I’m so mad about the latest proposal for the Mendel Art Gallery which is actually a proposal to close the Mendel and open a new “Art Gallery of Saskatchewan” at River Landing. It was bad enough when the Mendel wanted to spend $14 million to expand but the new proposal is a $55 million dollar building. The bulk of that money will come from all three levels of government. And for whose benefit? They aren’t saying but I’d bet that admission won’t be free. A vast majority of the citizens of the city and province will never visit the gallery. Even if they might, why should government funds be used for entertainment? There are so many other areas that each level of government could better spend the proposed funds. Heck, I’d even argue that there are better places for private donors to spend their charitable donations. (Are donations to an art gallery tax deductible?!)
The city could buy another snow plow or two. They could actually have a workable snow removal plan. Or they could drop property taxes.
The province could pay for the beds and equipment for the planned Children’s Hospital instead of expecting the public to donate as a sort of guilt-induce pseudo-tax.
The federal government could buy new supplies for the military.
I’m too tired to think of more right now.
Did you know that I don’t dare take the kids to the Mendel without knowing what the exhibitions are? One time they had about 30 charcoal drawing on 8 1/2 X 11 paper, all in frames, lined up on a wall. Each was a drawing of genitalia. Ugh. crazybengal stumbled upon a huge painting of a man, full frontal nudity. Did I mention that this was with a kindergarten class?
The Mendel is fine just how it is.
[...] I know, I know. Gormley would say I’m crazy for not supporting progress and growth. Yippee. I do not believe that this is part of the role of government. (Looks like I’ve ranted about this before.) [...]
By: I don’t want to pay for an art gallery. « Because No One Asked on September 24, 2009
at 11:53 pm