WAG to Pilot FREE & Affordable Membership for Qaumajuq’s Inaugural Year

A call to the community to help bring vision to life

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Treaty 1 Territory, November 17, 2020: The Winnipeg Art Gallery is excited to announce a bold new membership program launching with the opening of Qaumajuq (the Inuit art centre) in February 2021. A pilot for the inaugural year, the initiative breaks down barriers with a new Friend membership that’s FREE for youth 25 and under, and only $35 for those over 25.

Friend memberships are available for pre-order starting today. Sign up now and receive exclusive content on the upcoming opening. Although the Gallery still needs support to complete the centre, this new initiative ensures everyone can be part of the excitement. The WAG calls on the community to help by joining as a member and by making a donation.

Quick Facts:

• Inspired by the success of Canada Life Free Sundays@WAG and the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Annual Pass, the new Friend membership provides free admission for ages 25 and under to WAG-Qaumajuq for the inaugural year. As part of the pilot, youth under 18 will have free entry without signing up for membership.
• The new WAG Community also includes Friend with Benefits, Partner, and Patron memberships for those who wish to access special perks and help the WAG in realizing Qaumajuq and this new era of accessibility.
• Last month, the WAG announced that free admission for Indigenous Peoples will begin with the opening of Qaumajuq, supporting the Gallery’s work to respond to the TRC Calls to Action and advance reconciliation.
• When Qaumajuq opens, the whole main floor, featuring the Visible Vault displaying thousands of Inuit carvings, will be free for all. As well, Canada Life Free Sundays@WAG continue on the second Sunday of every month, offering free entry for everyone with fun family programming.
• Learn more and sign up to be a WAG member at wag.ca/member.

About Qaumajuq:

• Qaumajuq is the first art museum of its kind, providing a new home for the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world.
• The light-filled centre designed by Michael Maltzan Architecture with Cibinel Architecture connects to the WAG on all levels with stunning exhibition, learning and event spaces, and a new café on the main level in partnership with Circa Catering. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow people driving or walking by to see inside.
• Much more than a building, Qaumajuq will amplify the voices and stories of the artists, connecting Canada’s North and South and bringing people together for inspiration, learning, and fun.

Quote:
“Qaumajuq is opening the WAG up like never before, in ways that go far beyond the welcoming new entrance at the corner of St. Mary Ave and Memorial Blvd. While the Gallery is temporarily closed to the public, today’s announcement is an open invitation to share in the light of Qaumajuq—this place belongs to you. We strongly believe in the power of art to connect the community and access is critical, especially in times like this. We call on everyone to help by joining as a member and making a donation.”
—Dr. Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, Winnipeg Art Gallery

Associated Links

WAG – Membership
Membership FAQ
WAG – Donate
Qaumajuq

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram #qaumajuq #inuitartcentre #atwag

-30-

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

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

Amber O’Reilly
Engagement Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.786.6641 ext. 210
PublicRelations@wag.ca

The Winnipeg Art Gallery (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. The WAG holds in trust the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. To celebrate the art and to honour the Inuit, the WAG is building Qaumajuq, the Inuit art centre. Opening in February 2021, the centre will bridge Canada’s North and South through exhibitions, research, education, and art making. To learn more visit wag.ca

Back to Media