OTTAWA'S LEADERSHIP

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 96, 20 October 1933, Page 11

OTTAWA'S LEADERSHIP

EFFICIENT ART GALLERY

EXAMPLE TO DOMINIONS

LONDON, September 24. Australia might well imitate the example of Ottawa, which has the most efficient art gallery in the Dominions, declares Mr. S. 11.I1. Markham, secretary of the Museums Association and private secretary to the Prime Minister, in an article in "The Times," dealing with the Carnegie survey of the Empire's museums and art galleries. ' '

The survey, says Mr. Markhavn, has progressed sufficienty to enable a history and comparison to be made of the cultural achievements of various parts of the Empire, which spend £17,000,000 a yonr in this direction.

Britain leads in expenditure with 7-Jd a head. New Zealand follows with 3^d. The remaining Dominions spend considerably less. New Zealand's achievement is due not to'the Government, which contributes less than that of other Dominions, but to th,e public spirit of the citizens, who refuse to accept second-rate galleries. Auckland has the best arranged and most educationally useful displays. Ottawa has the most efficient art gallery. It combines richness with an effective educational programme, bringing art to the backwoods. Melbourne and Sydney might imitate. Ottawa's* efforts. Newcastle, in spite of the size of the population, lacks .a worthy museum.

There should be greater Empire cultural cooperation, says Mr. Markham. Britain is eager to exhibit works of contemporary Dominion artists. Scores of pictures lying in vaults in national galleries in London should be lent to Australia and New Zealand.

The British Museums' Association does whatever is possible to compensate ' for the lack of an Empire body. The hope is expressed that at least the larger Dominions will create a cultural union. The Carnegie Corporation is spending £8000 to develop such cooperation with Canada,.and may make similar grants to other Dominions.