For those who missed the weekend coverage of the Mendel affair in The Star Phoenix, here's a few articles and editorials from the Friday and Saturday papers. Looks like the SP is taking a pro-Art Gallery of SK stance in their editorial:
New vision touted for city's gallery
Longtime Mendel backer defends River Landing site
By David Hutton, The StarPhoenixApril 3, 2009
Construction of the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan at a site in River Landing will begin this year with the first phase of the $55-million project, contingent on federal funding.
A four-page brochure for the new gallery, obtained Thursday by The StarPhoenix, says the building, which would replace the 44-year-old Mendel Art Gallery, would be the "new epicenter for arts and culture in Saskatoon."
The Mendel board of trustees unanimously approved pursuing the River Landing location earlier this month.
Wrapping around Persephone Theatre, the new gallery could be under construction by this fall with a 250-stall underground parking garage and construction could be complete by the fall of 2012.
The new gallery will be announced at a news conference today at Persephone Theatre with representatives from the gallery, the city and the province expected to be in attendance. The new art gallery is a high-priority item under the city's list of projects seeking federal dollars under the Building Canada fund.
The more than 100,000-square-foot gallery would house touring exhibits, significant exhibition space, art vaults, a studio area, a retail shop and a restaurant.
The River Landing gallery concept has already come under criticism from the Mendel family and a former director of the gallery. They say the move would show disrespect to Fred Mendel, who is credited with initiating the building of the first public art gallery in Saskatoon in 1964.
The Mendel name and the Mendel Art Gallery are not mentioned in the brochure.
The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan brochure lays out the group's defence of moving the gallery away from its current riverbank home, saying several times a new gallery makes "more financial sense." The Mendel gallery is bursting at the seams and a bigger home is necessary, the brochure says.
"Construction of a new and expanded art gallery . . . delivers a better end result than wrestling with renovations," the brochure says.
With upgrades, the Mendel gallery could be used to house another organization that "better fits the existing space," the brochure says. The civic conservatory would remain at the current location, it says.
Henry Kloppenburg, a longtime Mendel board member and donor, came to the defence of the proposed gallery on Thursday, blaming the failure to relocate sooner on past negotiations with the federal government.
Kloppenburg said he backed a gallery at River Landing because it would present a more compelling location in the pursuit of funding, and once completed would attract more people and provide the extra space the gallery needs.
"My view of a successful art gallery is an art gallery that has lots of exhibition space, is warm in winter and air conditioned in summer and it's located where people can find it and like to go," Kloppenburg said.
"If the south downtown is going to be a people's place, like its developers claim, then it would be a very fine place for an art gallery."
The brochure defends building a new gallery over renovating and expanding the Mendel. A $21-million project that would see the Mendel expand to 45,000 square feet from 25,000 square feet has been underway for several years with no major federal funding secured.
"There simply aren't enough dollars from either governments or private donors to fund many different riverbank projects," the document says.
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New canvas for gallery
100,000-square-foot facility to wrap around Persephone Theatre
By David Hutton, The StarPhoenixApril 4, 2009
Eight years ago, the Mendel Art Gallery announced plans for a $13-million renovation.
On Friday, those plans blossomed into a proposed new $55-million art gallery upstream on the River Landing site.
The new gallery wouldn't bear the Mendel name and is still in need of at least $46 million in government funding and private donations to become a reality.
After several days of speculation and debate, the site of the proposed Art Gallery of Saskatchewan was officially unveiled Friday during a short ceremony at the Persephone Theatre atrium with dozens of art supporters and local dignitaries in attendance. The announcement of the new gallery means the Mendel Art Gallery could be vacated as soon as the fall of 2012.
"I think that any place has memories and an attachment and, in particular, for our patrons and members and artists it will be hard to leave," said Mendel director Vince Varga in an interview following the announcement.
"The point is that it's the spirit we want to bring with us. As time moves forward, I would contend that Mr. (Fred) Mendel's vision for creating an appropriate place to enjoy art and a community to enjoy it will be fulfilled."
The gallery, approved in principle by the Mendel board of trustees on March 14, was trumpeted as the cultural anchor for River Landing in south downtown.
Wrapping around Persephone Theatre, construction on the 100,000-square-foot gallery -- which would have a 250-stall underground parking garage -- would begin by this fall and could be complete by the fall of 2012 if funding is secured.
