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Keyano College receives art gallery funding

Last Updated Dec 2, 2019 at 10:34 am MDT

IMAGE. Keyano Art Gallery concept art. Supplied by Keyano College.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated RMWB Council voted to defer a motion to support operations at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre when it was actually defeated. We apologize for this error.

RMWB Council approved the Keyano College’s funding plan for the new art gallery.

On Nov. 29, Mayor and Councillors approved the college’s applications for Capital Grant funding and Sustaining Grant funding.

The capital grant funding, worth $16.85-million, covers the design and construction of an international art gallery.

It also includes a dedicated ceramics studio and flexible studio spaces from Keyano’s former gymnasium.

Keyano College said the gallery would serve as an extension and adaptation of the Keyano Theatre.

“The RMWB is a valued partner and we see this as an opportunity to sustain, enliven, and grow the arts in Wood Buffalo as well as attract local and international artists.” Said Keyano College President and CEO, Dr Trent Keough.

The funds are contingent on reaching a legal agreement, looking into additional funding sources, and maintaining exhaustive public engagement.

Council approved capital grant funding by a 4-3 margin with support from Mayor Scott, and Councillors Allen, Inglis, and Stroud.

Keough said the college’s leadership would collaborate with the Municipality to move the project forward.

Sustaining Grant

Meanwhile, Council approved Sustaining Grant funding for the Keyano Theatre.

$587,000 would go toward its annual operations.

RMWB Council approved of a motion to grant the funds by a 5-2 vote with support from Councillor Meagher along with the Mayor and Councillors listed above.

Keyano College maintained funding the Theatre would be a challenge as they face budget cuts over the next three years of at least $4-million.

However, the Council defeated a motion to approve $1.2-million in support of operations at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre.