Government announces crown corporation for The Rooms

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today the establishment of a crown corporation to govern the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The establishment of an arms-length crown corporation with a public board of directors and community-based advisory committees will strengthen the capabilities of the three important institutions," said Minister Bettney.

The minister expects to announce the board in November for the new institution. The board will be responsible to the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation to ensure that the Provincial Museum and Provincial Archives conserve, exhibit and present the artifacts and archival records which tell the significant story of Newfoundland and Labrador and its artistic capability on a world-class level. The board will also ensure the Art Gallery presents the best of our contemporary provincial, national and international visual art in a professional manner. In addition to enhancing their management capacity with the establishment of a crown corporation for the new facility, the province has created 25 new cultural resource management positions to support the transition to The Rooms.

Minister Bettney said establishing a crown corporation will also enhance client services, partnerships and the conservation of the collections. "This structure will also allow for a management plan best suited to the three institutions to encourage the achievement of their individual mandates."

The Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador is looking forward to the establishment of the crown corporation and the move to The Rooms. "This is an exciting time for the Art Gallery," said Stephanie Hickman, Chair of the Art Gallery. "This crown corporation will create remarkable opportunities for collaboration with the Provincial Archives and Provincial Museum in a unique cultural facility. The Art Gallery looks forward to continuing its important role in advancing the careers of local artists, and presenting significant works by provincial, national and international artists."

Although these three institutions will be governed under one corporation, it will have minimal impact on staff. "One of our priorities is making sure all staff are aware of what will happen once the three institutions are governed by the crown corporation," said Minister Bettney. "Transitional agreements will be put in place with Memorial University to ensure the change to the crown corporation goes smoothly."

Minister Bettney also announced the legislation to establish the new corporation will be provided to the stakeholders and public for comment before final legislation is drafted.

"I am looking forward to working with The Rooms Corporation," said Minister Bettney. "This is a positive step forward to preserve, protect and share the culture, history and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador."

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-0857.

2002 10 07                                        3:40 p.m.