Hello Everyone,

• The numbers are in! Our attendance for 2016/17 was 965,589. This is the highest attendance since we re-opened in 2008 and the third highest in AGO history (after the Barnes show in 1994/95 – 1,004,000 – and King Tut in 1979/80 – 1,000,000+). To me, this signals a great mix of high-level exhibitions and programs that are engaging to our visitors.

• The AGO ended the 2016/17 fiscal year with the highest number of household memberships ever – 53,717. Congratulations to Membership and Visitor Experience staff who helped achieve this new milestone.

• All of this positive news makes me proud to be at the AGO and part of the AGO family – our staff, board and volunteers are what made the year great. I joined the Gallery on April 18, 2016. During the past year, I have learned a lot about the city, thanks to everyone’s suggestions at the beginning of my term. I’ve had a lot of fun. Here is your list of recommended and how I did:

• Riverdale Farm – not yet but soon!
• Take in a Toronto sporting event – I’ve been to Blue Jays and Raptors games (not Maple Leafs – the reality is I cannot get tickets. With playoff season kicking off tonight, let’s hope the Stanley Cup will soon come back to Toronto…. 1967! was quite a long time ago!)
• Shopping in Kensington Market – good coffee at Flica
• Ferry to Toronto Island – so much more enjoyable when you have a 6-year old who has a scooter
• Visit to the Distillery District – for furniture and fundraisers

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Stephan