The Kelowna Art Gallery receives Category “A” Status

The Department of Canadian Heritage has approved the designation Category “A” institution status for Canadian public museums and galleries for the Kelowna Art Gallery.

The Kelowna Art Gallery is now formally recognized for its ability to exhibit, collect, store and preserve all works of art entrusted to its care due to the designation of Category “A” status. “A” status enables the Gallery to apply on behalf of donors to the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board throughout the year to acquire new works of art for the Gallery’s permanent collection.

The Gallery’s application for “A” status has been an in-depth process over six years, which included site visits and inspections by the Canadian Conservation Institute. The Gallery achieved this status because of its high standard of museum practices, the preparation of an emergency preparedness manual, as well as addressing upgrades to the building and storage of the permanent collection.

The Kelowna Art Gallery collection is acquired and cared for in trust for the City of Kelowna as a legacy for the citizens of Kelowna.

The Kelowna Art Gallery would like to thank the City of Kelowna for their support and assistance with the building improvements that enabled the Gallery to upgrade the climate control in the main gallery, as well as new racks and shelving in the holding and permanent collection spaces.  

From left: Dona Moore, Executive Director, Mayor Sharon Shepherd, Sarah Campbell, Exhibition Coordinator/Registrar, James Patterson, Board President and Linda Sawchyn, Curator.

“The Kelowna Art Gallery is honored to be one of outstanding public art galleries across the nation that have been granted Category "A" status.” said the Gallery’s Executive Director, Dona Moore. “The City of Kelowna and its residents can be proud to say their community has an "A" status Gallery."