Glenbow is seeing a transformative $35-million donation from the family of JR Shaw, including an endowment that will make it the first major Canadian museum to offer free general admission, forever.
The Shaw family’s donation is the largest since Glenbow’s founding and celebrates the legacy of JR Shaw, the legendary Calgary businessman and philanthropist who founded Shaw Communications and Corus Entertainment.
The downtown Calgary building that houses Glenbow and its collection is currently undergoing a massive top-to-bottom renovation that will transform 312,000 square feet of space into one of the most inclusive art museums in North America. When it reopens, the building will be renamed JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture.
With the establishment of the $25-million JR Shaw Free Admissions Endowment, Glenbow will eliminate general admission in perpetuity, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to access its resources.
“We have long believed art is for everyone and have committed to increasing accessibility to arts and culture,” said Nicholas R. Bell, President and CEO, Glenbow. “The Glenbow collection belongs to the people of Alberta and now, thanks to the Shaw family, it will truly be inclusive and accessible to everyone.”
“Our family is proud to honour JR the best way we know how – by building upon his passion for Canadian art and artists and passing it along for future generations to enjoy without any barriers,” said Julie Shaw, President, Shaw Family Foundation.
Throughout his lifetime, JR Shaw grew his passion for celebrating Canadian art and artists; many who he counted as personal friends. His family’s donation will also fund a $10-million endowment to create the JR Shaw Institute for Canadian Art.
The Institute, to be operated by Glenbow, will feature annual exhibitions, an artist-in-residence program, and opportunities for further study through an internship and fellowship program.
Founded in 1966 as an independent, non-profit museum, archive and gallery, Glenbow Museum cares for a collection of more than 250,000 works of art and historical objects – from Canada and cultures around the world – on behalf of the people of Alberta.
"The significance of the Shaw family's endowment for the future of our city simply cannot be overstated,” said Mayor of Calgary Jyoti Gondek. “This is unprecedented in Canada and will offer everyone who makes Calgary home or who visits our city, regardless of age or income, the opportunity to be part of a world class arts and culture experience for free."
With $105-million from government, $35-million from the Shaw family through its Shaw Family Foundation, and $12-million in donations from Glenbow supporters to date, Glenbow has raised $152- million. Glenbow is working to raise an additional $23-million to reach its new fundraising target of $175-million, taking its aspirations for arts and culture in Calgary to new heights.
For more visit www.glenbow.org.
