Wanuskewin Heritage Park has received a large donation for a new artist in residence program.
A $675,000 donation was given to the heritage park on Wednesday by Olivia and Greg Yuel for the program and two galleries to be named after them. Greg Yuel is the president of PIC Investment Group.
“Our collaboration with Wanuskewin is one of many efforts we have made to increase visibility of Indigenous artistic styles as they evolve and grow over time,” said Greg Yuel. “Water color landscapes, traditional beadwork of native Prairie flowers and animals, are signature land-based imagery. We are excited to support these styles, and to see what new artistic styles emerge over the next 30 years”
The heritage park welcomed the donation.
“The Yuel’s support of a National Indigenous Artist-in-Residence program is a leadership gift that shows the country, and the world, that Wanuskewin is very special and important place worthy of UNESCO World Heritage designation,” said Alan Long, Director of Development for Wanuskewin Heritage Park. “So many Indigenous artists have been inspired by the deep history and spirituality of this place and this gift allows Wanuskewin to share this more broadly and deepen this legacy.”
The new artist in residence program will aim to bring local, national, and international artists to Wanuskewin Heritage Park.