WAG Celebrates New Studio & MOU with Manitoba Education

Agreement will see more collaboration at WAG Studio & Qaumajuq

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Treaty No. 1 Territory, November 16, 2021: The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) -Qaumajuq and the Manitoba Department of Education came together today at the new WAG Studio to sign an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that renews a formal partnership in the delivery of programming for Manitoba youth.

The expanded learning spaces on the Penthouse Level of the WAG are designed by Qaumajuq architect Michael Maltzan and offer in-house and virtual programming that supports the Manitoba curriculum, as well as art-making classes for the wider public.

Everyone is invited to visit the new WAG Studio at an open house on Friday, November 19 from 6:00 to 9:00PM. The open house is made possible by TELUS Manitoba Community Board. Meet teachers and administrators, watch demonstrations, win prizes, and get a feel for the studio spaces with walk-throughs and workshops in Digital Media, Mixed Media, Drawing, Painting, and Pottery. Reserve your free timed ticket for walk-throughs and workshops at wag.ca/studioopening, space is limited!

Details of the MOU:

• Three-year MOU renews collaboration in development of joint programming to ensure that every student has the opportunity to become artistically literate, to experience art-making, and to think critically and creatively.
• A major focus of the agreement is Indigenous programming developed with the leadership of Indigenous instructors, staff, and advisors.
• The agreement supports career opportunities in the arts and workforce training, including professional development opportunities in visual art and cultural studies for Manitoba teachers.
• This MOU encourages consultation to create links between WAG-Qaumajuq programming and Manitoba Education curriculum.
• A sharing of research and expertise related to visual arts education, cross-curricular learning, and Indigenous-led learning.
• Collaborating on programming to empower students through online and distance learning.

Quick Facts about WAG Studio:

• The larger and more versatile WAG Studio spaces provide a breathtaking new home for art classes, residencies, and community programming to connect North and South.
• WAG Studio will host a free open house on Friday, November 19 from 6:00-9:00PM, made possible by TELUS Manitoba Community Board. Pre-register for walk-throughs and workshops at wag.ca/studioopening.
• The celebration comes in time for winter class registration that opens November 19 at wag.ca/studio.
• Six indoor studios include spaces and programs designed in collaboration with the young minds of the Interactive Digital Media Program at Sisler High School.
• The adjoining Rooftop Sculpture Garden provides outdoor space for carving, sculpture, and en plein air projects.
• WAG Studio’s art education offers individuals at any age the opportunity to explore their creativity with beginner and intermediate courses in a variety of media.
• In addition to five and ten-week courses, WAG Studio runs signature workshop programs including Maker Lab craft nights, Clay Maker, Family Maker Labs, and Wellness Workshops.
• Clay Maker and Paint Parties are also available on demand for corporate or private events.
• Each year on average, the WAG serves more than 20,000 students through studio and tour programs; hundreds of whom take part in art-making activities through the generous support of the Winnipeg School Division’s Children’s Heritage Fund and WSD-sponsored Quantum Arts Program and Art Expression classes.
• With the opening of the new WAG Studio and Qaumajuq, the Gallery has four times the space to serve more students.
• Many students have their work featured in the annual Through the Eyes of a Child exhibition at WAG@The Park, with the support of the Associates of the WAG.
• WAG Studio programs are taught by practicing artists who share their enthusiasm, insight, and skills in a fun, friendly setting. Since the inauguration of WAG Studio nearly 85 years ago, artists Tony Tascona, Jordan Van Sewell, and many more have taught the joys of art to Manitobans.
• Artists Kent Monkman, Kenneth Lavallee, and Wanda Koop attended youth classes at WAG Studio.
• In 1936, WAG Studio began offering free Saturday Morning Art Classes for school children with support from the Winnipeg School Division and the Carnegie Foundation, making it one of the longest-running Gallery-led art-making programs in Canada.

Quotes:

“Our government is proud to partner with the WAG-Qaumajuq to create programming for Manitoba students. This collaboration will provide students the opportunity to explore art, connect cultures and inspire their own creativity. It will also support visual art and cultural studies teachers in professional development. We are grateful to WAG for their expertise in Indigenous programming and visual arts education to empower Manitoban students.”

— Hon. Cliff Cullen, Minister of Education, Province of Manitoba

“The WAG is thrilled to renew our partnership with the Manitoba Department of Education during the inaugural year of Qaumajuq, the Inuit art centre. This agreement benefits Manitoba youth by sharing resources and expertise aimed at enriching the experience of learning through art. We are grateful to the Province for its support, and we look forward to more collaboration in the inspiring new spaces of WAG Studio and Qaumajuq to empower Manitoba students.”

— Dr. Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, WAG-Qaumajuq

“We are so pleased to continue to provide a space for learning and fun through art, which is needed now more than ever. The new WAG Studio offers more space to create safely, a digital media studio where students can embrace technology, and an array of classes. WAG Studio elevates the Gallery experience, and invites our community to join in the art-making.”

— Rachel Baerg, Head of Learning & Programs, WAG-Qaumajuq

Support

The WAG thanks the Government of Manitoba for its ongoing support, all the donors who gave to create Qaumajuq and the new WAG Studio, and our open house supporter TELUS Manitoba Community Board, funded by the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation.

Associated Links

Art Classes
Open House
Celebration Video

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram #atwag #qaumajuq365

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Amy Rebecca Harrison
Engagement Supervisor
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1347
aharrison@wag.ca

The Winnipeg Art Gallery (the WAG) is a cultural advocate using art to connect, inspire, and inform. Playing a dynamic role in the community, we are a place for learning, dialogue, and enjoyment through art. Opened in March 2021, Qaumajuq connects to the WAG on all levels, celebrating the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. The new WAG-Qaumajuq cultural campus is now one of the largest art museums in Canada. To learn more visit wag.ca.

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