An international design competition has selected three finalist teams to design the new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and its surrounding public space. The gallery will anchor a new Arts District on the Halifax Waterfront.
The three finalists are:
- Architecture49 with Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Hargreaves Jones
- DIALOG + Acre Architects
- KPMB Architects with Omar Gandhi Architect, Jordan Bennett Studio, Elder Lorraine Whitman (NWAC), Public Work and Transsolar
“Maintaining a vibrant arts scene is integral to the vitality of this province and to the wellbeing of those who live here. The new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and arts district will enliven creativity throughout the cultural sector, encourage economic growth and offer the opportunity to Nova Scotians and its visitors to experience a rich, ever-expanding tapestry of storytelling, talent and meaning,” said Trevor Murphy, chair, Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
When evaluating the submissions, the review committee considered each team’s vision for the new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and Public Space, their demonstrated team experience, the demonstrated qualifications of key personnel, and the team’s approach to the project.
In April 2019, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $30 million in the new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia project through the New Building Canada Fund—Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component, National and Regional Projects. The Province of Nova Scotia has committed an additional $70 million towards this project.
“Developed with Nova Scotians for Nova Scotians, the arts district will be a welcoming place for people from all communities to access art and experience cultural activities on their waterfront. Working together, we will create and grow a dynamic new public place where locals and visitors alike can meet art inside and out and where events, programming and new experiences can thrive and evolve over time,” said Jennifer Angel, CEO, Develop Nova Scotia.
Final conceptual designs will be due in September and will be made available for public viewing and engagement before the winning team is selected by a jury of professionals.