Facing federal pressure to trim its budget, the National Gallery has decided to axe a standing exhibition in a Shawinigan, Que., gallery to maintain another program.

The National Gallery has decided to use the $1-million budget for annual special exhibits at Shawinigan Space to offset a necessary cutback of the same amount in the travelling exhibition program.

The Shawinigan exhibits, initiated under former prime minister Jean Chrétien at his hometown gallery, will continue through this summer with a reduced scope.

National Gallery spokeswoman Joanne Charette said the Shawinigan gallery will still have the option of hosting exhibits from the travelling program.