After calling the Steamship Terminal home for the last decade, the Bateman Gallery is officially moving.
Temporarily closing its doors this February, the Bateman Foundation, which oversees the gallery, will spend the next few months exploring opportunities to develop a new space with plans on opening again later this year.
“We have been honoured to house the Bateman Gallery in the Steamship Terminal for the past ten years, where we delivered over 30 thought-provoking exhibits featuring a wide variety of nature-based artists,” said Sarah Theophilus, Executive Director of the Bateman Foundation in a press release.
Theophilus added, “like most cultural institutions, we’ve re-examined our goals and future and decided that we need a new location integrating art, nature, and education in a meaningful and impactful way.”
In the wake of their departure, the Bateman Foundation has offered to support the Maritime Museum of BC in a transitional period that would help both groups as the museum establishes a permanent location at the terminal.
If all goes to plan, the exchange of the spaces will allow the Bateman Foundation the ability to create a temporary gallery in the Maritime Museum’s current location at 744 Douglas Street.
This potential swap of locations will allow the Bateman Gallery to continue delivering programming and art exhibits as they take steps to develop a new customized space.
“The Maritime Museum of BC enthusiastically supports this collaboration and believes we need to work together to create more cultural offerings for Victoria residents and visitors,” said Jamie Webb, President of the Board of Directors for the Maritime Museum of BC.
The two remaining exhibitions at the Bateman Gallery will close in mid-February as the Foundation prepares to organize and protect the collection of artwork.
