AGO Next FAQ's
What does my AGO Next membership fee support?
Your support will help enable the Art Gallery of Ontario's ongoing presentation of exhibitions and education programs. You will receive periodic updates as to how you are helping make a difference at the AGO.
What is the tax receipt amount for my membership?
Your annual membership fee for AGO Next includes a philanthropic contribution, thereby entitling you to a charitable tax receipt. The Canada Revenue Agency requires that a deduction be made from your charitable tax receipt, representing the value of benefits received with your membership. For an Individual AGO Next membership, the tax receipt is $300. For a Dual AGO Next membership, the tax receipt is $520. It is also $520 for an ‘Individual with Hosting Privileges'.
When does my membership commence?
Your membership begins the day you sign up and lasts one year. If you join before the January 2010 official launch of AGO Next, your membership will commence immediately and will last until the end of December, 2010 (By joining now, you get the bonus of additional time to take advantage of membership benefits!)
What if I'm already an AGO member?
If you are already an AGO member, we're grateful for your support and would be thrilled to welcome you as a member of AGO Next. As this is the inaugural year of the program, we recognize there will be cases where existing AGO members might want to redirect or increase their support to join AGO Next. We will work with you to make this happen. Please call Jane Hilton at 416.979.6660 ext. 505 if you hold an active membership and would like to join AGO Next.
How often are AGO Next events?
AGO Next events will run approximately once a month, excluding July/August, for a total of 10 events in a calendar year.
What are AGO Next events like?
AGO Next events will typically be hosted on weeknights. Guests will enjoy refreshments and the opportunity to socialize and network with fellow members. At the heart of these events will be an exclusive encounter with arts and culture - witnessing performance art, hearing artists speak about their work, a behind-the-scenes tour of the AGO's collection vaults, or an introduction to how to start an art collection. We want members to leave AGO Next events feeling inspired by the program and enlivened by the new friendships they've forged.
Does it cost extra to attend AGO Next events?
In general, no. There may be one or two events per year that necessitate a nominal fee. The exception to this is Massive Party as it is a fundraiser for the AGO. AGO Next members will be invited to an exclusive pre-party with the artists involved in Massive Party. In order to attend this event, AGO Next members will be required to purchase a ticket to Massive Party.
What if I only want to attend a few AGO Next events?
You are welcome to attend as many or as few events as you'd like. In addition to the events and knowing that you are supporting the AGO, AGO Next includes many other benefits of membership, including free admission to the AGO's permanent collection and most ticketed exhibitions. Memberships are annual (i.e., a membership commitment of 12 months is required) and monthly payment schedules are available. Access to events is only available to AGO Next members.
May I bring a guest to AGO Next events?
In general, AGO Next events are for members only and we cannot accommodate guests. The exception to this is if you join as an ‘Individual with Hosting Privileges', as you will have the special privilege of inviting a guest to join you at AGO Next events.
How does an ‘Individual with Hosting Privileges' membership work?
There is one cardholder for this level of membership but this individual has the special privilege of inviting a guest to join him/her at AGO Next events. This flexibility is ideal for someone who might want to invite a friend or professional associate to one event and a date to another, for example. The membership fee for an AGO Next ‘Individual with Hosting Privileges' membership is $1,000, for which a $520 tax receipt is issued. In addition, this membership level offers free unlimited admission to the AGO's collections and most special exhibitions for the cardholder and up to three guests.
How does a Dual membership work?
Join with a friend, colleague or partner to take advantage of our Dual membership rate. There are two cardholders for a Dual membership, entitling both cardholders to the same benefits as an Individual AGO Next Membership. A Dual AGO Next membership is $1,000, for which a $520 tax receipt is issued. Alternatively, the $1,000 payment can be shared by two individuals, and the AGO can issue two separate tax receipts for $260 each.
Can I bring a guest to AGO Next events with a Dual membership?
No. Only the two cardholders of a Dual membership are able to attend AGO Next events.
What if I'm over 39?
AGO Next is a program designed specifically to attract the under-40 audience. It aims to make a meaningful connection with this generation with the hope that it is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Gallery. As such, the program is restricted to those who are under 40.
What if I have feedback or an idea to bring forward?
We are very interested to hear what you think. Please feel free to reach out to us by sending an email to agonext@ago.net.
Contact:
Jane Hilton
AGO Next
Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1G4.
Email: Jane_Hilton@ago.net
Tel: 416.979.6660 ext. 505