Published in: Art and Culture

Maggie and John Mitchell sow a seed for the future of the Art Gallery of Alberta

Author Tee Adeyemo

Published on: December 6, 2022

The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is excited to announce the donation of $1 million from supporters Maggie and John Mitchell to initiate a new, 100^th Anniversary Legacy Endowment Fund.

The Mitchell donation marks an inaugural gift to seed a Legacy Endowment Fund that is being established by the AGA as part of the Gallery’s 100^th Anniversary which will be celebrated in 2024. The generous gift was announced on December 4, 2022, at the annual Holly Ball, for which Maggie and John Mitchell were also celebrated as the event’s Honorary Patrons.

AGA Executive Director / Chief Curator, Catherine Crowston, speaks of the tremendous impact that the Mitchells have had on the Gallery and what this gift means for the future, “Maggie and John are long-time supporters of the AGA, of our collections, programs and our previous building campaign. Their philanthropy also extends beyond the AGA, sustaining the arts community in our city and across our province. This gift is just one example of their commitment to ensuring that art experiences and arts education are available for the people of Alberta.”

“The Mitchells continue to display their leadership in empowering the visual arts across our province. This foundational investment in support of the AGA’s 100^th Anniversary Legacy Endowment Fund is a key first gift for the campaign, which they hope will rally further community support for the AGA.”

The AGA is the oldest cultural institution in Alberta, and next year marks the countdown to the AGA’s 100^th anniversary in 2024. Along with a myriad of celebratory events, programming and outreach, the centenary celebrations will be accompanied by the launch of AGA ALWAYS, a community-led campaign to secure a $20 million Legacy Endowment for the AGA. This fund will create a foundation of long-term financial stability to ensure that the AGA can sustainably grow and continue to enrich Alberta as a space for artistic voices, for learning and for inspiring future generations.