Treasured Artifacts Find Safe Haven in Calgary

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - April 25, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this Press Release.

Funding of $50,000 through the Emergency Assistance Fund of the Museums Assistance Program supported the National Music Centre (NMC) in relocating treasured artifacts from their flood-damaged storage area to a temporary rental facility in Calgary.

This funding was announced today by Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre) Joan Crockatt, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover.

In June 2013, southern Alberta experienced heavy rainfall that caused flooding along several rivers and tributaries, resulting in widespread damage in many communities. The NMC suffered extensive flooding in the basement of its current facility, as well as inside an off-site storage building. While the majority of its collection remains intact, approximately 200 artifacts were damaged. The at-risk artifacts, including 143 pianos, were relocated to a stable environment where they could be assessed and restored.

Quick Facts

• The NMC was officially launched in February 2012; however, the organization has existed in various forms under different names for the last 25 years.
• The NMC currently operates in a heritage building in downtown Calgary and houses a significant collection of unique and iconic musical instruments and sound equipment.
• The Emergency Assistance Fund assists institutions in undertaking urgent remedial action in order to mitigate damage to collections. Eligible activities include moving at-risk collections and temporary storage.

Quotes

"Our Government understands the important role museums play in safeguarding our culture and providing Canadians with access to our shared history. The NMC is a valued institution in downtown Calgary, and, with support through the Emergency Assistance Fund, a great number of artifacts have been removed from danger and safely stored."

-Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"I applaud the swift efforts by NMC staff to remove threatened artifacts including instruments, manuals and mixed media from the flood-damaged facility that housed these invaluable musical treasures. The NMC has been doing a remarkable job sharing stories about the history of music in Canada and around the world, and I am pleased that we could partner for this project."

-Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre)

"We are grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage for its support. The Emergency Assistance Fund permitted us to move over 200 artifacts out of our damaged building to safety in the very first days of our recovery effort after the flooding in 2013. Programs like this are so important for ensuring the protection of Canada's national heritage."

-Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of the National Music Centre

Associated Links

National Music Centre

Museums Assistance Program

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