New Museum in Alberta Building a Legacy

Compiled by John Pidkowich

Upon announcing a Capital Fundraising Campaign in 2004, The Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta (UCAMA) has been actively seeking partners in the development of its new heritage museum facility. In March of 2003, UCAMA acquired the Lodge Hotel and Brighton Block properties on Jasper Avenue in Edmonton, both designated Municipal Historic Resources. Plans are currently underway for phase one of this rehabilitation project which fits well with the city’s revitalization plans. The new $12 million museum will also be suitably located in an area of the city which was home to Ukrainian business and community since the early 20^th Century. Currently, UCAMA is seeking a federal grant to match funds secured through the Province and City, and will raise the remaining funds through public and corporate donations before  relocation in late 2008.

UCAMA takes great pleasure in announcing a major donation of $200,000 in support of the new museum capital fund raising campaign. As directors of the John H. and Marie Koziak Family Foundation, the children strongly endorse the museum project and have chosen to honour their parents by sponsoring the Founders’ Room at the new facility. As a former director of the Ukrainian Canadian Archives & Museum, John H. Koziak demonstrated his strong commitment to the preservation of Ukrainian culture in Canada and the contributions of Ukrainian pioneers in Alberta.

Both John and his wife, Marie gave freely of their time and financial resources to benefit others and were also proud Edmontonians. They established the John H. and Marie Koziak Family Foundation as one vehicle for their generosity.  The new museum project of UCAMA promises to be a centre piece for Edmonton as well as a showcase for Ukrainian pioneers in Alberta and Canada. 

The President of UCAMA, Khrystyna Kohut, praised the generosity and foresight of the Foundation. “Like our forefathers, we have an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to our City and Province. It is simply thrilling to see the Koziaks step forward in such a positive manner. Their gift will be a beacon for others to follow.”

Renowned Edmonton architectural firms – HIP Architects and David Murray Architect - have been retained for the project. They are among the recipients of the prestigious Canadian Architect’s 2006 Awards of Excellence for their architectural design for the new UCAMA museum. The design’s response to the site, geographical and social context, structure, materials, and environmental and other features are evaluated.

Allan Partridge of HIP Architect has stated that the UCAMA project is drawing interest not only from across Canada but internationally as well. “While the marriage of great museums with great architecture is well recognized around the world, there has not been the same recognition of marrying small museums with architecture. That is changing now. Just look at the international interest generated by the architectural competition for the Art Gallery of Alberta. Believe me, there are eyes all across North America looking to see what we are doing with UCAMA in Edmonton. We are at the very forefront of this movement.”

 The Award follows on the heels of praise for the UCAMA development proposal from the Edmonton Design Committee and Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda’s recent designation of Edmonton as the cultural capital of Canada for 2007.” Khrystyna Kohut commends the City’s esteem stating that “Edmonton is receiving the recognition it so richly deserves and UCAMA is in the middle of everything. With the Royal Alberta Museum and the Art Gallery of Alberta we figure to be the third cultural institution, albeit the smallest one, that is undergoing a major transformation in the city.”

Additional named sponsor opportunities for donations are still available. Interested parties should direct their inquiries to UCAMA at 780-424-7580 or UCAMA@shaw.ca.