Hello Everyone,

I hope you enjoyed the post-Victoria Day week. Here are some highlights of the past several days:

• I visited Cleveland and attended the American Association of Museum Directors conference last weekend. Lots of interesting conversations about diversity. This issue is top of mind for me. I saw Matthew – he says “hi!”

• On Wednesday, I participated in my first AGO Board meeting. I shared with trustees the same message I delivered to staff and volunteers at our recent Town Hall – essentially my mantra of “art/access/learning”. I also talked about some of my priorities including re-installing the collection; telling the AGO’s story better through marketing; and making the Gallery as accessible as possible. Trustees are deeply committed, and have great confidence in the work that we do.

• I am getting to know elected officials such as Mayor Tory, Ontario’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport (Maureen Adamson), and MP Adam Vaughan. We should all be mindful that our largest source of support is the tax payer.

• Last night was the Artist Party. Remarkable speeches by Shary Boyle, Luis Jacob and Suzy Lake, and an outstanding performance by Mustafa the Poet. I am humbled by everyone’s welcome. It is vital that we engage with artists, and continue to find ways of connecting them to activities at the AGO. Their involvement makes us better.

• A head’s up that the annual Staff and Volunteer Survey will be distributed next week. PLEASE take a moment to complete the survey. Just do it. It will take 5 minutes. Look out for a new question from me on the survey!

After two weekends away at conferences, I am looking forward to spending time with my family this weekend. See you on Monday!

Stephan