Hello Everyone,

I am writing a note with some updates. First, a simple reminder to follow the advice of our public health leaders.

Today, the full Board of the AGO met on a phone meeting for an hour and a half. All of LT was invited to join the call. We shared with trustees all the steps that have been taken – starting with the decision almost two weeks ago now to ask the volunteers to stay at home – to more recent developments such as how the state of emergency impacts our operation. We also received a report on the status of The AGO Foundation. While our investments have declined, the losses were much less than other foundations because we were in a very conservative position. A bit of good news.

The board is very supportive and asked many good questions about how are we planning for the future months.

The question of when we will reopen is not clear. While the Premier indicated yesterday that schools will not re-open on April 6, he and public health officials are not ready to be more definitive. Some things are becoming clearer because of the global disruption of travel and we are working hard to understand how our exhibition schedule might be impacted. I have been in contact with our partners and everyone is showing a lot of flexibility.

Please take care,

Stephan

Hello volunteers,

Did you know? Our information guide cooridnators- the Visitor Experience Management team – share weekly updates with the IG team. We’re reposting here (with their permission), so all volunteers can enjoy their weekly updates. More news from home (our shared Gallery home!) helps keep us connected. Over to the team,

Hi everybody!

This is a very strange time we are living in. As we shift towards this temporary new normal, we want to reach out and say that we miss you all! Though the AGO is currently closed, we want you to know that we are still going to regularly share this newsletter, and hopefully add some levity to your day! 

Be well and take care! We hope to see you in the not so distant future!

Please read on!

Favourites from the AGO Online Collection:

What we are loving in the collection

Welcome to the first feature of it’s kind! Each week, while we are closed, a Visitor Welcome team member will take a dive into our online collection and highlight one of their favourite works from the gallery. Did you know the AGO has a large portion of its collection online? Click here to go down the rabbit hole of art!

This week we focus on my favourite work in the Modern Collection, Otto Dix’s Portrait of Dr. Heirich Stadelmann. The portrait was painted in 1922, and the subject is a Dresden-based clinical psychologist who specialized in hypnotic therapy (don’t you feel hypnotized by looking into his saucer-shaped eyes?!). Why do I love this painting ever so much? The greenish-grey skin, clenched fists and those milky eyes have me captivated. It is surreal, strange and full of character – I love it! It also appears as though Dr. Stadelmann has had a rough couple of days! 

You can learn more about this portrait from the AGO Insider here. A reminder that the you can explore the archives of the AGO Insider to learn more behind the scenes information.

Take a tour through Illusions: The Art of Magic

Have you held off seeing lIllusions: The Art of Magic? Have you gone on a quick walk-through with plans to delve further at later date? Are craving a little of magical distraction in your life right now? Well, take a captivating tour with magician David Ben (he recently did an Art Talk at the AGO) into the McCord Museum collection of magic posters. Click here to watch the tour!

While we are on the subject, why not learn more about the psychology of magic and how it works. Clink here for an interesting read from the Guardian.

Be well and stay healthy,

Jonathan, Christine and Nicole

Some of you have reached out with concern for more senior members of our community who are living alone, and in particular without email.

I know many of you miss your friends and shift-mates. If you’re someone looking to reach out & wanting to check in more personally with a a fellow volunteer but need more details, please get in contact with Holly Procktor, Coordinator, Volunteers at [email protected]

Hello Volunteers!

Our colleagues at Volunteer Toronto have done a great job of changing pace and re-focusing efforts on supporting COVID-19 calls to action.

Find out how you can help Toronto’s most vulnerable residents and do so more (safely) by joining our Volunteer Response Team.

The strength of our city—and our country—is in our capacity to come together during times of need. Everyone has a crucial role in reducing the impact of COVID-19. You can do more. Join our COVID-19 Volunteer Response Team to receive informed updates (includes ongoing e-blasts with in need volunteer opportunities during COVID-19)

Join the COVID-19 Volunteer Response Team

Note: The first COVID-19 Volunteer Alert will be sent on March 23rd.

