Hi Volunteers,

Here’s the formal press release celebrating our big news this week! – Cheers, Holly

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  JAN. 27, 2016, 1 p.m. EST

TORONTO – Stephan Jost has been appointed the Michael and Sonja Koerner Director and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), it was announced today. Currently the Director of the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA), Mr. Jost plans to join the AGO this spring, pending governmental approval of authorization to work in Canada.

“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Stephan to the AGO”, says Maxine Granovsky Gluskin, President of the AGO Board of Trustees and Chair of the Board search committee. “Stephan is a warm and engaging leader who has built upon the successes of each institution he has led. He is focused on artistic excellence, passionate about ensuring accessibility of art, committed to community engagement, and is deeply respected among his peers an colleagues. We believe he is the perfect fit for the AGO, and on behalf of our Trustees, staff and volunteers, I offer him our heartfelt congratulations.”

The Michigan-born Mr. Jost, 47, has been the Director of the HoMA since 2011. Under his leadership the Museum successfully merged two institutions on Oahu: the island’s contemporary and comprehensive art galleries. He balanced the newly-merged Museum’s budget, greatly expanded its education programs by significantly strengthening ties with Hawaii’s public school system, and made its exhibition program more relevant by creating meaningful relationships with the local community. Through these achievements the HoMA was revitalized, and its membership was more than doubled.

“I am thrilled to be joining the AGO, which is one of North America’s preeminent art museums”, says Stephan Jost. “The energy and diversity of Toronto is exciting, and the city is well position to be a true global leader. An exciting journey lies ahead for the AGO; one that builds upon its remarkable art collection and Matthew Teitelbaum’s successful legacy that positioned the Gallery as a leading, world class institution. I feel strongly that artists should help guide not only a national, but international cultural conversation that will help us better know ourselves and our world. It is a great honour to be appointed the Michael and Sonja Koerner Director and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario.”