Hello Everyone,

• Last week we announced the upcoming departure of Alicia Vandermeer, Deputy Director and Chief Advancement Officer. Mark your calendars – we will have a “good-bye” celebration for Alicia on Monday December 2 from 3-4:30pm in Seminar Room 1. We won’t be hiring a replacement for Alicia because she is simply irreplaceable!

• 100,000 annual Passholders! Did you know that if every Passholder stood side by side that the line would stretch from the AGO to Prince Edward County? What an amazing achievement! I’m pleased to report that on Wednesday the Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to continue the initiative. There is a lot of work ahead, but this program is a game changer for us.

• This week was a busy week with board meetings – the AGO Board as well as The Art Gallery of Ontario Foundation Board met, and multiple curatorial committees gathered to discuss potential acquisitions. Our trustees and committee members are deeply engaged with our mission, which is very important and beneficial to us.  

• As many of you are aware, we are in a deficit position so far this year. I will address this further at next Tuesday’s Town Hall so please be sure to attend.

• Wednesday evening’s Merce Cunningham dance performance was beautiful. Below is a pic of the scene.

Enjoy the weekend,

Stephan