The Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation is pleased to announce two special projects grants as part of its 25th Anniversary Celebrations.
Institutions selected this year for Special Project Funding are Sackville’s Owens Art Gallery and Saint John Arts Centre. Applications for these grants were juried by a committee of the Board of Directors with the additions of ad hoc members from Canada Council and artsnb.
Saint John Arts Centre will receive funding for the purchase and installation of a kiln as part of its development of a pottery studio. Located in the historic Carnegie Building, Saint John Arts Centre is a multi-disciplinary arts centre dedicated to serving the Greater Saint John region. Under the direction of Executive Director Andrew Kierstead, a new pottery studio has been developed and is available for instruction and rental by the general public. The SHMF is delighted to assist in the creative vision of the centre by providing resources to install a kiln to complete this project.
Owens Art Gallery will receive funding for an online archival project called Studio 360˚. A collaboration between the Education and Outreach Department of the Owens Art Gallery and Faucet Media Arts, this project will create an archive of videotaped interviews with artists in their studios, revealing the working context for their art practices. Throughout the summer of 2012, six New Brunswick artists will work with Owens Art Gallery on this innovative project. Director of Owens Art Gallery, Gemey Kelly states that the project will promote New Brunswick artists, create educational resources for teachers, provide a meaningful mentorship opportunity for a young videographer and provide a valuable tool for cultural tourism.
Established in 1987, the SHMF continues to play an important role in the promotion and support of the visual arts in New Brunswick. Annual special grant funding is provided to support innovation and development in the visual arts.