A new art gallery could be in the works at Keyano College.

Earlier this week, the college unveiled conceptual drawings for a proposed community Art Gallery at the Keyano Theatre.

The drawings are part of a detailed business plan supporting the college’s request to the RMWB – to approve $16.8 million for further design and construction.

Keyano President and CEO Trent Keough is expected to present their case to council during Wednesday’s budget meetings along with community arts supporters.

“Keyano College sees this as an opportunity to work with the RMWB to grow, sustain, and enliven the arts in Wood Buffalo,” said Keough in a release. “This will positively impact arts and culture in the region and attract local and international artists.”

In addition, the project would create an international art gallery, develop a dedicated ceramics studio and convert a former gymnasium into flexible studio spaces.

The interior of the proposed gallery. Photo courtesy: Keyano College

The proposal also asks the RMWB to help fund a portion of its Theatre’s annual operations.

The college notes with recent cuts to its budget totalling $4-million – and more cuts expected in the coming years, they will be challenged to continue funding for the theatre – which has been a cultural centrepiece to the community and the college for over 40 years.

Keough says if the theatre is to survive, they must find other means.

“Without any performance arts programming and over $2-million in operational costs annually, we have to rethink our priorities.”

Keyano says it will also develop new Arts programming, in conjunction with the RMWB’s partnership and the gallery’s completion.

Officials at the college note this project directly supports the RMWB’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan, the Wood Buffalo Culture Plan, and the Wood Buffalo Social Sustainability Plan.