May 1, 2015
Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation That Would Make Bringing Foreign Art and Cultural Objects to the Province Easier
The Manitoba government today introduced legislation that would amend the Foreign Cultural Objects Immunity from Seizure Act, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.
“This amendment would make it much more efficient to bring works of art and cultural significance from other countries to Manitoba,” said Minister Lemieux. “With world-class facilities like the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Manitoba Museum and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights bringing in objects from around the world, this amendment will be welcome news for those organizations and their patrons.”
The act facilitates the borrowing of art or cultural objects from foreign countries for temporary exhibition in Manitoba by guaranteeing protection from seizure and their return to the lender.
Currently that protection is provided by the lieutenant-governor along with an Order in Council. The proposed amendments would give the responsibility to the minister responsible for the act. The amendments would also eliminate the need for an Order in Council, reduce legal costs for the department and streamline the application process for organizations wanting to bring in foreign art and cultural objects.
“These proposed amendments are welcome news for galleries and museums in the province,” said Dr. Stephen Borys, director and chief executive officer, Winnipeg Art Gallery. “As we continue to build on the success of showcases like 100 Masters: Only in Canada, and our current exhibit Olympus: The Greco-Roman Collections of Berlin, having a more efficient process to acquire world-class artworks will only enhance our abilities to showcase these kinds of works to Manitobans and visitors to our province.”
“Temporary exhibitions have become critical for the international museum community and Manitoba is no exception,” said Minister Lemieux. “I am proud to have to introduced this legislation today and anticipate a positive response from the province’s museums and galleries as we collectively work toward providing unhindered access to arts and culture for all Manitobans.”
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