unique venues from east to west
c u l t u r al v e n u e s Art Gallery of Alberta The stunning architecture of the Art Gallery of Alberta combines several forms of the local Edmonton geography and transforms those natural elements through the graceful combination of steel, glass and zinc. Meant to mimic the curves of the North Saskatchewan River and the static city grid of Edmonton proper, this architectural jewel is a magnificent backdrop to corporate events. Four levels of space can accommodate intimate groups of 10, up to 500 for gala receptions. The largest space to hold an event in the Gallery is the Ernest Manning Hall and atrium that can accommodate 200 for a seated dinner. A beautiful bright 1000 sq.ft.-board room, seating 30, has an adjoining terrace. Four different levels offers a variety of event options, including the outdoor Sculpture Terrace. Elisa Defazio, director of event sales and catering, says “What’s great about the building is its diversity and the functionality of the space. People can use as much of the gallery as they need to fit their function.” Clients can customize their F & B menu with Chef David Omar. Defazio says at a recent event to celebrate the Andy Warhol exhibition, the chef featured mini-bison bitess with Warholart inspired pink, yellow and purple coloured buns. Defazio adds, “Chef Omar is happy to consult with meeting planners to discuss menus, and can either create a customized menu or help choose items off of our F & B menus, or off the menu of the ZINC restaurant, located on the main floor of the Gallery. www.youraga.ca
The Malaparte Room and rooftop patio at the TIFF Bell Lightbox
TIFF Bell Lightbox In the heart of Toronto, the TIFF Bell Lightbox is ground zero during the Toronto International Film Festival in September. During the rest of the year, mere mortals can aspire for that Tinseltown touch by booking space at Toronto’s temple to celluloid. Oliver & Bonacini Events books private event space on a number of levels at the Lightbox. A spectacular city view greets guests in the Malaparte Room on the 6th floor. Floor to ceiling windows floods the space with light during the day or reveals the city lights at night. The luxurious gauze and velvet curtains complement the slate grey irridescent tiled columns and a silvery montage of famous movie legends on the opposing wall. Hidden projectors and screens add to the room’s appeal. There is a dedicated kitchen for the Malaparte event space. Deborah Gee, manager, O & B Events and Private Dining, says “We have done a lot of luxury brand product launches in this room, and our biggest challenge is the guest capacity.” Malaparte seats 150 or accommodates up to 200 for a stand-up cocktail reception. The adjoining rooftop terrace, modeled after the Villa Malaparte in Capri where Jean-Luc Godard shot Le Mépris can be used in conjunction with the room space to double the guest counts, which works well in the summer months, no so much in the winter. The glistening rooftop adds drama and architectural interest on various levels, and seems to leads guests up into the Toronto cityscape. In addition, the Luma Restaurant and second floor outdoor patio is available for functions on Sunday night, when the restaurant is closed. September to December is the peak season for corporate events at the Lightbox. www.tiff.net
The Art Gallery of Alberta showcases fabulous architecture and art for a oneof-a-kind event space. Corporate Meetings & Events | 31