TORONTO.- The Gardiner Museum announced the support of the Government of Canada for its largest capital project in 20 years—a full-scale transformation of the Museum’s ground floor based on the principles of access, connectivity, and Indigeneity.

The Government of Canada’s contribution of $705,260, issued through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, supports the reimagining of the Gardiner’s permanent collection galleries, including the addition of a gallery of Indigenous ceramics, as well as the establishment of a Community Learning Centre, a new programming and events space that will bring better visibility to the Museum’s education initiatives. An open hub for looking, learning, and connecting, the Community Learning Centre will host public programs and offer new display opportunities for the collection and community projects.

“The Gardiner Museum is grateful to the Government of Canada for this vital support as we embark on the next phase of the Museum’s evolution, bringing our physical space in line with our mission of building community with clay. This investment recognizes the Gardiner’s unique and important role as a site for artistic engagement and hands-on learning, both within our city and beyond,” said Gabrielle Peacock, Executive Director & CEO at the Gardiner Museum.

The Gardiner’s transformation project, first announced in September 2023, will allow the Museum to highlight the cross-cultural history of ceramics and showcase the ways in which contemporary artists are using the medium in new and exciting ways.

The project also advances the Gardiner’s commitment to reconciliation through the establishment of a permanent gallery space for Indigenous ceramics, developed by Franchesca Hebert-Spence, Curator of Indigenous Ceramics at the Gardiner Museum, and designed by Chris Cornelius of studio:indigenous, in consultation with the Gardiner’s Indigenous Advisory Circle: Mary Anne Barkhouse, Kent Monkman, Andre Morrisseau, Duke Redbird, and Tekaronhiáhkhwa / Santee Smith.

“Our government recognizes the significance of supporting the Gardiner Museum’s renovation and revitalization efforts. This investment will be preserving and enhancing the Museum’s permanent collection galleries while dedicating a new space to showcase the vibrant heritage of Indigenous ceramics. Moreover, the creation of the Community Learning Centre will open doors to greater engagement and learning opportunities for all,” said the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Construction on the project began in July 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by October 2025.