Finding funding for such an undertaking -- much like the expansion of the current facility -- now remains the main question. The city and the province have together committed more than $8.7 million and that means a large sum of money is needed to ensure the facility is built by the working deadline of fall 2012.
Those who spoke at the announcement said the new gallery makes a more compelling case to attract funding than renovating the current facility, which several called a "Band-Aid solution." The time for that idea has passed, Varga said.
"We needed to rethink what we were doing," he said.
Art Knight, chair of the Mendel board of trustees, revealed the Mendel board and the city are looking to attract federal stimulus money from the recent budget, a large chunk from the federal Building Canada fund and more from the federal government's Cultural Spaces program. They are looking to raise between $6 million and $8 million from donors and the public, he said.
Mayor Don Atchison hinted that naming the facility the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan is a strong suggestion the gallery requires an elevated status and more funding from the provincial government.
Atchison said he supports the idea of the Meewasin Valley Authority, which has been looking for a new centre, moving into the current site of the Mendel.
The art gallery announcement hasn't come without controversy, however. Since word of the proposed closure of the Mendel Art Gallery and the building of a new gallery was leaked to the media earlier this week, critics were quick to voice their opinions, calling it a "travesty" to leave one of the city's significant buildings and to not bring the Mendel name to the new gallery. Fred Mendel's family blasted the idea and threatened to pull funding and artwork if the new facility goes forward.
Knight said Mendel's name and the family's "wonderful legacy" will be permanently honoured at the new facility. When final plans are shored up, gallery officials will determine the best way to keep the Mendel name associated with the gallery, he added.
"It's time to move on and move forward," Varga said.
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© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix
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Mendel timeline
The StarPhoenixApril 4, 2009
Dec. 13, 2001: The Mendel Art Gallery announces plans for a $13-million renovation.
Oct. 2, 2004: The Mendel unveils expansion plans at an estimated cost of more than $13 million.
September 2005: City council awards the contract to develop the Mendel's design plans and documents and approves spending of nearly $1 million on the project. Due to the support, the gallery begins restoration of original skylights.
Oct. 8, 2005: The Mendel Art Gallery is approached about abandoning its now $18-million expansion and moving to River Landing.
Oct. 12, 2005: Eva Mendel Miller, daughter of the gallery's namesake, Fred Mendel, says the move would be a breach of trust to her father. If the gallery was moved, Mendel Miller said she would retract a substantial gift she was planning to bequeath.
Oct. 22, 2005: The Mendel Art Gallery board rejects the idea of moving the gallery to River Landing. "The Mendel enjoys a stand-alone identity and is a recognizable landmark situated on an exceptional waterfront site in Saskatoon," said gallery spokesperson Laura Beard.
March 24, 2006: Carol Skelton, Conservative MP and Western Economic Diversification minister, rejects the Mendel's application for $7.5 million from the $10.5 million allotted to Saskatoon from the Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan program.
April 2006: Saskatchewan's Culture, Youth and Recreation Department refuses gallery director Terry Graff's request for the province to match Saskatoon's $4.5-million investment.
Early 2006: The federal government's Cultural Spaces program gives $450,000 toward architectural and construction drawings. Another $1.5 million is pledged by various individuals, foundations and corporations.
Summer 2008: The city, on behalf of the Mendel, had applied to the federal Cultural Spaces program for $6.6 million, but learns it doesn't award such large sums.
November 2008: The project is upgraded from an $18-million project to a $21.5-million project and awaits word on its $7.6-million request from the federal Canada Builds program.
March 14, 2009: The Mendel board votes to move to the new River Landing location.
April 3, 2009: Announcement that construction will being on the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan at River Landing. Construction is set to begin this year, contingent on federal support under the Building Canada fund.
2012: Date when expansion is scheduled for completion.
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix
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Readers split on idea of new gallery
The StarPhoenixApril 4, 2009
READERS' COMMENTS AT THESTARPHOENIX.COM
At TheStarPhoenix.com, readers shared their opinions on the new Art Gallery of Saskatchewan. Here are some of their comments.
"I think this is a great move and will bring more people into the gallery and allow the gallery to have a higher profile. I visit the current gallery frequently and am often the only person there, which is very sad. When you mention parking, I agree it needs to be there and carefully considered, but the parking situation in the current location cannot accommodate any great numbers, especially in the summer when the Kinsmen rides are open and Shakespeare is on. So I don't see a great loss."
