Hello everyone,

Last week I attended the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) Spring Summit in St. Louis, MO. Just over 200 museum directors from Mexico, Canada, and the US are members. In the US there are serious issues as the current administration has cut all three federal agencies that fund museums, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. There are several organizations – including AAMD – that are resisting these cuts and considering legal options. It is most important that the AGO work to support our American colleagues and create stronger relationships globally. 

This week The National Gallery in London celebrates its bicentenary and reopens its redesigned Sainsbury Wing – another project by Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery design architect Annabelle Selldorf. I made a quick trip to London to celebrate Annabelle’s success, but also to meet with other art museum directors. Canadian and European cultural ties are important as the US takes a step back from the global cultural stage. Soon I will travel to Asia to further develop ties on the other side of the Pacific. There is a real opportunity for Canadian cultural leadership globally.  

Take care,

Stephan