Hello Volunteers,

Reposting (with permission) some links shared by our AGO colleagues. I don’t know about you, but this helps me miss them, less! Bojana is our Assistant Curator , Live Projects and Peformance. One of our coolest colleagues, she’s known for being in-the-know before anyone else is! Bojana curated First Thursdays, and many of our recent concert series. Here’s what she’s enjoying online, while working from home:

Bojana:

In this state of emergency I hope you are all doing well. I am house bound as many that can be are, and if we can share anything its likely tools for sanity and survival. My contributions are my own love and passion, and work, art. Many have posted of online features in museums, I can full on recommend the MET. I’ll do diligent previews, so here are my favourites:

Viewpoints: Body Language (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Hello everyone,

Yup, this is really real. I keep on thinking that somehow this is just a bad dream but no… this is real.

LT (Leadership Team) is working hard to attempt to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the operations of the AGO. I am in constant communication with all LT members and Board leadership. We have been in regular contact with our Minister and her staff, who have been remarkably honest and responsive. We are also in touch with other museums both in Canada and globally. It is clear that we are not alone.

We are trying to figure out how long this may go on.

I know that all of this can put any of us in some pretty dark places. Feeling overwhelmed will be a natural emotion for many of us. Being worried is actually rational. But there is a difference between being worried and being frightened. So far my sense of determination has been stronger than my sense of fear. Much stronger. We are a resolute group, we will work hard to find a way forward.

Please remember that what we are collectively doing – being closed to the public, working from home, and social distancing – is saving people’s lives. When I go to sleep I remind myself how deeply grateful I am to the people who work in the healthcare sector. And when it is all over, I want to bring back joy and beauty to our community.

Be well and take care this weekend,

Stephan

Good morning all,

Keeping you in the loop,

Holly

Hello everyone,

During the last couple of weeks we have seen the spread of the COVID-19 virus globally at an extraordinary speed. I think few of us predicted the impact this would have on our families, our community and the AGO. 

I have to say the degree at which everyone is adapting is impressive. I want to thank you for being so flexible. We need to remind ourselves that we are doing all of this in an attempt to save lives and support public health. It really is a collective effort. 

Last week – while in Sydney – it became clear that things were changing fast. All of LT was in constant communication and attempting to make the best decisions possible. I returned on the first available flight – which landed at Pearson on Saturday – which meant that 14 days of self-quarantine was suddenly a requirement. I am feeling fine – but as an extrovert I would rather be socializing – guess that is not going to happen for a while!

So what am I doing? The last couple of days I have been on dozens of calls. In addition to communicating with board leadership, I have been in regular contact with the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Cultural Industries and museum directors globally. LT has been meeting first thing every morning and last thing in the afternoon to help define what questions need to be addressed that day and what actions have to be taken. I have also had phone meetings with each LT member individually and have to say the thoughtfulness of each person is striking. If you have any questions, you should know that all LT members are available as am I. 

Again, we are attempting to make the best possible decisions with the information we have in a dynamic situation. We will not always make the right decision but we are honestly attempting to do the right thing.

I will be starting to send out three personal updates each week. You will also be receiving logistical updates from Mike. 

I want to thank each and every employee and volunteer of the AGO. Please take all the steps suggested by public health authorities.

Stephan

Hello Volunteers!

Long time, no see. We miss you! It’s hard to know what to write in unprecedented times like these; a couple of updates regarding where things stand:

Currently the AGO is closed to the public (and all non-essential staff) to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, we remain closed through Sunday April 5. Full announcement and further details, here.

Most of us don’t have robust work-from-home access, so please be patient with your coordinators, or any questions/concerns you might have. I will be using the volunteer blog to keep you updated as best with anything pressing, but really, i’m just checking in to say Hello, as I think we are all starved for a little connection during these strange times.

We shared last week that the Volunteer Annual Party (April 20) and National Volunteer Week activities were postponed. At this time we can also share that we are suspending work on the Margaret Machell Study Grant, and voting on the Volunteer Endowment Trust project. We have been directed to put any decisions on hold for now, halting work on these initiatives (for now).

