News Releases

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - May 29, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

BMO Financial Group today announced a donation of $100,000 to the MacKenzie Art Gallery, a top cultural attraction in Saskatchewan and a nationally recognized public art gallery with exhibitions of contemporary and historical art.

The donation will go towards the naming of the BMO Learning Centre which is open during gallery hours, seven days a week. The BMO Learning Centre is an interactive and creative space filled with hands-on exhibition-related activities to inspire the artist in everyone. Admission to both the MacKenzie Art Gallery and BMO Learning Centre is free.

"In 1990 BMO contributed to the renovation of the T.C. Douglas Building as the new home of the MacKenzie Art Gallery. Today we're especially pleased to provide this gift of $100,000 which comes with naming of the BMO Learning Centre," said Mike Darling, District Vice President, Saskatchewan for BMO Bank of Montreal.

"Investing in arts education is an investment in our children's future. The vision of the MacKenzie Art Gallery is to make the arts accessible to all and encourage people to explore their own creative potential and use art to break down barriers and foster dialogue," added Darling.

"We are profoundly grateful for the support of BMO Financial Group. This investment and longstanding partnership will enable the MacKenzie Art Gallery to increase participation in the arts by youth and families. The BMO Learning Centre is a one-of-a-kind, innovative resource for our community," said Jeremy Morgan, Executive Director, MacKenzie Art Gallery.

About the MacKenzie Art Gallery

The MacKenzie Art Gallery is Saskatchewan's largest public art gallery, offering original exhibitions of contemporary and historical art from Saskatchewan, Canada and around the world. Through the years the MacKenzie has developed a national reputation and has won numerous awards for its leading-edge contemporary exhibitions and its innovative educational and provincial outreach programs. An interactive and creative space, we provide educational programs, unique community events and free public tours for people of all ages. The MacKenzie's vault contains more than 4,000 pieces of art from our treasured permanent collection.

About BMO Financial Group in the Community

For more than 194 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2011, BMO contributed more than $66.4 million in donations, sponsorships and events in Canada and the United States to groups, organizations and programs that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.

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