04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Art Gallery of Burlington celebrates 50th anniversary with community block party
The Art Gallery of Burlington celebrates a 50th anniversary this month, as it starts planning its future.
A community block party on Saturday, May 10 and a gala fundraising dinner on May 8 mark five decades
since the May 13, 1975 incorporation
of Burlington Cultural Centre, a significant step toward the creation of today's art gallery.
Meanwhile, a long-planned
facility master plan and future needs feasibility study
, reviewing possible renovation or expansion of the existing art gallery, at 1333 Lakeshore Rd., and the possibility of a new facility, is almost ready for the gallery's board of directors.
'The reports are in draft format, yet to be presented to the board and city council,' said Emma Sankey, executive director of The Art Gallery of Burlington. 'Once we've been through those critical next steps there will definitely be details to share, just not yet.'
Last year, Sankey said the gallery needs to modernize its facilities to serve current and future audiences.
'Limited space and aging infrastructure are significant drivers,' Sankey said. 'The building is aging, with $2-million in capital expenses likely in the next few years.'
Celebration is on the minds of gallery staff and supporters this month.
Sankey said the May 8 gala is already sold out. A total of 176 guests are expected to raise at least $25,000.
'Funds support the delivery of exhibitions and educational programs at the gallery,' Sankey said.
The whole community has a chance to join the party when the art gallery hosts a public block party from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.
The event features the theme 'We Dig Culture' with a variety of family art activities in the gallery, and across Lakeshore Road in Spencer Smith Park. The block party will also launch the gallery's spring exhibitions.
Garden-starter seeds, music, and food from several Burlington restaurants will also be featured.
Registration in advance is recommended but not required. For more information on the block party and other events, visit
the Art Gallery of Burlington website
.
Sankey said Tuesday, May 13 will be declared Art Gallery of Burlington Day by the city, and it will feature a celebration including patron and funder recognition and a special cake cutting at the gallery.
While the Art Gallery of Burlington physically opened to the public in June 1978, 47 years ago, this year celebrates 50 years of the organization that created the gallery rather than the facility itself.
