Our Speaker Donna Livingstone
Our Speaker Donna Livingstone
In the introduction of our speaker, Tom Tait showed remarkable restraint in limiting his presentation to just a few minutes while relating Donna Livingstone's eclectic career as an author, publisher, archivist, and promoter of culture in Calgary.
This year marks the fifty years since Eric Harvie began the collection of art and historical objects that today constitute the backbone of the Glenbow museum collection. As Donna puts it, "He collected all the stuff people were getting ready to throw out" as Calgary entered a modern era. Harvie also had a consummate interest in art from all over the world, much of which is a treasured part of the Glenbow collection.
One challenge that Museum faces is how to display the wide range of materials it has: rare old photos from the Easter Artic, Queen Victoria's knickers, historical documents, rare Buddhist and Hindu art, and 33,000 pieces of other art which include 120 Group of Sevens, 60 Charlie Russells, and 14 Emily Carrs. Calgary may have many art galleries, but it has only one art Museum.
The Glenbow is working on a new brand, emphasizing the Glenbow as an experience, not just a collection, The Glenbow is engaging the community though guest curators, artists in residence, displays with contemporary indigenous perspectives, and the introduction of free admissions on the first Thursday of each month.
A big challenge is that ninety percent of the Glenbow's collection is in storage and is rarely seen. To deal with this issue, the Glenbow is planning a transformation that will see three floors and 100,000 square feet for displays. The intent is to provide both performing and gathering areas to bring the collection to life, particularly for the 67,000 school kids who last year enjoyed the museum experience.
With the adjacent Arts Commons Venue, the new National Music Centre, and soon to be completed new library, the Glenbow is in perfect cultural location to capture the interest of the Calgary public. Did we mention how amazing the coffee shop is?
Bill Ptacek thanked Donna for her very informative story and presented her with just what she needs . . . another book to add to her collection.