-- CL
"I like the idea (of naming a section of the new gallery after Fred Mendel). Things change and if the building no longer meets the city's growing needs, so be it. That doesn't mean Mendel can't be remembered for his contributions. Don't forget we also have streets named Mendel Cove, Mendel Cres., Mendel Green and Mendel Terrace. I suspect he would support what is best for growing the interest in art."
-- Change is hard, but
"There are many things I don't understand about the proposed new gallery at River Landing, but I am especially mystified as to why it is necessary to change the name. To me this seems petty and mean spirited, and I am sincerely disappointed that my city would consider such a thing."
-- Margi Corbett
"Nobody goes to the Mendel. Name a wing or an annex (after him in the new facility) and let's move on."
-- Suckitupbuttercup
"Stupid decision and a waste of money for a facility that already exists and could be kept operating for a nominal expense."
-- Gina W
"One can clearly see now why the former Mendel director was pushed out of the way by the board and city. Terry Graff's strong advocacy for renovating and expanding the existing Mendel Art Gallery stood in the way of the mayor's displaced obsession with River Landing."
-- It all makes sense now!
"Change in life is constant. There was a huge uproar when Taylor Field was being renamed Mosaic Stadium. The new Arts Gallery of Saskatchewan will feature a 'Mendel Gallery'. I really look forward to all the future development in this area. Build it, they will come!"
-- Larry Fahlman
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix
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River Landing ideal location for art gallery
The StarPhoenixApril 4, 2009
It has been obvious to most observers that, if Saskatoon is to get federal help in building a bigger and better art gallery, it wouldn't be at the current location.
Since the last proposal to move the Mendel Art Gallery to the River Landing died almost four years ago, it has become increasingly obvious that the federal government had little appetite to kick in a significant amount of money for a renovation project, no matter how extensive the work might prove.
So it is welcome news that the city, the art gallery board and the provincial government are ready to reconsider the proposal to move the gallery to the South Downtown. It's worth remembering that this in no way is an attack either on the history of the current facility or a denigration of the contribution made to Saskatoon for so many years by the Mendel family.
It is, however, a pragmatic recognition of the importance of federal support for what should be a nationally recognized facility. It is also recognition that the town that existed when Fred Mendel and former mayor Sid Buckwold scoured the riverbank for a site to build the now-iconic facility has changed a great deal.
A prime location next to the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge wasn't available back then, occupied as it was by the old Saskatoon Arena and the backyard of the Gathercole Centre. And when the Mendel Art Gallery was built, it was a spectacular facility that was at home in Saskatchewan's second city and served as a landmark in a community that clearly valued its natural beauty and the role the arts could play in its development.
But Saskatoon and Saskatchewan have evolved immensely since. The city continues to be one of Canada's jewels, but is now the biggest city in a province whose future possibilities are opening up like nothing it has seen since its first-decade boom.
It may be that Saskatchewan will never see the kind of fortune that burst out of the ground in Alberta with its massive resources of sweet crude, but the breadth of opportunities now coming of age here, from its massive potash wealth to its potential as a broad-based energy producer, to its diamonds and rare minerals, are putting this province on the map.
It is in this context one must consider the possibilities of building a national-class art gallery in an area of town where it can lean on and contribute to a cluster of cultural amenities. The Persephone Theatre, which is already a proven success and built with classy neighbours in mind, is next door. Across the freeway bridge will be the Riversdale side of the River Landing development, which will include not only the existing Farmers' Market, but also a live-and-work development meant to attract artists and artisans.
Just as the location for a major art gallery couldn't be better, the timing is fortunate, as well. Not only are the city and province in the unusual position of peering into a booming future, they have come to this point just as the rest of Canada is slowing down.
Civic officials note that, whereas a year or two ago when they issued tender for infrastructure work they would receive one or two expensive bids, similar requests now are being greeted by a dozen or more companies eager for the work.
Just as the cost of building is being moderated, the determination of the federal and provincial governments to see projects start quickly to address growing unemployment means that any project ready to get underway will get consideration. Because there already is a plan in place to build a parking structure with 250 spaces, this project could get the go-ahead even as plans for the gallery are being drawn.
