B.C. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare liked what she saw on a visit to the Nanaimo Art Gallery last Thursday.
The minister, who is also responsible for sports, was in the area to open the 2018 Summer Games in the Cowichan Valley.
She said the purpose of her visit, her first to the Nanaimo Art Gallery, was to meet with staff and learn about gallery programming. Beare said the gallery’s reputation preceded her.
“As minister of arts and culture it’s important to connect with as many community arts organizations as I can,” she said.
“I had heard about Nanaimo Art Gallery’s innovative work. They’re doing great innovative things in the area of children’s art education and in reconciliation and I was very happy to take the chance to go visit them.”
Beare toured the gallery’s current exhibit, The Orchids / Had the Look of Flowers that are Looked At by Arvo Leo, and the ArtLab education studio.
“It was not a formal meeting but a visit to come see what we are up to here because our programs are funded by the province,” NAG executive director Julie Bevan said.
“She has a great vision and is doing great work,” Beare said of Bevan.
Galleries like the NAG are supported by B.C. Arts Council grants. Beare noted that the province has recently boosted the council’s funding and Bevan said the meeting was a chance for the minister to witness the impact of that funding firsthand.
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