn't represent the field as a whole. It's like when American networks only focus on hockey when there is a Bertuzzi or McSorley incident, and it paints the game as a violent bloodsport. That's exactly how statements like yours above come across....demeaning and innaccurate.

But anyway, Calgary needs more places to display art, period. If this is true, it's a great step in increasing this cities cultural depth. The more options for people to explore in this city, the better for all.

[Table 5]

btw, since it appears to be sponsored by Encana, it might end up in the Bow. which could make it quite nice.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Table 5

you know these kind of quotes really **** me off. All the amazing modern art in the world, and people always only seem to focus on the most trivial stuff out there than really doesn't represent the field as a whole. It's like when American networks only focus on hockey when there is a Bertuzzi or McSorley incident, and it paints the game as a violent bloodsport. That's exactly how statements like yours above come across....demeaning and innaccurate.

But anyway, Calgary needs more places to display art, period. If this is true, it's a great step in increasing this cities cultural depth. The more options for people to explore in this city, the better for all.

I'm just the messenger - agreed that it's a rather sad thing that all of modern art gets lumped into the freak show category but we both know it'll be something of this nature that torpedoes a gallery here in Conservative Calgary. Straying away from the more controversial forms of modern art - How well do you think this town would take to Voice of Fire? In a town that does not value architecture over budgets, do you think people would value a gigantic red stripe on canvas? (I personally am OK with it - I've seen it in person). Hell, benefactors would pull their funding in no time, and we'd be back to pictures of foxes in a snowy field in no time....


The art scene is still in it's infancy here. Bottom line, a portrait gallery is least likely to rock the boat.

[Addick]

I think it would be great if the gallery was located in Calgary, even better if it's in the Bow. My God that building keeps getting better!

[RougeUnderoos]

I don't know how fond I am of the idea of the national portrait gallery being in an office tower. And the Encana National Portrait Gallery? I thought Pengrowth Saddledome was bad.

Bah. I don't know. Just seems kinda lame to me that such a thing would have a corporate sponsor.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

The art scene is still in it's infancy here. Bottom line, a portrait gallery is least likely to rock the boat.

well, we have to start somewhere i guess.

and there is actually a pretty decent art community in this city already...we have one of the 4 big art schools in the nation, and therefore a lof of people from the prairies and b.c come here for their education.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

I don't know how fond I am of the idea of the national portrait gallery being in an office tower. And the Encana National Portrait Gallery? I thought Pengrowth Saddledome was bad.

Bah. I don't know. Just seems kinda lame to me that such a thing would have a corporate sponsor.

Please keep in mind that it being in the Bow was only my guess, it really has no real basis. But considering at one point the Glenbow was rumored to be a part of the Bow project, it makes sense to have another art institution.

And btw, the Bow is not just an office tower...it will become a city landmark and gathering place. This is not just another Petro Canada Centre, it's a much higher quality piece of architecture that will truly be beyond anything the city has seen before. The property is on pretty much an entire block, so there is still lots of room for expansion. I wouldnt be surprised to see an addition build on the landWhen you will see this thing completed, it will astound you in its awesomeness!

[Beefcake]

I know for certain that Encana has been in discussions with the Heritage Minister regarding the potential of putting the National Gallery in the new building. Actually, it would be more accurate to say that the Heritage Minister has been in discussions with Encana. However, it's just one of a number of options.

I don't know anything about whether Encana would fund any portion of it. I would guess they would just provide the space to be leased.

[SeeGeeWhy]

I move that the Bow be refered to as "The EnCana Banana", "TEB", or "The Banana" from here on in.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

I don't know how fond I am of the idea of the national portrait gallery being in an office tower. And the Encana National Portrait Gallery? I thought Pengrowth Saddledome was bad.

Bah. I don't know. Just seems kinda lame to me that such a thing would have a corporate sponsor.

The Bow is much more than just an office building, that's something you get from Lord Foster. It will be a mixed used complex which will make it a centre of activity throughout the day and night. I don't see Encana as a sponsor but rather as someone offering a home.