MONTREAL/March 6, 2001—
Concordia University is pleased to announce the inauguration of the Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair for Studies in Canadian Art. The Chair was made possible through a gift of $500,000 from Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky, matched by $500,000 from the University. The official announcement will be made at a reception at 6 p.m. today in room H-767 of the Henry F. Hall Building (1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West).
The first holder of Concordia's Chair for Studies in Canadian Art is the distinguished Quebec art historian FranÁois-Marc Gagnon. At the dinner reception that will launch the Institute this evening, he will give a talk titled Cornelius Krieghoff: The Image of Other.
A dynamic and inspiring teacher, Dr. Gagnon taught for many years at the UniversitÈ de Montrèal, where he initiated a number of significant research projects. He is widely recognized as a leader in the field, and won the Governor-General's Award in 1978 for his critical biography of Paul-Emile Borduas.
ìFor many years,î Dr. Gagnon said, ìI have dreamed of an institute in Canadian art, not only to encourage research in the field, but also to make the general public more aware of its richness.
Now, Concordia University and Gail and Stephen Jarislowsky are making that dream a reality. Concordia, incidentally, was the first university in North America to offer a MA in Canadian art history.î
Dean of Fine Arts Christopher Jackson said, ìWe are proud to have the Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair for Studies in Canadian Art at Concordia, given our special and longstanding commitment to the field of Canadian art history.î
The Institute seeks to advance the appreciation and understanding of Canadian art through dialogue with the academic and museum communities. It also supports research on Canadian art by means of scholarly publications and research tools, as well as projects employing electronic and image-based technologies.
The Institute for Studies in Canadian Art intends to produce such materials for the scholarly community, for pedagogical purposes at all levels, and for the general public.
The Institute will collaborate on projects and publications with educational and cultural institutions, as well as with the private sector. Public conferences will ensure the Institute's link to the national and international art community.
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