I miss this community, and I’m sure you do as well. Being together, united in gathering and purpose is good for us all. So let’s take all that good energy and redirect it towards following our public health protocals. Stay strong, self-isolate when you can; and use your online tools / (telephone!) /writing letters (!) to maintain connections.

On that note, several colleagues have been posting amazing online resources to view and enjoy museum collections on-line. I think we could all use a little of that, and I’ll be sharing some links over the coming days.

So from my home front to yours, take care, and talk soon.

– Holly

March 12, 2020

 A Message from the AGO Volunteer President

Dear Volunteers,

At the AGO, we have a “People First” mentality, and because of this, we’re taking extraordinary precautions due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. We wanted to take a moment to let you know the proactive steps we’re taking to ensure our volunteers’ safety.

Beyond general hygiene such as frequent hand washing and not touching your face, social distancing is seen by public health authorities as a key method of reducing risk of transmission.

Effectively immediately, we are pausing all of our volunteer-based programming and asking volunteers across all placement types to not report for duty. This includes (but is not limited to) March Break volunteers, Gallery Guides, Information Guides, Library and Archives volunteers, Prints & Drawing volunteers, AGO Youth Council, Hands-On Centre & Family Sunday volunteers, and AGO Volunteer Recruiters.

The following events have also been postponed: 

• Volunteers Connect (scheduled to have taken place March 24)
• The Volunteer Annual Party (scheduled to have taken place April 20) 
• National Volunteer Week programming (April 19 – 25)

We want to reiterate that our top priority remains the safety of our volunteers. These are unusual circumstances and unique times. As such, we’re evaluating our protocols as details continue to unfold and we learn more about COVID-19. Please be assured that we will continue to adapt our practices and update everyone at regular intervals. Thank you for your ongoing support and consideration as we work through this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I still come to the AGO if I feel comfortable doing so?

As a visitor? Of course. If you are feeling well, and haven’t travelled to a country under a level 3 travel advisory, please follow the protocols suggested by Public Health.

2. How long with this last?

We can’t say as the situation is still unfolding, but we will provide updates as we have them via the AGO volunteer blog and direct email. We will continue to issue clear communication and keep you abreast. Please do not report for volunteer duty until you are asked to do so.

3. Where can I find more information?

The Ontario government has created an excellent online resource where you can find the latest information on COVID-19: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus#section-0

If you have additional questions, please reach out to your staff coordinator (the person who regularly communicates with you about your shift and activities).

You can also reach out to:

Holly Procktor, Coordinator, Volunteers ([email protected])

416 979 6660 ext. 6234

Many thanks for your understanding and support,

Maya Kotlarenko

Hello Everyone,

• Greetings from The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) in Maastricht, one of the world’s premier fairs for fine art. Attending the fair is an important opportunity to engage with dealers and collectors as well as to stay connected with the global art market.

• From the Netherlands, I will be travelling directly to Australia to attend aabaakwad 2020: NIRIN (part of the 22^nd Biennale of Sydney), which is being co-led by Wanda Nanibush, our curator of Indigenous Art and aabaakwad founder. Aabaakwad is a 4-day gathering of indigenous artists, curators and thinkers taking part in dialogues around global contemporary Indigenous art practice. It is a great example of how the AGO is leading global conversations.

• March Break is almost here. There will be daily family activities at the AGO from March 14-22 – a lot of moving parts are involved in planning such a pack-filled week. Thank you to the PP&L and Visitor Services teams, Facility Services, Protection Services, and everyone involved. More information is available here: https://ago.ca/events/march-break-2020. To those of you who will be spending holiday time with your children and families, I hope you enjoy March Break. I will be back at the AGO following March Break on the 24^th.

• Leadership Team is closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus and following the lead of local, provincial and national health authorities. At this time, the risk remains low and additional safety protocols aren’t necessary. The most important thing to remember is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (something we should always be doing) and stay home from work when you are feeling sick.  A small team led by Mike Mahoney, Executive Director, Capital Projects & Operations, has been formed to develop a contingency plan if we need one. Stay tuned for messages from Mike.

Enjoy your weekend,

Stephan