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On Tuesday, January 27th from 5 to 6:30 PM, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery Board will present an updated status report to its members at the Owen Sound Library.

The session will be led by Board Chair Linda Myles-Gallinger, with reports from Transition Committee Chair, Michael Warren, and Chair of the Tom Thomson Art Foundation, Robert McKinnon.

Linda Myles- Gallinger said, "The members will be provided with an overview of what has taken place since the gallery began its investigation into becoming an incorporated, charitable not-for-profit corporation."

Mr. Warren will outline the vision for a new gallery. "It is predicated on the belief the gallery must expand in order to be become a major economic and cultural driver for the city. We see it offering an exceptional half-day experience for all visitors."

The business plan, which is under development, stresses the need for a more interactive, participatory, and accessible experience for visitors - both in person and on line. It also addresses the need for more space to grow the programmes, exhibitions and the collection.

Expansion of the gallery and its programmes depends on being able to access more diversified operating and capital funding. This includes funding sources that independent, not-for-profit galleries can access, but the TOM cannot as a department of a city.

Members will also hear about the proposed location for the expanded gallery. "A number of sites have been investigated over the last several years," Mr Warren said. "After careful analysis we determined that none had more advantages than expanding on the existing footprint, including Rice House."

Two architectural firms, who have history with the Gallery, have been invited to compete for the conceptual design of the new building.

The gallery plans to submit a final report with recommendations to council in the spring. It will include a five-year operating and capital business plan and conceptual drawings of the new gallery. A trust agreement outlining strict conditions for transferring the ownership of the art collection from the City to an incorporated Gallery will be part of the submission. The governance model, corporation bylaws and staff transfer arrangements must also be addressed.

Mr. Warren said," "Our goal is to be the best regional gallery in Canada and provide visitors and the city with an exciting destination experience. We hope to convince council that we have a sustainable financial and operating plan to realize this future.

Source - Linda Myles-Gallinger, Michael Warren