Founded by Josef Adamu in Toronto in 2017, Sunday School is a creative agency that brings together visual artists from across Africa and the diaspora to share compelling stories and foreground notions of identity, fashion, and culture at the intersection of art and education. Feels Like Home highlights work from three series: The Hair Appointment (2018), Ten Toes Down (2021), and Jump Ball (2019–ongoing), and considers contemporary discourses around the notion of home. 

Join Sunday School creative director Josef Adamu and the AGO’s Emilie Croning to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition, Friday May 5, 7pm, Gallery level 2 – room 248.

Or join the panel discussion with the filmmakers on Saturday May 6, at 2pm in Jackman Hall. Details, HERE.

CASSATT – MCNICOLL: IMPRESSIONISTS BETWEEN WORLDS

This groundbreaking exhibition brings together for the first time the work of two extraordinary women Impressionist painters, Mary Cassatt (American, 1844-1926) and Helen McNicoll (Canadian, 1879-1915).  Renowned for their depictions of modern womanhood, their work had a profound impact on the development and proliferation of Impressionism in North America.

A generation apart, educated in Philadelphia and Montreal, Cassatt and McNicoll both left North America for Europe in their early 20s to study and pursue art professionally. Cassatt was an original member of the Impressionist movement in Paris, and a generation later, McNicoll contributed to the movement’s evolution and spread around the globe. 

Curated by Caroline Shields, Curator of European Art at the AGO, and showcasing more than 65 artworks including paintings, prints and sketch books, this innovative exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated publication. Opens May 31!

SARINDAR DHALIWAL: WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE A NAMER OF PAINT COLOURS

Sarindar Dhaliwal: When I grow up I want to be a namer of paint colours exhibits more than 40 years of artmaking by the South Asian Canadian artist. Characterized by intense colour and compelling imagery, Dhaliwal’s art investigates memory, identity and migration. In this, her first AGO solo exhibition, the artist’s significant contribution to Canadian art will be illustrated by a selection of key works, including meticulously rendered drawings and mixed media works from the 1980s to the 2000s, alongside large-scale installations and recent photography. Curated by Renée van der Avoird, Associate Curator, Canadian Art, this exhibition highlights two recent acquisitions: Hey Hey Paula (1998) and the cartographer’s mistake: the Radcliffe Line (2012). Opens July 22.

See more of the works in this exhibition, on the AGOinsider’s photo gallery, linked HERE.

Last night I met with the Volunteers of the AGO who, after a few years, gathered together in person to celebrate their contributions to the museum. Really, their contributions are massive. Volunteers engage our public and help fulfill our mission of facilitating learning. It was a fun party and I was super pleased to acknowledge their tremendous impact at the AGO.

Today the Espresso Bar opens in the Tanenbaum Sculpture Atrium. We are ready to go! Check it out and spread the word. Thanks to everyone who helped support this move. (We have moved it out of Galleria Italia for the time being to make way for KAWS art installation.) 

Take care,

Stephan

Hello everyone,

I am writing my weekly message a little early this week.

Please take a moment to read this important update and be sure to share it with others.

With Leadership Team members Rocco Saverino stepping away in January and Lisa Clements’ upcoming departure this week – and Mike Mahoney’s increasing involvement with the Dani Reiss Modern & Contemporary Gallery expansion project – I have been reflecting on the executive needs of the AGO in the next 5 years or so. I have decided to make some changes to the composition of Leadership Team. I will be re-configuring a few key roles and decreasing the size of LT by one position.

What will the new LT look like?

I will be combining the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Corporate Special Projects & Operations into one role going forward. The title for this position will be Chief Financial & Operating Officer. This type of role is emerging as common practice in the corporate and non-profit environments. The areas reporting to the CFOO will be: Financial Services, Plant & Building Infrastructure, Facility Services, IT, Protection Services.

In considering how our audience has shifted over the past few years and the prioritization of our brand strategy, I will be making some changes in this area too. The role of Chief, Communications & Brand will be expanded to incorporate the retail and F&B portfolios. The Chief Brand & Business Officer will ensure that our brand and visitor experience is consistent throughout the museum and will work to maximize revenues across all revenue streams.

When will these changes take place?

As you know, we currently have an Interim CFO in place (Refat Jiwani) while we conduct a thorough market search for the two new roles. Refat will continue through the May to mid-July period.

We anticipate having both positions filled this summer, likely early July. The recruiting firm Caldwell Partners has been engaged to source the best talent available to fill these critical roles.

How will these changes impact me?

Overall, I am confident that these changes are positive for all of us and will further advance our strategic priorities. The changes will not have a high degree of impact on day-to-day activities but will result in efficiencies (including in the IT area) and an increasing emphasis on serving our public. Staff in retail and F&B will have a slightly different reporting structure. And with one less person reporting directly to me, I will have more time to focus on achieving our AGO 2028 vision.

Finally – for the next few months while the search for the new Chief Brand & Business Officer is under way, Herman Lo, Director of Visitor Experience, will join LT meetings and act as a liaison between LT and the rest of the Communications & Brand team. I will also be meeting bi-weekly with the Communications & Brand team leaders to help formalize a smooth transition period.

I will share more updates regarding these roles as things progress.

Thank you,

Stephan   

Hello Volunteers,

In celebration of National Volunteer Week – we are looking forward to hosting you all for the Volunteer Annual Party – an evening reception in the AGO Bistro – Thursday April 27, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. If you haven’t RSVP’d already, please do at: https://forms.gle/u1qKWsSPgxgDsbpo6

Volunteer Toronto is celebrating volunteers across the GTA and has sent us this special discount code so all volunteers can enjoy a 20% discount on performances by Cirque Du Soleil, Kooza – running now until Sunday June 18. You can use this link or type in the promo code VTNVW23 at check-out.

