Hello Everyone,
I watch the COVID-19 numbers for Ontario and Canada daily. It’s clear that together we have made remarkable progress. Simultaneously, as much as I want to celebrate our success, I also see the deep economic impact the pandemic is having on businesses, families and individuals in Toronto. Of course I hope for a speedy financial recovery but I know we need to be mindful of very real economic challenges. My gut sense is that we need to continue doing what we do best – focus on art, learning and our audience. I am thrilled to see visitors in the gallery. I’m also aware that even on days where the time slots are nearly sold out, we are are only at 20% of our normal attendance. With today’s launch of Stage 3 and the opening up of more businesses – including AGO Bistro, which offers take-away and soon in-room dining – we will see how things go.
In the coming weeks, you will receive regular communications about the progression of our Diversity & Inclusion strategy including training. As I stated at Town Hall last month, I am committed to the first phase of training happening by mid-September. Our commitment is ongoing, there will be much more beyond September 18th. Lots of work is going on in the background right now and you will hear more about steps we are taking to make the AGO more diverse and inclusive. I am proud of what we have done lately on ago.ca but there is much more work to do. Some of you might have noticed a Toronto Star article yesterday about a Food & Beverage employee who experienced a situation that made her feel discriminated against because she is Black. I have heard stories from several of you about other similar situations. This should never happen to anyone at the AGO, or anywhere. We all need the training and self-education to play our part in creating a more inclusive culture.
With the school year fast approaching and the news that kids are going back to in-class instruction, it’s good to acknowledge that we are all educators and we are all learners. This week, I am sharing a “primer” on Talking About Race developed by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture’s education department. Yes, it is American based but still has relevant tools. There are Canadian examples – including Dr. Audrey Hudson’s recent online sessions on “How to Talk About Anti-Black Racism Part 1 and 2”, which you can view on ago.ca – and I encourage you to share them with one another.
Also – these final words by John Lewis are deeply powerful and beautiful:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/30/opinion/john-lewis-civil-rights-america.html
Next week I will be away for a vacation with my family. Be safe and well and I will back the week of August 11.
Stephan