A place for AGO volunteers to share, learn, and connect
Hello Everyone,
On Victoria Day, before sunrise, I got a text. It was from the architect Annabelle Selldorf who has designed our Dani Reiss Modern & Contemporary expansion. She was sharing the good news that she and her team had just been awarded a massive project in France. Selldorf Architects has been hired by the Louvre in Paris to create a new entrance, and new galleries to safely showcase Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Pretty cool.
Stephan
Dear Volunteers,
As part of our visitor-facing teams, we wanted to ensure you are all aware of the changes happening in the Shop and Bistro in mid-June, and that you are equipped with information to answer to any questions or concerns that visitors might raise to you directly. As of Tuesday May 19, AGO members were made aware of these changes via direct email, and a public announcement is planned for Tuesday, May 26.
What is happening, in more detail:
This summer, the AGO is re-imagining its retail experience. As a result, both the Shop and Bistro will close temporarily as of June 22. The goal of this ambitious project is to update the visitor welcome and foster even more opportunities for creativity and connection.
The renovation is expected to be completed in late fall and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to our new Shop and Café. In the meantime, this renovation will impact museum operations temporarily.
Retail and Bistro Closure Timeline:
The retail refresh is expected to be completed in November 2026, in anticipation of the opening of the Dani Reiss Modern & Contemporary Gallery in 2027.
During this temporary closure, visitors, staff and volunteers will not be able to access either space until the Shop reopens. Although the Bistro is not being renovated, it will temporarily close during the refresh to accommodate the extensive renovation work being done in the Shop. It will reopen at the same time as the Shop.
This project is designed by B+H Architects and CHIL Interior Design, and made possible by the RBC Foundation Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF). This refresh will provide more creative ways for AGO visitors to connect, create, and explore while at the Gallery. Alongside adding new wood and glass fixtures, the Shop will be transformed to include additional seating, a dedicated maker space, a new coffee bar and access to public washrooms. Art prints, books, and Indigenous-designed products will be available for purchase by visitors, staff, and volunteers.
Alternatives to the Shop and Bistro During the Refresh
Retail
F&B
We want to thank you for your support during this time of renovation.
Other questions can be directed to Herman Lo, Senior Director, Visitor Experience & Commercial Enterprises at [email protected]
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to share two things that I really enjoyed this week.
The first was hearing stories of colleagues bumping into Blue Jay’s pitcher Dylan Cease in the galleries. He was a good sport and posed for a photo in one of our European galleries. I was not surprised to learn that the social media post by Lexie Buchanan is doing very well on Instagram and Facebook.
The second was continuing to take teams on hard hat tours of the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery. This week, People team.
I hope you enjoy your long weekends!
Take care,
Stephan
Hello Everyone,
I am writing to let you know that Alain Graham has decided to leave his role as Chief, People. Alain has been an incredibly kind and strong leader. He leads from the heart. He truly cares about all our AGO colleagues, and I will miss him deeply. I know many of you will, too. He has been a touch point on a daily basis, checking in through personal interactions and measuring the pulse of our most precious resource – people – throughout the museum.
I appreciate his decision that he has made for himself and his family and wish him well.
In his 9-year tenure at the AGO, Alain has made many significant contributions. He has mentored and stewarded a new generation of HR professionals ensuring that knowledge is shared and continued among his diverse team, most of whom are new to the organization within the past 5 years. He has deftly navigated labour relations from a position of trust, professionalism, and respect. He has helped with the transition from outdated systems to more efficient technology. He has encouraged staff to adapt to the changes that have taken place over the past several years – both within and outside of the museum – embodied in our operational and strategic priorities. He has been a key member of the Joint Working Committee, which established new Values for the AGO. And he has been an important member of the Leadership Team, including through challenges such as the pandemic and development of the AGO Plan, which helped save jobs at the AGO. In both staff and volunteer relations, Alain always puts people first.
We will begin recruitment for the Chief, People role soon. I am grateful that Alain will stay involved as a consultant in the interim as we transition to new leadership. Erin Prendergast will continue to act as Interim People leader to provide LT support to the team.
Thank you, Alain.
Stephan
Hello Everyone,
This morning we hosted the Provincial Funding Announcement for the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery. A major milestone!
The Province announced their commitment of $35M in capital funding over two years. This forms a significant public-private partnership between Ontario, Canada, Dani Reiss, and private donors. It is all about getting into alignment in support of the arts and long-term cultural infrastructure. Ministers Stan Cho (Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming), Caroline Mulroney (Minister of Francophone Affairs and President of the Treasury Board), and Peter Bethlenfalvy (Minister of Finance) were all present to speak to their support of the AGO.
Take care,
Stephan
Library & Archives will be closed from Monday, May 4, to Friday, May 8, for staff professional development. During this time, Library & Archives will be closed to the public and will re-open on Wednesday, May 13.
Questions?
Reach out to Library & Archives staff at [email protected].
Hello Everyone,
It is a big week. The final steel beam was installed in the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, and it is National Volunteer Week!
Did you know that there are 400+ volunteers in the AGO volunteer program? Last year, I had the pleasure of connecting with some of our longest-serving volunteers over coffee (see attached). Together they have contributed nearly 300 years of service! The AGO would not be what it is today without our volunteers.
Take care,
Stephan
Celebrating our wonderful AGO volunteer community at a glance:
To each and every one of our volunteers – thank you – we couldn’t do all that we do, without you!
Hello Everyone,
This week marks my 10th work anniversary at the AGO – but this pales in comparison to others who have been employed at the AGO for much longer.
Paul Mathiesen, Senior Lighting Technician, joined the AGO in early 2005. Paul literally brings light to our organization and promotes excellence and creativity in his work every day. He is retiring, and his last day is April 22nd before he takes some well-earned vacation.
We wish Paul all the best and are grateful for his contributions to the AGO.
I look back over the past 10 years at what we have accomplished together. It takes a team effort to fulfill our mission for the public, and I take great pride in what we all do, collectively. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Enjoy the weekend,
Stephan
Hello Everyone,
Earlier this week I was in Bentonville, Arkansas at the invitation of Art Bridges, a foundation that supports making art museums more accessible. Art Bridges was founded by Alice Walton (part owner of Walmart), who also founded an extraordinary museum in Arkansas called Chrystal Bridges. I spoke at a gathering of museum leaders who were brought together to talk about how to make museums more environmentally friendly. I was very proud to share the great work you have all done to make our existing building more environmentally efficient, and that the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will have a net zero carbon impact. Indeed, the project was awarded a certificate from the Canada Green Building Council – yesterday – acknowledging the achievement of Zero Carbon Building Design. Congratulations, everyone – this is a really big deal! When it is done, the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will be among the most energy efficient art museums in the world.
Today is the last day at the AGO for someone who has worked here for 42 years. That person is Fraser Lawson, who is a longstanding Protection Service Officer. He has seen and been a part of many changes at the museum over decades of service. Please join me and thanking Fraser for his incredible contributions to the AGO! Thank you, Fraser.
Take care,
Stephan