MacKenzie Art Gallery nixes free admission in favour of $10 fee

A trip to Regina's MacKenzie Art Gallery which is currently free will soon cost art lovers $10.

On June 10the gallery will up its adult admission fee. People under 17 will still be allowed in without charge.

Some prices have dipped, though. A "core membership" for one person will cost $30 a year while a double membership will cost $55 down from $50 and $75, respectively.

Ensure another 66 years

The gallery's Executive Director and CEO Anthony Kiendlis proud of the institution's 66 years.

Admission prices are rising to ensure another 66 years, he said.

"This is just one of several things we're doing to ensure we can be robust and vital to offer the world-class programs that people have become accustomed to."

The gallery has lost some funding, but Kiendl points out the MacKenzie has had successful fundraising campaigns.

We're just trying to ensure our sustainability- Anthony Kiendl, Executive Director and CEO of the Mackenzie Art Gallery

"We're just trying to ensure our sustainability, to diversify our revenues and make sure we don't fall behind," he said.

There is a commitment to remain accessible, despite the introduction of an admission fee.

"We're working with community groups, say, for new immigrants to Canada or those that might not otherwise be able to visit the gallery," said Kiendl.

There will some sort of membership for these groups, and school tours will continue as usual.

Kiendl says there are also plans to offer free admission days with the help of corporate sponsors.