Brian Rodnick, Editor Barrie Examiner
I am writing in response to Cheryl Browne’s January 26, 2012 article published in the Examiner concerning the Barrie Curling Club’s request that MacLaren Art Centre permit an image of the Spirit Catcher by Ron Baird to be used in their advertising logo for the “Dominion Insurance Tankard” in 2013.
It goes without saying that copyright matters involving material such as an artist’s work, especially one as visible and widely appreciated as the Spirit Catcher, can invoke strong opinions. But the pieces in our permanent collection, including the Spirit Catcher, are held in trust for the Canadian public by the MacLaren. Like all public art institutions, it’s our duty to protect these works and to respect the rights of the artists who produced them. Our policies were designed with those things in mind and to abide by the Copyright Act of Canada. These laws protect the integrity of artworks and how they are reproduced and used. We are required to ensure that the artist and artwork are properly credited. Obviously not everyone agrees with decisions we make over the use of images from our collection but the MacLaren applies these policies fairly and with concern for the best interests of all.
The MacLaren Art Centre is a public art gallery and is, above all, here to serve the residents of Barrie. I’m grateful for our enormously talented MacLaren staff and the hundreds of volunteers, members and donors who make it possible for us to deliver our programming. These are all hardworking fellow citizens who work and live in Barrie and surrounding areas. Most are also involved with other community groups such as churches, youth sports, the RVH and countless other important organizations. And like me, they love our community and are proud of how MacLaren enriches the lives of its residents. Through our partnerships with local schools, thousands of Kindergarten to Grade 8 children participate in the MacLaren’s VanGo program, a unique visual arts learning experience delivered by professional artists. These young people are left with a positive experience that will last a lifetime. We have many other art education programs provided year-round for children, adults and families. The doors of the MacLaren are open seven days a week for all residents and visitors to enjoy our exhibitions, which feature regional artists and works from our 26,600-piece permanent collection.
If you haven’t visited the MacLaren Art Centre, please come by. The MacLaren, its staff and volunteers are here to serve you. We invite you experience the many wonderful things your public art gallery has to offer.
Dan Revell
President, MacLaren Art Centre Board of Directors
Vice-President, CFO, Georgian International