Applause for access

We’re still feeling the excitement since launching our new admission model last week. On Saturday, May 25 – the day we officially started offering our AGO Annual Pass and free admission for anyone 25 and under – the AGO was buzzing with visitors both new and returning. Spirits were high and the energy was contagious! Since then we’ve been receiving wonderful feedback from visitors and community members, both in person and online. Here’s some of what we’ve been hearing:

Our AGO Members:

“I'm a member and just renewed my membership today – happily. Making art more accessible enriches lives and makes this a better city. I love that you have a vision and are going for it. Well done!”

“My wife and I are happy to continue as contributing members and look forward to increased diversity and more young adults attending the AGO at all times of the day and week.”

“I will certainly continue renewing my membership and I’m glad to be supporting this wider access.”

“As I teach at one of the universities in Toronto, I am very aware that students and other young people in their early twenties have very modest means – particularly in some cases – so I am delighted to see the AGO taking such an initiative.”

“Thank you to everyone involved in this decision. I think this is the best news I have received in a long time.”

Fans on Facebook:

“Making art accessible never looked so good! – Amina Dirie

“I am a member, and will continue to be even with this option. (A) I can afford it so happy that I’ll be subsidizing those who cannot (B) some things people
described as “frills” are great and I use (discount on purchases, gifts and the awesome summer camp.) (C) the ability to go to other art museums. Thank you AGO for broadening your audience.” – Lisa Mallia

“I’ll continue with my regular membership because I LOVE my gallery, and might throw in a few extra bucks to help this work for the kids.” – Liza Zee

Supporters on Instagram:

“Great way to make art more accessible!” – @pianomovers_

“So glad to see this change happening! Kudos AGO!” – @jackieg448

“I’ve been a member for a number of years and I celebrate the AGO for making it accessible for more people to enjoy art in our city. Good move!” – @fairchildclennel

“Wow! We are AGO members! Love this!” - @jlamgreene

“Wonderful! I will be back up there in a few weeks with my granddaughters.” –@robinaansteyart

“An excellent and important step. Increasing access to the arts for young people is a solid move.” – @kiandjedi

Sign up today for an AGO Annual Pass – it’s free for visitors 25 and under, and only $35 for anyone 26 and over! How can we do this, you ask? A big part of it is thanks to the generosity of the AGO’s community of Members, sponsors and donors, and we are deeply grateful to them. Our membership program provides a foundation of philanthropic support. The loyalty of nearly 100,000 Members allows the AGO to fulfill its mission to bring art, learning and audiences together. (Membership continues to offer special benefits, including exclusive previews of special exhibitions, discounts, access to the Norma Ridley Members’ Lounge and more.) Through their memberships, our Members are helping the AGO open its doors wider than ever. Learn more about membership here.

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