A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR AND CEO
Dear Colleagues,
What’s happening?
- We have refined the AGO’s Mission, Vision and Values to better reflect the priorities that have been outlined in our Strategic Plan. They are attached below, along with the previous version for comparison purposes.
- The AGO’s Mission, Vision and Values will guide us as we continue to implement the plan and achieve our goals – to grow our audience and become the arts destination in Toronto.
- The revised Mission, Vision and Values document has been approved by the AGO’s Board of Trustees.
What remains the same?
- Our belief that art has the power to change people’s lives – celebrating art is at the heart of everything that we do.
- Our commitment to collecting, presenting and preserving the art in our care with the highest standards of scholarship and professionalism.
What has changed?
- We have put a greater emphasis on the importance of audience engagement – which reflects our stronger focus on the visitor experience in the Strategic Plan.
- We continue to stress of the power of art to change the way we see and understand the world, but we’ve put this in the context of an activity one does primarily with others to provide a greater sense of community – sharing in the experience gives it something special and unique.
- We have used the words “innovative” and “new points of view” to reflect our belief that we must continue to think of new ways to engage our audiences and invite them to come and visit. Art truly is for everyone and we want it to help us all see the world differently.
- The idea of partnership has been strengthened – we want to create great experiences with art by collaborating with others – i.e. museums, artists, community organizations.
- We have specifically included artists as central to our sense of who we are, reflecting our strengthened commitment to advocating on behalf of artists.
What is a mission statement?
- A mission statement is a brief description of an institution’s fundamental purpose and represents its philosophies, goals and ambitions.
- It answers the question “Why do we exist?”
- The mission statement should guide all actions of the organization.
What is a vision statement?
- A vision statement outlines what an organization wants to be – it takes a long-term view and concentrates on the future.
- It answers the question “Where do we want to go?”
What are values?
- Values are beliefs that are shared among the stakeholders of an organization.
- Values drive an organization’s culture and priorities and provide a framework in which decisions are made.
All of us make a difference every day in the lives of our visitors, colleagues and valued supporters and we’re already living the values and principles that are outlined below. I hope that you find this document clear, inspiring, relevant and most of all, useful in your work.
Sincerely,
Matthew
2013 – AGO Mission, Vision, and Values
Our Mission:
We bring people together with art to see, experience and understand the world in new ways.
Our Vision:
We will become the imaginative centre of our city and province. We will be welcoming to our visitors, inspiring for our audiences and innovative in the ways we gather people together to create community through art. We will become a preferred cultural partner for artistic visionaries from all over the world.
Our Values:
- We believe the experience of our visitor is paramount.
- We commit to excellence in the acquisition, collection, preservation and presentation of art in our care, in our time and for future generations.
- We commit to the highest standards of scholarship while engaging new methodologies and welcoming new points of view.
- We celebrate art and artists as central to our sense of who we are.
- We listen and contribute to our communities.
- We foster respect and recognition for all who visit and work here.
Pre-2013 AGO Mission, Vision, and Values
Our Mission:
We bring art and people together and boldly declare Art Matters.
Our Vision:
We will become the imaginative centre of our city and province, reflecting our diverse and dynamic setting. We will enhance our international profile as a leading cultural destination and innovative partner in the celebration of art, forging a new model for art museums.
Our Values:
- We celebrate art in all that we do
- We believe our visitor experience is paramount
- We listen and contribute to our communities
- We stand for creativity, innovation and on-going learning
- We are committed to the highest professional and ethical standards
- We foster respect and recognition for our employees, volunteers, and our members and donors