KAG’s application for “A” status has been a comprehensive process over several years, which included a site visit and inspection by the Canadian Conservation Institute. The Gallery achieved this status because of its professional and rigorous museum practices, combined with the special amenities in its new facility built in 1998.

The requirements for “A” status include environmental controls for long-term preservation of works of art, security and fire protection measures, and the necessary expertise of Gallery staff to safely handle, display and store works of art. The Galley’s finances, insurance coverage, public programming, and strategic planning documents were also assessed. Finally, activities in the exhibitions gallery, collection storage and acclimatization rooms are conservation-friendly and monitored for security risks.

With the achievement of the stringent “A” status requirements, the Kamloops Art Gallery’s ability to exhibit, store, and preserve all works of art entrusted to its care is now formally recognized. Donors to the Permanent Collection and lenders to an exhibition can be assured of the Gallery’s ability to care for all works of art.

“This is wonderful news!” said the Gallery’s Executive Director Jann Bailey. “We’ve been working toward “A” status designation since we moved into this building and finally it came through. We’re all delighted."

Please direct all media inquiries to James Gordon, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Kamloops Art Gallery, (250) 377-2403, or jgordon@kag.bc.ca or Ms Lee Morris, CEO, Tourism Kamloops by email lee@tourismkamloops.com or by phone (250) 372-8000.