Woodstock Library and Art Gallery Partner to Support Local Arts and Culture

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Wednesday, 23 October 2019 14:27

The Woodstock Art Gallery and the Woodstock Library have signed a new memorandum of understanding to continue a proud partnership that dates back to 1966.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Library and the Woodstock Art Gallery are teaming up to support local arts and culture.

The organizations have a long history of working together and they have signed a new memorandum of understanding. The WAG and WPL will continue to work collaboratively on exhibitions, education and events, including an annual exhibition of works from the Gallery's permanent collection in support of the Lit on Tour Woodstock: Toronto International Festival of Authors events.

Curator of the Art Gallery Mary Reid says Ontario Lit on Tour program is happening this Friday.

"One of the events where we work together is coming up this Friday, The International Festival of Authors event, the Ontario Lit on tour program is happening this Friday at the Knox Presbyterian Church. You can purchase tickets at Merrifield Book Store and the Library. This year we have John Hartman, he has done a whole series of portraits of Canadian authors, one of them is Susan Swan, who will be featured at the International Festival of Authors this Friday."

With the new memorandum of understanding, the organizations have additionally agreed to:

- Consult and communicate on future program development to explore synergies and eliminate date and audience attendance conflicts.

- Continue to develop and explore new opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

- Advocate for the importance and relevance of arts and culture as a pillar of sustainability and well-being within the Woodstock community and beyond.

The WAG and WPL have a long and proud shared history. The Gallery was founded in 1966 by the Oxford Art Association. It was housed in the downstairs of the Library, until the Gallery was moved in 1983 to a refurbished manse located next door. In 1992, the Gallery separated from the Library and became a department of the City of Woodstock. WAG Board Chair Brian Hadley says it is a great partnership with the library.

"On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Woodstock Art Gallery we are exceptionally pleased that the long standing relationship with the Woodstock Public Library has been captured in this significant agreement between the two institutions. Formally linking our two key cultural pillars in Woodstock further strengthens the importance of arts and culture in the ongoing wellbeing and sustainability of our community. The Woodstock
Art Gallery looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Library on sharing stories, experiences and knowledge which shape and informs our daily lives."

Woodstock Public Library Chair Ken Whiteford says the board is delighted to formalize the long standing relationship between the two organizations.

"We consider art and culture to be a critical strategic resource that strengthens and enriches our City. Art and culture have a proven and measurable impact on the economy, health and mental well- being of communities,” Whiteford says. The Library looks forward to collaborating with the Art Gallery in order to share our many stories, whether in print, sculpture, or in paint."