After sitting through a 3 hour informational session on the very topic, many arguments were made against the move of the Vancouver Art Gallery from the current location at Hornby and Georgia, how it will affect the core of the city, and what is to be done with the current historical building.
There are people who believe that the almost final decision to relocate the gallery to the bus depot location on Georgia and Cambie is unwise as it is outside of the tourist area, and that constructing a new building is financially irresponsible due to the economic conditions we are facing. This is especially poignant in a city, which draws from a very small pool of philanthropic donors and seemingly exhausted tax dollars.
The overarching theme in the end is that people dislike change.
Change is scary, and it means we must move outside of our comfort zone to accept something that potentially we aren’t given a say for or against.
I argue that change is inevitable, whether you buy in, or sit on the sidelines. Traditionally younger generations embrace technology and change, and older generations cling to the status quo.
Whether the art gallery should move or not is irrelevant, as by the fall the government will most likely accept the current proposal, an international architect will be found and a new gallery built on the proposed site.
What is relevant is whether a purpose built art gallery will do justice to the art the gallery has in its vaults? Will it draw tourists and residents of the lower mainland and BC through the doors, and will it be able to draw high-end exhibits shared with the major art galleries around the world?
As scary as change is to the cultural fabric of our city, I believe it should be embraced.
Link to more info on the new site: www.newvanartgallery.com
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