Press Releases 2008
First Nations Works of Art – The Thomson Collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario
December 8, 2008. Ken Thomson's unparalleled collection of Canadian works of art includes an important group of First Nations objects which span two millennia, from around 200 BC to the late 19th century
The AGO and Aeroplan Announce Nominees for The Grange Prize
February, 13, 2008. The AGO and Aeroplan today announced the two Canadian and three international finalists for the inaugural Grange Prize for contemporary photography
AGO to Acquire First Cuban Work of Art
February 20, 2008. Postcapital, an elaborate work by renowned contemporary artist Carlos Garaicoa, will join the AGO's permanent collection
Accessibility a Priority in the Transformed AGO
March 31, 2008. When the AGO opens in fall 2008, expanded access programs will include free after-school general admission for all Ontario secondary students
Canadian Photographer, Sarah Anne Johnson, Wins $50,000 Grange Prize
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and Aeroplan have announced that Winnipeg photographer, Sarah Anne Johnson, is the winner of the inaugural Grange Prize for Contemporary Photography.
AGO and CONTACT present a transformative installation by Suzy Lake
May 1, 2008. The AGO, in collaboration with the CONTACT Toronto Photography Festival 2008, presents a site-specific installation by one of Canada’s most important artists
AGO Unveils Bold New Logo
May 15, 2008. The AGO has unveiled a distinctive new logo that will represent the Gallery well beyond its Fall 2008 opening
Transformed AGO sets public opening Free admission November 14-16
May 28, 2008. On Friday, November 14, the fully-transformed AGO will open to the public with three days of free admission
Momentum builds for Transformation AGO Campaign achieves $254 million goal
June 26, 2008. Five months before the new AGO opens, the Transformation AGO Campaign has reached its goal of $254 million
AGO Youth Council Programming Focuses on Identity, Nationality and Community
July 31, 2008. Throughout 2008, the AGO Youth Council will showcase a lineup of innovative programming with three major projects that focus on identity, nationality and community
AGO Announces Lead Inaugural Partner
September 3, 2008. The AGO announces a three-year partnership with BMO Financial Group as Lead Inaugural Partner of its grand opening and Signature Partner of the Canadian Collection Program.
W. Garfield Weston Foundation Boosts Arts Education at the AGO
September 16, 2008. The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has committed the largest single gift in support of art education in the Art Gallery of Ontario’s 108-year history
Maxine Granovsky and Ira Gluskin Make $10 million Commitment to the new AGO
September 23, 2008. Two leadership donors to the AGO have more than doubled their original donation for a total gift of $10 million to the new Art Gallery of Ontario.
AGO Continues its Transformation with Scotiabank Nuit Blanche
September 26, 2008. As the transformed AGO nears completion, it will host a light installation from October 4 to 5 as part of the third annual Scotiabank Nuit Blanche.
Corporate Community Continues to Support the AGO Through Bold New Partnerships
October 8, 2008. The AGO is pleased to announce several new partnerships, adding to the already impressive corporate support for the Gallery's future programming
AGO Acquires Three New Works at Toronto International Art Fair
October 7, 2008. The AGO has acquired Pascal Grandmaison's Hoping the Light Will Save Us 1, 2008, Shirley Wiitasalo's Orange, 2007, and Spring Hurlbut's Mary #1, From Deuil, 2006, at this year's Toronto International Art Fair
AGO's New Restaurant FRANK Serves Contemporary Comfort Cuisine
When the new restaurant FRANK opens to the public on November 14, AGO visitors can expect a culinary experience that will transcend their expectations of gallery dining.
New AGO will feature furniture by leading Danish and Canadian designers
October 16, 2008. When the transformed AGO opens on November 14, it will not only be filled with spectacular art, but will feature beautiful, contemporary furniture by avant-garde Danish and Canadian designers.
Campbell Gift of $5 Million to AGO Pioneers New Approach to Philanthropy
October 28, 2008. Long-time AGO donors and art collectors Vivian and David Campbell are significantly increasing their support of Transformation AGO with a generous and trail-blazing donation that will also enhance the success of future AGO fundraising campaigns.
Françoise Sullivan the second recipient of Gershon Iskowitz Prize at the AGO
November 4, 2008. On November 27 the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Gershon Iskowitz Foundation acknowledge Françoise Sullivan’s contribution to visual arts in Canada.