The Province of Nova Scotia has launched an design competition for the New Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and surrounding public space. Architectural teams from around the globe are invited to participate in a design competition for a new provincial art gallery. 

The kickoff of an international design competition represents a big step toward a new art gallery for all Nova Scotians, which will be part of a new arts district on the Halifax Waterfront. Applications for tender documents close on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 02:00 PM  Atlantic Time. 

Vision

The Arts District will be a welcoming and inclusive public gathering place on the Halifax waterfront that showcases the best in contemporary art and public programs. Developed with Nova Scotians for Nova Scotians, the Arts District will increase opportunities for all to access and experience art, celebrate our diverse and unique stories through the arts, and enhance the overall waterfront experience.

Design competition

On January 16, the Province of Nova Scotia announced it will embark on the next stage of this project. A design competition will invite architectural teams from around the globe to submit their qualification to lead the design for a new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and associated public space.

The design competition is expected to last six months and will take place over two stages:

• Stage one is a call for qualifications and interviews with the top qualified candidates.
• Stage two is the formal design competition where short listed firms will create conceptual designs for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and surrounding public space.

The successful consultant team will assist the Province by leading the continued engagement process once a contract is awarded. There will be intensive period for broad engagement of the public and key interest groups at the commencement of the consultant’s work.

The new, iconic art gallery and vibrant public space will provide access to art, culture, world class exhibitions, events and programming for all Nova Scotians and visitors to the province. These spaces will be a desirable place where people can engage with one another, with art, and with the Halifax Waterfront. Together, a new Gallery and public space based in art will create a unique and vibrant experience for Nova Scotians and visitors to the province.

Quick facts

- the design competition will be open to local, national and international teams and will take place over a six-month period

- stage one of the competition is a call for qualifications and interviews with the top qualified candidates

- stage two is the formal design competition where short-listed firms will create conceptual designs for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and surrounding public space

- the final design team will be chosen by a qualified jury of professionals, including architects and museum professionals, in summer 2020

- the successful design team will carry out an ongoing public engagement process

- in April 2019, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $30 million in the new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia project through the New Building Canada Fund—Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component, National and Regional Projects

- the Province of Nova Scotia has committed $70 million towards this project

See Design Competition Request for Proposal

See Art Gallery of Nova Scotia - New Ways of Thinking

Read more about Nova Scotia Cultural Action Plan

Top image courtesy of Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

> via Art Gallery of Nova Scotia