Remai Modern to launch by-donation admission on all open days after major donation from the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation
For immediate release — October 20, 2022
SASKATOON, CANADA — Starting on October 22, admission to Remai Modern will be by donation on all open days, thanks to a major contribution from the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation.
Just in time for the museum’s fifth anniversary, Ellen Remai has pledged $10 million to support by-donation admission for the next 20 years.
“We have a gem in our city, we should all wear that with a lot of pride. I know that I am extremely proud,” said Remai. “My gift — by-donation admission to the museum — reaffirms my relationship and my long-term commitment to Remai Modern.”
This move comes as direct result of Remai Modern’s new strategic plan, which gathered feedback from hundreds of individuals and organizations to help chart a path for the next five years. Through this process, the Board learned that there are barriers, both perceived and real, that exist to visiting Remai Modern, including charging admission.
The Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation’s contribution enables the museum to meaningfully respond to community feedback and welcome even more people into the space.
This gift also builds on Saskatoon’s legacy of giving and art, which began at Remai Modern’s predecessor the Mendel Art Gallery with Fred Mendel and his family.
“This is an extraordinary gift to the people of Saskatoon and beyond. We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. Remai for her vision, leadership and belief in what Remai Modern does,” said Aileen Burns and Johan Lundh, Remai Modern Co-Executive Director & CEOs.
“Remai Modern, and the art we showcase, belongs to the people of this community. This pledge ensures we can be a welcoming and accessible space to connect, inspire and challenge all audiences through art.”
Though the recommended donation will be $10 for each adult, any amount is welcome. Eligible donations and memberships to the museum will continue to be matched by the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation. Youth under 18 will continue to be free. Remai Modern is open Wednesday through Sunday. Visit remaimodern.org for more information.
About Ellen Remai
Saskatoon entrepreneur and philanthropist Ellen Remai is Remai Modern’s lead patron. Prior to Remai Modern’s grand opening in October 2017, Ellen Remai announced two significant new gifts to ensure the museum’s successful future. The funds from the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation include $1 million a year for the next 25 years to support art purchases. The foundation will also match eligible donations up to $1 million a year for 25 years.
Ellen Remai’s first gift to Remai Modern came before any sod was turned at its River Landing site, and before the space was named in her honour after a unanimous vote by Saskatoon City Council. Her unprecedented pledge of $31 million provided $16 million toward construction and $15 million — $500,000 a year for 30 years — to support international exhibitions programs.
The Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation also donated 405 linocuts by Pablo Picasso to Remai Modern in 2012.
About Remai Modern
Remai Modern is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to First Nations and Métis ancestors and reaffirm our relationship with one another.
Remai Modern is a new museum of modern and contemporary art in Saskatoon. The museum presents and collects local and international modern and contemporary art that connects, inspires and challenges diverse audiences through equitable and accessible programs.
Open since October 2017, Remai Modern is the largest contemporary art museum in western Canada and houses a collection of more than 8,000 works, including the world’s foremost collection of Picasso linocut prints.
Remai Modern would like to acknowledge the contributions of the Frank & Ellen Remai Foundation, the Canada Council for the Arts, SaskCulture through the Sask Lotteries Fund, SK Arts and the City of Saskatoon.
For additional information contact:
Stephanie McKay,
Communications Manager
306.975.2242
smckay@remaimodern.org