Dear Colleagues:

Several weeks ago, Andrew Hunter approached me to let us know that he had decided to leave his role as Fredrik S. Eaton Curator, Canadian Art to explore opportunities outside of the AGO. I am sure I am not alone in saying that I will sincerely miss him.

Andrew is a passionate artist, curator, educator and community researcher, with a clear focus on social justice issues.  He has been a wonderful partner to colleagues across the Gallery, working to create thought-provoking, important exhibitions that challenge our audiences to look critically at Canada’s identity and history. He has given a platform to artists and communities who have been historically marginalized with the aim to share more of Canada’s stories with our visitors. Andrew has helped us think more critically, deeply and compassionately about our country and our world – and he has made an incredible difference at the Gallery as a result.

Highlights of Andrew’s time here include:

• Alex Colville, the career retrospective of an iconic Canadian artist
• Expanding The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris to include Harris’ Toronto works that detailed life in the Ward.
• Developing our summer 2017 exhibition: Every.Now.Then: Reframing Nationhood, an exhibition that challenges popular notions of Canada and the beginnings of its history
• A focused commitment on Indigenous artists, which has included strategic acquisitions, installing Inuit art in Walker Court, inserting the indigenous narrative into our Canadian collection, including Look:Forward.
• Leading the creation of the position of Assistant Curator, Canadian & Indigenous Art

Now that Every.Now.Then is underway, Andrew believes that it is time for him to build upon his accomplishments and he will be taking the coming months to explore a number of options.  His last day at the Gallery will be Friday, September 29.

Please join me in thanking Andrew and wish him well in this exciting new chapter.

Sincerely,

Stephan