Architectural teams from around the world are invited to participate in a design competition for a brand new waterfront art gallery in Halifax.

The gallery will be part of a new arts district in the highly popular tourist area of the capital region.

The design competition, the largest ever for the province, is expected to last six months and will take place in two stages. In summer 2020, during the final stage of the competition, the field will be narrowed to three design teams before a qualified jury of architects and museum professionals. The conceptual designs of all finalists will be on public display for feedback, which will be provided to the winning design team.

“We are seeking an exceptional team of architects and designers to realize the ambitions of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the dream of creating an inclusive world class centre for art, here in Nova Scotia,” explained Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Director and CEO Nancy Noble. “A design competition is the best way to capture a global perspective on how a gallery can best serve a community, while ensuring that architecture helps achieve our vision of being an inclusive public gathering place that connects all people with art.”

The project already has a combined $100 million funding boost from Nova Scotia and the federal government.