A first-person perspective submitted by Shelagh Barrington, Gallery Guide and National Docent Symposium (NDS) Director for Canada
A July 19, 2023 meeting with Gallery Guides was arranged by Natalie Lam and Paola Poletto, who introduced new staff support Danah Abusido, Curatorial Associate, Artist in Residence program. Danah’s duties have expanded to include assisting with the GG program. Also introduced and linked by zoom was Audrey Hudson Chief, Education and Programming.
Audrey gave us an update on what Education and Programming has to offer. It was a good overview of the changes and accomplishments that this department has worked through during and following the pandemic. The AGO Education and Programming department is doing an amazing job of offering the AGO collection to schools and communities who are not otherwise able to access our collections in person, including remote communities in the north. The program is scheduled to expand both across the country and further afield. We now have an AGO production studio on-site. As guides we should be familiar with the programs the AGO now offers.
During the Q&A part of the presentation Audrey and Paola answered questions and provided relevant information.
- Can staff take on volunteer jobs? No, staff can’t do volunteer jobs and volunteers can’t do staff jobs.
- Clarification re: new GG training and ongoing training
A small group of new GGs recently joined the AGO, and welcomed with an in-person orientation and training, and additional online resources. Paola Poletto let us know that in-person training resumes this Fall for new GGs. During the summer, new GGs will continue to shadow experienced GGs and learn about the collection through research. Experienced GGs are invited to provide feedback to Natalie about what might assist the new recruits. Experienced GGs, please make new GGs welcome, and begin establishing those personal connections!
Continued in-person training for all GGs will happen as new exhibitions open, and these sessions will continue to be recorded for those unable to attend.
- Terminology is tricky and can mean something different to different audiences. But it is also flexible and can be changed. Communications is key.
- Expansion of GG duties:
Hourly walking chats resume this Fall with flexibility to guide availability and interest (if GGs are in the building, they will happen, if not, they won’t). Newly designed bright pink Let’s Chat mats (on order) and new signage, designed and displayed in Walker Court, will signal when the hourly walking chats will happen. Paola clarified that the AGO design team designs and implements signage as part of broader branding responsibility.
- Responding to our concerns:
Paola and Natalie have been responsive to Gallery Guide asks. We asked to give new visitors more of our time and they did. First the walking chat and now that is evolving into the hourly walking chats.
- The Volunteer Blog: Holly said volunteers can submit stories for the Volunteer Blog. So, if volunteers want to see more about what volunteers are doing, please write a story and provide a jpeg picture.
- Audrey Hudson stated she and her staff are interested in knowing more about what GGs do and is open to arranging for staff do a walking chat. So, GGs lets be on our game to show them our best. And that goes for other volunteers around the AGO. You are welcome any time to join a dot chat or a walking chat; just give us a heads up that you are joining the group.
We have lost some of our GGs over this time of transition, and some found it difficult to adapt to interactive talks. But GGs still with the program are ready and looking forward to our newly expanding role.
So, Yes! The Gallery Guide community will continue with a newly reworked approach of assisting visitors that is ever-evolving and we appreciate all that the AGO has to offer.
Thank you to Holly for arranging a wonderful welcome back volunteer party/ recognition event earlier this Spring, and to Paloma and Natalie for arranging continued GG training.
Please note: If you’re a volunteer who wants to submit a first-person perspective to the volunteer blog, we welcome your submission! Please get in touch with [email protected]