It's worth remembering, however, that in spite of all the positives, this plan is far from a fait accompli. It is crucial that the community get on board and set aside its normal response of considering as a threat anything new.
Something significant must be planned to occupy the Mendel building -- the Meewasin Valley Authority offices come to mind. The MVA is deeply pondering how to upgrade its inadequate facilities, and since the city has spent $1.1 million on designing renovations to the Mendel, much of it centred on a plant designed specifically to be public facility featuring museum-like displays, this is a good way to maximize the investment.
And the board that will run the proposed Art Gallery of Saskatchewan somehow must find a significant way to honour the memory of the man who contributed so much to the original gallery. That could be a task left to the arms-length Mendel foundation, which is opposing the move but has reduced its influence by cutting back on its contribution to the existing facility.
In an era of publicly funded institutions selling naming rights, the gallery's board also has to commit to protecting the new gallery's name, ostensibly chosen to recognize the contribution made by the rest of the province and the facility's importance to Saskatchewan.
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix
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Timing right for new art gallery
By Art Knight, The StarPhoenixApril 4, 2009
Following is the viewpoint of the writer, chair and president of the Saskatoon Gallery and Conservatory Corporation.
Expansion of Saskatoon's art galley has been on the drawing board for nearly a decade. The current discussion dates back to 2001, when the original functional plan for renovation and expansion of the gallery was presented to the board of directors.
Much has changed in the intervening years. Both the city and the gallery have outgrown what was envisioned in the 2001 plan. A fresh approach to developing a gallery more suited to the needs of a growing city is required.
That is what led to Friday's announcement about the new Art Gallery of Saskatchewan at River Landing.
This is a new time for Saskatoon. Art galleries are increasingly viewed as symbolic of a community's desire for growth and ability to demonstrate an attractive quality of life. Like the new Art Gallery of Ontario and the new Art Gallery of Alberta, the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan will declare to the world that Saskatoon is a premiere destination -- a great place to work and live.
River Landing is a new place for Saskatoon. In 2001, the South Downtown redevelopment was barely conceived. Today, it is reality. River Landing will build and animate the heart, soul and success of both downtown and all of Saskatoon. The ability of the art gallery to be at the centre of this urban vibrance is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
To make River Landing a success, a new destination centre is required. The art gallery is that facility. It is a year-round, viable destination centre capable of engaging Saskatoon's population and drawing River Landing visitors from beyond the city -- whether it's family visiting from Biggar or a delegate from Toronto or Singapore attending a convention here. An art gallery works as a destination centre.
The final puzzle piece to fall into place is availability or economic stimulus funding from the government. This is the time, as the federal government recognizes, to invest in arts and cultural infrastructure that will build our community for the generation and the century ahead.
So, as the old saw goes, all the planets are in alignment. That led to the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Gallery and Conservatory Corporation to announce plans for the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan at River Landing.
It is a reasonable question to ask about the funds already invested in exploring expansion of the gallery at its current site. That investment is not lost. Much of the basic design work carried out so far can be redirected to assist in developing the new art gallery. Similarly, the work will also be helpful in recycling and renovating the existing building for a new community use.
There are also significant savings that flow from moving to a new gallery rather than renovate the existing building. The need to find a temporary home for the gallery while the current building was renovated is eliminated, and that saves money. Roughly $3 million will not have to be spent to move to a temporary location and then back to a renovated building.
With a new building, we'll be able to move directly into a new home without having to pay for a temporary location and multiple moves.
However, the larger issue remains the alignment of a growing Saskatoon with the emergence of River Landing, the availability of federal funding and the viability of a new art gallery as a year-round destination centre.
It simply comes down to this: As every growing family has experienced, there is a moment in life when the time is right to move to a new and bigger home. It is a better option than wrestling with renovation. It makes conceptual sense, it makes common sense and it makes financial sense.
For Saskatoon and its art gallery, the moment is now.
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix
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New Delta Airlines Flight to Saskatoon?
but b/c this showcases the acceptance of diversity.
My partner and I are quite happy in Saskatoon. I don't think most people realize just how large the gay community here actually is.
In Saskatoon the gay culture is very prominent b/c our number one club as rated by the public is Divas, the private gay bar.
I have also found that in the west the community feels the need to know EVERYONE in it and involved with it which makes it feel dramatically smaller or i guess more intimate.
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