Hello Everyone,
This week at Town Hall I spoke about the work we have been doing and how it all relates to our vision statement for AGO 2028 and values:
The Vision Statement at first glance seems pretty straightforward:
The AGO will lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions and programs, and by reflecting the people who live here.
When you read it, the statement is actually pretty packed with questions that still need to be answered and defined. For example: which global conversations will we lead? What do we mean by extraordinary collections? And how do we reflect the people who live here? Remember that our vision statement – which was developed a couple of years ago – has diversity and inclusion imperative written into it. Our task is to start to move towards achieving our vision.
And then there is the list of values – whatever we do we should be firmly rooted in these:
- Lead with quality
- Be inclusive and accessible
- Be adaptable and flexible
- Contemporary relevance
- Achieve financial equilibrium
Again, I also acknowledge the extraordinary job of AGOU facilitators who are preparing and leading sessions with tremendous enthusiasm and effort. Thank you, facilitators! I have heard many wonderful stories about AGOU. Even in the midst of this pandemic, there are still ways to find joy. Learning brings joy.
Finally, I am sharing the links that Wanda Nanibush sent to me that connects to the vision about leading global conversations. A couple of years ago, Wanda founded an Indigenous-led gathering called aabaakwad (it clears after a storm) which was hosted by the AGO. It was a two and a half day event of conversations and performances by Indigenous artists, curators and thinkers.
For the second aabaakwad event Wanda partnered with the first ever Indigenous-led Biennale of Sydney, Australia called aabaakwad 2020 NIRIN which showcased a major number of global Indigenous and queer artists. aabaakwad was the main opening event spanning four days at the Sydney Opera House, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and performances on Cockatoo Island. It was a massive project with hundreds of artists and events that I had the good fortune of visiting (although my visit was sadly cut short because of COVID-19). The big point here is that Wanda helped the AGO be part of a significant global conversation that is important to all of us.
There are two links below, one has 3 videos of conversations held at the MCA Sydney and the other is the opening event at the Sydney Opera House that is profoundly beautiful.
https://www.mca.com.au/stories-and-ideas/material-histories-aabaakwad-2020-nirin/
https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/digital/season/first-nations/aabaakwad-2020-nirin.html
Thank you to the frontline staff who are working this weekend – you are the welcoming face of the gallery!
Stephan