Art Gallery of Hamilton is now free to visit for the rest of the summer
Initiative is thanks to a private donor, says gallery CEO
This summer, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is opening its doors to all visitors for free.
It's part of an initiative the gallery is calling "Hamilton Strong," to support people in their health and wellbeing.
"Hamilton Strong is for everyone – those who are experiencing financial insecurity, those who are swept up in the anxieties of political instability, or those who simply need a safe haven from the craziness of the world," said President and CEO Shelley Falconer.
Falconer hopes the art gallery will "provide a place for wellness, healing, reflection and community."
Free admission will be available every day throughout July and August and is made possible through a private donor, Falconer said.
Gallery exhibits and features include:
- Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey.
- Taking Root: Recent Acquisitions.
- The Shape of Curiosity.
- Zucker Sculpture Garden.
- And the AGH Creative Lab.
Members of the gallery will receive an automatic two-month extension of their pass and anyone who purchases a year-long membership in July or August will get two extra months as well.
Behavioural scientist Tasha Golden, at the University of Florida, told CBC Radio's Day 6 that visiting galleries, museums and music events can help people break away from the daily grind.
She has studied the impacts of "social prescribing" — when physicians prescribe patients arts and cultural experiences and nature.
"A lot of times, the architecture is really interesting, there might be really tall ceilings, or something you can set your eyes on ... and help you set aside the day to day and become mindful, become a little quieter inside," Golden said in May.
"We hear a lot from people that their stress levels go down, they feel more relaxed and are able to connect with a family and friend because they were having this novel experience together."
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