Established in honour of a long-time staffer, the Margaret Machell Study Grant gives AGO volunteers an opportunity to build upon their skills and knowledge base in the areas of: excellence in collections; leadership in interpretation; and extraordinary visitor welcome. Winners are selected a sub-committee of the Volunteer Executive.

This year Shirin Divanbeigi will receive the $500 honorarium. We asked Shirin a bit about herself and her plans for the award.

What is your background pre-AGO?
I am a visual artist and art educator. (You can see Shirin’s website here.)

How long have you been a volunteer at the AGO?
More than 2 years

What is your current volunteer position?
I am an Evening/Weekend Gallery Guide and the team leader of my shift Sunday B.

Why did you choose to volunteer at the AGO?
I feel like I’m home when I’m at the AGO. I learn a lot by being a tour guide and I always love educating myself.

What is your favourite / most memorable work at the AGO?
The Forty Part Motet by Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller in Henry Moore Gallery.

Describe the course you’ll be taking.
Collecting Contemporary Art at OCAD U Continuing Studies. In this course, “through lectures, discussions, guest speakers, and field trips, students gain an in-depth understanding of local and international contemporary art”.

How do you hope it will improve your volunteering at ago?
Taking this course will effectively help me to find tune and expand my knowledge and insight into the world of contemporary art. This enhanced knowledge will enable me to be an even better tour guide at the AGO.

Congratulations Shirin and good luck!

The Margaret Machell Study Grant is awarded annually. Find out more about the history and guidelines here.