Maclaren Art Centre

The MacLaren was first incorporated in 1986 as the Barrie Gallery Project, a not-for-profit, charitable organization. The Gallery Project opened a storefront gallery space in 1988 at 17c Mulcaster Street. In 1989, local businessman Maurice MacLaren left his collection and residence at 147 Toronto Street jointly to the City of Barrie and the Barrie Gallery Project, giving the gallery a permanent home. In response to the bequest, the name of the gallery was changed to the MacLaren Art Centre in 1990.

During the 1990s, under director William Moore, the MacLaren gained national recognition for its innovative and integrated approach to programming and community participation. In 1997, the MacLaren attracted 100,000 visitors for the Joe Fafard Field Project in conjunction with the International Plowing Match. The design by the Saskatchewan artist was planted with crops in a 50-acre site to produce the image of a horse with the help of local farmers and the support of 200 volunteers. In response to the new Ontario public school curriculum, the MacLaren also introduced its signature VanGo programme in 1997, employing regional artists to deliver in-class studio programmes throughout Simcoe County. In 1997, 1998 and 1999, the MacLaren was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for its exceptional private sector and community support. In 1999, the City of Barrie designated its public spaces in support of the MacLaren ArtCity™ initiative. Ron Baird’s Spirit Catcher was the first work accessioned into the MacLaren collection, and has since become a symbol for the City of Barrie. In 2003, 2005 and 2007, the MacLaren also mounted its ambitious Shorelines projects, a series featuring major public sculptures by Canadian and international environmental artists installed along the ancient shore of Lake Algonquin.

The MacLaren moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility in 2001. The building, designed by Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini, garnered significant critical acclaim, including the 2003 Ontario Association of Architects’ Award for Best Building (under $10 million). Years of success, however, were overshadowed in 2003 with the failure of the MacLaren's negotiations to secure long-term revenue through the purchase and subsequent sale of posthumous castings of bronze statues from plasters attributed to Auguste Rodin. A serious deficit resulted, leading to reduced staffing, programming and hours of operation. In 2006, however, the MacLaren entered into a financial restructuring, and with new support with from the City of Barrie, has since consolidated its resources, building a strong and stable operating foundation. Support from members, benefactors, media partners and business sponsors continues to increase. The MacLaren has close to 200 active volunteers,  a testament to the support of our immediate community, and annual attendance exceeds 43,000.