Transformation AGO Campaign
These are extraordinary days at 317 Dundas Street West.
On November 14, the AGO welcomes the world to a remarkable convergence of art, architecture and new ideas.
From the elegant glass and Douglas fir promenade that stretches a full block along Dundas street, to the spiral staircase that floats above Grange Park connecting both levels of the new Centre for Contemporary art, and up the sculptural staircase that scales the heights of the dramatic new south tower – once visitors experience the new building they’ll know that Frank Gehry has created a building of many surprises.
A light-filled new Centre for Contemporary Art. Photo credit: Craig Boyko, ©2008 Art Gallery of Ontario.
Inside the results are exciting. Many will be pleased to see the newly installed Canadian Wing, and our visitors will be reunited with their favourite works by Tom Thomson, Emily Carr and David Milne. The top two levels of the new south tower to display contemporary art speaks to such issues as feminism, globalism, freedom and conflict — an approach to art interpretation that we believe will engage visitors in the issues that are part of their daily lives.
Phase two of the Transformation AGO community campaign – in support of art installation – concluded recently. I’m delighted to report that members and friends of the Gallery answered the call wonderfully with an amazing show of generosity that has enabled us to install more than 4,000 works of art in all of our 110 galleries.
Throughout the campaign, our supporters have told us just how much the Gallery means to them through their generous gifts and thoughtful feedback. The installation outreach raised more than $1.3 million, which in addition the $1.9 million raised during phase one, brings the combined total to well over $3.2 million.
It’s not too late for you to show your support for Transformation AGO. Every gift matters and you can still make yours to the building fund by visiting us online at shop.ago.net or by calling our campaign hotline at 416 979 6618. I’m hoping that you’ll make that stretch to help us make ours.
With thanks and good feeling,
- MATTHEW TEITELBAUM
Director and CEO
Transformation AGO Donors Are Outstanding! For the full list, please click here.