Join us for (the return of) the AGO Volunteer Annual Party!

• Thursday April 27
• 5:00pm – 8:00pm
• in the AGO Bistro

Enjoy an evening of light fare in the AGO Bistro in celebration of our volunteers! (charcuterie-style platters of cheese, antipasto, pastries and desserts (*cash bar)

Hosted by Director and CEO Stephan Jost, Volunteer President Maya Kotlarenko, Holly Procktor, Coordinator, Volunteers, your departmental Managers and Staff Supports, treasured friends and colleagues. We’ll also be distributing the (much-missed!) volunteer recognition pins and certificates to many of you who are celebrating milestones. All volunteers welcome!

AGENDA

5:00pm Guests Arrival/ Doors Open

(*feel free to enter through the Bistro main doors, or up the retail stairs from the concourse level if you prefer to get settled in the volunteer lounge, first)
5:30pm Remarks

6:00pm Recognition

8:00pm Evening Concludes

An invite has been sent directly to your email address; but if you have not RSVP’d already, you can do so at this link: https://forms.gle/u1qKWsSPgxgDsbpo6 Please RSVP promptly so that we can be sure to prepare enough food & drink for everyone. (If you do not receive an email invite, please contact [email protected] as we likely have to update the contact we have on file for you).

We are so looking forward to celebrating together!

Hello everyone,

Yesterday there were some “big vibes” (Audrey Hudson’s words) in the museum on all levels. There was a media preview for Wolfgang Tillmans: To Look without Fear. On the Concourse level, there were various courses in the Gallery School and disco dancing in WFLC. On the first floor Modern galleries, we had OCADU creative writing students sharing their pieces with one another. In Baillie Court, there was a book launch and talk at full capacity with a rush line. I love Wednesdays at the AGO!

Also last evening, we hosted a community open-house in The Annex with various visual boards on view telling the story of the Dani Reiss Modern & Contemporary Gallery. Please check them out – I welcome your feedback.

There is no shortage of activity at the AGO – and I know this is also a significant time of year for those who celebrate Ramadan, Passover and Easter. I wish you all much peace in the coming days as you step away from your professional lives to focus on faith, family, friends – and FUN!

Take care,

Stephan 

Hello volunteers! It’s that time of year again. After a pandemic hiatus, AGO summer art camps promise to be back in full force this year, and our Education and Programming team have asked for our help in collecting (clean) recycled supplies:

• Yogurt/plastic containers – big and small, with and without lids (for paint)
• Magazines (for collage)

Many thanks everyone! – Studio Programs

Hello Everyone,

What’s happening? 

• We are happy to announce that as of Thursday, April 27, the Espresso Bar in Galleria Italia will be move to and reopen in the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Sculpture Atrium for all AGO visitors and staff to enjoy. 
• We are also happy to announce that we are working towards a return to food and beverage service in the Norma Ridley Members’ Lounge for our AGO Members only beginning Wednesday, May 24. Note that this date may shift should there be delays in service or supply chain issues.
• As these reopening dates quickly approach, stay tuned to learn more about what AGO visitors and staff can expect in the upcoming weeks. Read below for some key details.
• Also, the AGO Bistro is now serving dinner on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until 8 pm. The restaurant will be open until 9 pm. 
• To celebrate these new extended Thursday night hours, AGO Members, staff and volunteers will enjoy a special 20% discount on dinner Thursdays in April at AGO Bistro.

The Espresso Bar in the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Sculpture Atrium – Reopening Thursday, April 27

• In preparation for this reopening, the Espresso Bar will close in Galleria Italia after service hours on Sunday, April 23.
• Once reopened in the Atrium, staff can still purchase drinks and snacks from the Espresso Bar.
• Because the Espresso Bar is located in the Gallery, there will be no takeout options, meaning drinks and snacks will be served in the Atrium. Takeout options are available from AGO Bistro.
• Haegue Yang’s Woven Currents – Confluence of Parallels (2020) will remain on view. 

The Norma Ridley Members’ Lounge – Reopening Wednesday, May 24

• The Norma Ridley Members’ Lounge is a dedicated space for AGO Members to enjoy the historical setting of the Grange House on Level 1 of the Gallery.
• A new food and beverage menu will be served to AGO Members only in the Members’ Lounge at the following times, as of Wednesday, May 24: 
• Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Fridays: 11:30 am to 7 pm
• The Members’ Lounge will still be open to AGO Members on days when food and beverage service is not being served (during Gallery hours):
• Mondays – Closed
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Wednesdays and Fridays: 10:30 am to 8:30 pm
• Saturday and Sundays: 10:30 am to 5 pm.

Questions? 

• Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks to learn more about what staff and our visitors can expect in the Espresso Bar and Members’ Lounge.
• If you have an urgent question or concern, please email [email protected] (not Holly Procktor or volunteer resources- this is all the information we have been given to share – thanks!)

Hello everyone,

Earlier this week, I announced that Lisa Clements is leaving the AGO after almost 14 years. I really want to emphasize Lisa’s contributions to the organization and thank her for her incredible efforts. I also want to assure everyone that we’ll have a plan in place during the transition period when Lisa steps away.

Next Tuesday, we will be increasing our Single Admission price from $25 to $30 to continue to make great art accessible to more audiences The AGO remains among the most affordable culture experiences in the GTA: admission is free for anyone under 25 years, and anyone can purchase an annual pass for $35. Admission is free every Wednesday between 6pm – 9pm, and Toronto Public Library users can sign out free visits with the Museum + Arts Pass. We also believe this change will make the $35 annual pass even more attractive to our visitors.

Take care,

Stephan