You Know You've Got Your Head Too Much in Museum Politics When...

...you start to get excited/agitated about press releases like this:

The National Gallery of Canada Foundation announces the launch of The American Friends of the National Gallery of Canada
New organization facilitates support of the Gallery by US-based donors

Ottawa, September 23, 2009 – The National Gallery of Canada Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of The American Friends of the National Gallery of Canada, its affiliate in the United States of America. The new organization was established to strengthen the Foundation’s presence in the United States and to expand its ability to reach US-based art patrons.

“As a result of the close cultural and economic relationships between our two countries, millions of people residing in the United States have personal ties to Canada,” said the Chair of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation Board of Directors, Thomas P. d’Aquino. “The National Gallery of Canada offers them a wonderful opportunity to stay connected to or learn more about Canada’s cultural heritage and we are pleased to facilitate their support of the National Gallery.”

Internationally renowned, the Gallery’s collections include the most comprehensive holding of Canadian art. “Among other things, our national collection tells the evolving story of Canada and makes that story accessible nationally and internationally,” noted NGC Director, Marc Mayer. “A great example of this is the presentation of the exhibition Yousuf Karsh at 100: Portraits of Artists at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC, which marks the launch of The American Friends. We hope that it will stimulate interest in Canadian art and in our institution among our neighbors.” The exhibition is on view until December 18, 2009.

Patrons filing their income taxes in the United States can now be issued a tax receipt by The American Friends of the National Gallery of Canada, which is recognized by Internal Revenue Services (USA).


But, you know, I did get excited/agitated about this announcement anyway.

Why? Well, it was basically kind of fun to examine my own instinctive reactions, namely: Whaaaaaaat? You think Americans are or will be interested in Canadian art? Enough to donate to Canada's national gallery?!? Whaaaat? Why would they do want to do that? Why would they care? etc.

Basically, I've never seen a move like this on the part of a Canadian museum or gallery before, and part of the reason is that most of us assume there's little interest in us south of the 49th. Or that if there is, you usually move south of the 49th yourself, not parka-wrap yourself up here.

On a more measured note, I'm basically like, "Whatever raises more money for the museum, from those who can afford it, sure, National Gallery of Canada, go for it." Who knows? Maybe some money could, after all come out of it. (Crazy kids!)

One more brain-tangent that emerged from all this: perhaps I'm accustomed to Canada's national gallery pursuing partnerships with European funders, sites or institutions rather than American ones. France is kind of a natural given the whole Quebec thing, and the UK, well, hell, the Queen is still our official head of state and all, so I guess it feels more natural to expect a little cultural cash flow from the Commonwealth. Approaching the US is more unusual on a cultural front, perhaps also because it's the pop-cult megaforce that state-funded Canadian institutions are explicitly attempting to contend with.

It was also pointed out to me that NGC head Marc Mayer, not yet 12 months on the job, did work in the States for a while, making the NGC likely more open to such "Canuck-radical" activity.

In any case, I'm interested to see what funds might come out of this all in the future—and if so, which other institutions might try to follow suit. Any thoughts?