Hello everyone,

NOTE: THE AGO REMAINS OPEN

A short while ago, as you might have heard, the province announced that we are rolling back to some Stage 2 restrictions due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. What this means for the AGO is that indoor dining in the Bistro will be closed as of tomorrow for the next 28 days. This is disappointing but understandable news. I know our F&B team has worked very hard to provide a safe space for our public to enjoy. I will personally miss having the fried chicken sandwich for the next few weeks but Bistro will open again. We are working with our colleagues in F&B to assist with the temporary closure and related communications. All other aspects of our operations will continue as usual – including Bistro takeout and pick up for the sold out Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go. We remain open to the public from Thursday to Sunday. The AGO is a very safe building thanks to everyone’s care and the health protocols put in place.

This week we shared the amazing news about the AGO’s new virtual school programs. Starting October 13, the AGO invites students, in school or at home, to participate in a new series of online guided art conversations, three times daily from Monday to Friday. And the programs are being offered free of charge! These curriculum-based conversations will emphasize the role of art in promoting wellness and they will connect to contemporary themes including Art and the Senses, Art of the African Diaspora, AGO Highlights and Indigenous Art and Artists. Please help us spread the word with your friends, family and teachers/educators. More than 6,000 students are registered for week one alone! You can find more info to share here.

For this week’s Diversity & Inclusion resource I am sharing this podcast of Letecia Rose speaking with Dr. Christopher Stuart Taylor on the topic of Decoding Black. Please take a few moments to listen, here.

Again, with the number of COVID-19 spiking in our city, please continue to follow health guidelines and avoid large social gatherings. This Thanksgiving will be different for sure but we still have so much to be thankful for in Toronto and Canada. I hope you all enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving. A special thanks to those who will be working at the Gallery this weekend.

Stephan