As we enter the fall season, the MacLaren is continuing to meet goals set out in our Strategic Plan, a framework that will guide the Gallery’s growth into 2030. This plan outlines strategic directions and goals that position the Gallery as a nationally recognized institution while affirming our commitment to community, creativity, our responsibilities as a collecting institution, and the evolving role of a gallery in public life.
Among the goals set out in our new Strategic Plan, one stands out as central to who we are: caring for and growing the MacLaren’s collection. Our responsibility is to ensure the art entrusted to us is preserved with the highest professional standards. To advance this responsibility, we are preparing the Gallery for Category A designation from the Government of Canada. This is a critical milestone that will recognize the MacLaren for our excellence in preserving and presenting cultural property.
Reaching this milestone would mark a turning point for the MacLaren. Achieving Category A designation is a powerful tool for growing our collection and attracting major works of art, including works of national significance. It would also deepen our relationships with donors, encourage loans from both private and institutional partners, and raise the Gallery’s profile on a national level.
With this significant goal in mind, we are making some key changes to the MacLaren’s operations and physical spaces. A recent facility audit conducted by Workshop Architecture Inc. outlined changes the building must undergo to meet the highest professional standards for collection care.
One notable change is the upcoming relocation of the Lazy Tulip Café. After three wonderful years, the Lazy Tulip, a warm presence at the Gallery, will be relocating to a new space at the end of its lease term. We are deeply grateful to the Lazy Tulip team for the community and hospitality they have brought to the MacLaren and wish them every success as they transition to their new home. We hope our community will join us in celebrating their next chapter.
For now, the future of the cafe space remains open as we explore possibilities that align with our strategic goals. We recognize the importance of a welcoming space for our visitors and are exploring options that will allow us to meet both our institutional standards and our commitment to the community. We look forward to keeping you informed every step of the way.
These changes are part of a larger story of renewal. We invite you to explore the Strategic Plan in more detail to see how the MacLaren is preparing for the exciting years ahead. It’s an exciting time of growth at the Gallery, and we hope you can join us on this journey. For more information on our new Strategic Directions and goals, click here.
