The planned transformation of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is inching closer after architects were chosen for the project this week.
Victoria-based Moore Architecture Inc. Associated Architects will provide expertise in local heritage alteration, while design plans will be created by Vancouver-based LWPAC Lang Wilson Practice in Architecture Culture Inc.
“We are excited by the prospect of expanded public space for community engagement, the increased state-of-the art exhibit space and the improved and expanded storage facilities,” said John Tupper, AGGV director.
The AGGV board whittled down a list of 18 teams of architects before deciding on the two firms, Tupper said.
The expansion will also allow the gallery to host more functions to generate revenue, as only 40 per cent of operating expenses are covered by government grants.
Earlier this year, Oak Bay resident and artist Anthony Thorn donated $2.5 million to kickstart a fundraising campaign for the gallery’s renovation and expansion, although an official fundraising campaign hasn’t yet been announced.
A public consultation process will be organized in the coming weeks to explore the vision for the new art gallery, Tupper said.
In 2012, gallery heads announced the existing facility, in the heart of a residential area at 1040 Moss St., would be revamped. The project is slated for completion in fall 2017.
dpalmer@vicnews.com
