Wilfrid Laurier University’s Integrated Planning and Resource Management (IPRM) report has been released. The IPRM process is to identify the academic and administrative priorities of the university and determine how to operationalize and fund these priorities.

Under this process the Robert Langen Art Gallery (RLAG) has received a recommendation of Closure. As an active member of the local, provincial and national arts community, RLAG is recognized and respected for its progressive exhibition programs which are integrated into the university’s curriculum to stimulate, challenge and provoke critical thinking. The gallery’s success is validated by the continued grant support of the Ontario Arts Council and The Canada Council of the Arts and award nomination by the Ontario Association of Art Galleries.

As the only dedicated venue space for visual arts on the Laurier campus, RLAG fosters creative thinking, exploration of ideas and community dialogue. It is an important and vital university resource that provides meaningful experiences that have long term impact on the development of critical and social thinking. To disregard the value of visual arts at Laurier is counterproductive to the University’s Value, Vision and Mission Statement and ultimately creates lost educational opportunities for future students and tarnishes the reputation of the University with external stakeholders, donors and the broader cultural community.

We, the undersigned, value the importance of arts and culture and object to the closure of the Robert Langen Art Gallery.

Photo: Ed Pien, From Thin Air, RLAG Installation 2009