Southern Alberta Art Gallery asking for $2.7M for much needed expansion
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LETHBRIDGE – The Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) is asking City Council for money to expand its programming, operational and administrative capacity.
Danielle Tait, associate director, and Carol Williams, SAAG board chair, made a presentation at Monday’s (Apr. 3) finance committee meeting, asking for $2.7-million in the upcoming ten year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Plans include the addition of:
– a learning commons: a public engagement space that combines the library with creative and innovative workstations;
– environmental storage and a loading dock: consolidates offsite storage with a two-stage, museum grade, climate-controlled storage bay and offers a safe and functional workplace for shipping/receiving and exhibition preparation;
– more administrative space: office space is currently at capacity, with three additional staff members needed to reach programming goals;
– a park-oriented restaurant: a contemporary space featuring panoramic views of Galt Gardens and a large multi-use patio.
Tait explained in an interview that the proposed restaurant would be leased out to a third party.
“There would be no subsidization for the restaurateur. It would be leased out at a market price. The leasee would be responsible for rent, utilities, everything that would come with a normal space.
“We’re a not-for-profit. We’re supported by the City of Lethbridge through a fee for service agreement,” she continued. “The addition of $82,000 a year [could do] a lot for our sustainability.”
She added that this is a common model used by a number of other galleries, also noting that investment is booming in Lethbridge’s downtown.
Williams agreed that the restaurant would heighten awareness for the SAAG, while also providing increased traffic for other businesses in the area as well as a creative meeting space.
The project would extend the north and northwest perimeter of the current building. Some of the added space would re-purpose the staff parking lot with a modest expansion in to Galt Gardens.
