Hello Everyone:
Stephanie Smith
We learned on Tuesday that Stephanie Smith is leaving the AGO to take on an extraordinary opportunity at the new Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. It is worth repeating some of the important contributions she made to the AGO, including: confirming a three-year exhibition schedule for the first time in the AGO’s history; securing major acquisitions such as Song Dong’s Communal Courtyard; and shaping a strong curatorial team with new hires and promotions. In addition, she has been a key part of developing our reinstallation plan. I am grateful to Stephanie for her leadership, insight, and critical thinking. Stay tuned for more details about celebrating Stephanie before her last day on October 21st.
On Wednesday, the Board of Trustees approved a new governance model for board committee structure that aligns with our recent staff re-organization. Among the highlights are the creation of a new Advancement Committee as well as a new Collections Committee comprised of the Chairs of all five curatorial committees. The Collections Committee will provide an opportunity to refine our strategic thinking about how to build the AGO’s collection.
Wanda Nanibush photo credit: Victor Biro
Wanda Nanibush and a whole team from across the Gallery have done an amazing job pulling together Toronto: Tributes & Tributaries, 1971-1989. I visited the exhibition several times during the installation period and I’m learning a lot about our city’s legacy of community building and activism. The exhibition was packed last night and made all the more special by the presence of many of the participating artists.
Stephan