The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) has announced the team of KPMB Architects with Omar Gandhi Architect, Jordan Bennett Studio, Elder Lorraine Whitman (NWAC), Public Work and Transsolar as winners of the international design competition for the new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and Waterfront Arts District.

"Congratulations to the winning design team on their outstanding proposal for a new iconic Art Gallery of Nova Scotia," said Premier Stephen McNeil in a statement. "As a province, we recognize the importance of inclusive public spaces connected to the arts.  Art and culture help tell the story of who we are as Nova Scotians. The new gallery will reflect the importance of art and culture to our lives, our communities, and our economy. I also want to thank The Sobey Foundation for their very generous donation to this project."

As part of the unveiling of the design for the New Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Donald R. Sobey Foundation, with The Sobey Foundation, announced a $10 million gift to the project.

"As Nova Scotians, we are exceptionally proud to live in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich places in the world. The role that artists can play in shining a global spotlight on our province will be strengthened by this bold new vision for internationally recognized cultural infrastructure," said Donald R. Sobey in a statement. "The Sobey family looks forward to our province’s enhanced capacity to welcome the world with this visionary arts district. Our sincere gratitude goes out to all three design proponents and our heartfelt congratulations goes to Omar Gandhi, Jordan Bennett, Elder Lorraine Whitman, Public Work and Transsolar, and KPMB Architects Bruce Kuwabara and Shirley Blumberg for their extraordinary winning design."

Located on the Salter Block of the Halifax Waterfront, the new gallery and arts district will be an interactive destination for visitors. The design team's submission proposes a new array of accessible experiences that will engage all senses at a number of different scales.

"We proposed a sinuous building surrounded by regenerative gardens that will signal a radical new beginning for the AGNS, the waterfront, Nova Scotians, and the world of art," said Bruce Kuwabara, Founding Partner, KPMB Architects in a statement. "We want people to experience art in a great setting. We want people to feel welcome and at home. We believe we have created a place for everyone."

The gallery and the province will work with the design team and the public to shape a final design scheme. Formal public engagement will begin in early 2021.