Back to Press

AGO heats up Friday nights this fall with video games, artmaking parties and a free performance by the Queen of Canadian hip hop Michie Mee

Wearable tech meets timeless masterpieces on Sept. 17, when AGO debuts the Art Rate Monitor

Art Bash, AGO’s signature fundraiser and Canada’s Art Party returns Sept. 26

TORONTO —Toronto’s destination for an artful night out, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) today announces its Fall programming lineup, featuring artist talks, performances, innovative activations, courses and art parties. Celebrating artists from Toronto and around the world, programming is inspired by upcoming exhibitions Sonia Boyce: Feeling Her Way, Pacita Abad and The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century.

For a full list of upcoming programming, visit ago.ca/events. Ticketed events and workshops go on sale Tuesday, August 27 for AGO Members and Wednesday, August 28 for Annual Pass holders and the public. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive discounts on ticketed events. For more information on how to become a Member or Annual Pass holder, visit ago.ca/membership/become-a-member. 

“With its constantly evolving collection of 120,000 works of art, from Canadian classics to European masterpieces to works by established and emerging Indigenous artists, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a world-class institution that both inspires and educates,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “I encourage everyone to visit and experience the new fall exhibits. With a unique blend of programming that integrates varied perspectives across time and space, there is something for everyone at the AGO.”

Fall 2024 programming highlights:

AGO Friday Nights
Grab a drink, explore, and connect every Friday night as the AGO stays open late. AGO Friday Night programming is included in General Admission, which is always free for Ontarians under 25, Indigenous Peoples, AGO Members and Annual Pass holders.

Events & Performances

Many Lives: Picture Frames in Context
Beginning Thursday, September 25, the AGO welcomes the public and scholars from around the world for a two-day virtual symposium. This online conference on the history and conservation of frames is co-organized by the museum’s curatorial and conservation departments to promote inter- and multi-disciplinary dialogue. Tickets required. For more details and to purchase, visit ago.ca/events/many-lives-picture-frames-context.

Art Bash
Art Bash, the AGO’s signature fundraising event – and the city’s premier celebration of art, culture and community – returns Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Inspired by the energy and colour of Moments in Modernism, Art Bash is presented by Tricon Residential. Musical performances by Kiesza, Tynomi Banks and Ralph. Tickets on sale now. For more details and to purchase, visit ago.ca/art-bash-2024.

Nuit Blanche Toronto
On Saturday, October 5, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Toronto Biennial of Art 2024 and the AGO present Sonia Boyce: Feeling Her Way as part of Nuit Blanche 2024. No tickets required. For more details visit ago.ca/events this September.

Borloloy: A Filipinx Market
On Saturday, November 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the AGO welcomes more than 30 Filipinx makers and artisans for a pop-up market. Organized by Carla Felix, Community Outreach Advisor for the exhibition Pacita Abad, shop a range of products including jewelry, candles, prints, clothing, zines, beauty products, housewares, accessories and more. Located on the Concourse Level of the AGO inside the Weston Family Learning Centre, the event is free. No tickets required. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/borloloy-filipinx-market.

Art Rate Monitor
A tour of the AGO that reveals as much about you as it does great art! Launching Tuesday, September 17, the free Art Rate Monitor experience uses wearable tech to measure visitor heart rate as they explore the AGO collection – recording what got them excited and what made them look twice. Visitors can then receive a personalized digital wrap report to learn more about themselves and to share what art moved them. This experience is for visitors of all ages, and is on a first-come, first serve basis during regular museum hours for a limited time only. Stay tuned to ago.ca/events for more details.

Fall Afternoon Tea at the Grange
From September 14 to November 10, join us for Afternoon Tea in the historical Grange House every Friday to Sunday with treats and tea inspired by the AGO exhibition Moments in Modernism. Advanced booking is required. Four seatings are offered per day. Tea is $70 per person for adults and $30 for kids under 12. AGO Members receive a discount. To make a reservation, visit ago.ca/dine/afternoon-tea-grange.

Talks

Wellness

Art-As-Therapy Workshops
Beginning Saturday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m. and continuing monthly, join art psychotherapy practitioners Rachel Mae Robbins and Katherine Yao for a series of three sessions, each dedicated to art making and personal reflection, inspired by AGO exhibitions and artworks. No previous art experience is needed, and all materials are provided. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. To register and for more information, visit ago.ca/events/art-therapy-painting-music-0, ago.ca/events/art-therapy-world-pattern, and ago.ca/events/art-therapy-found-object-portraits.

Meditating on Art: Turn Stress into Rest
On Saturday, September 21, October 19 and November 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join us for a transformative two-hour intensive meditation program surrounded by art. Led by certified meditation and yoga teacher Helton Brito, the sessions are designed to immerse participants in the practice of mindfulness by exploring their four pillars of meditation in depth. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. To register and for more information, visit ago.ca/events/meditating-art-turn-stress-rest. 

Yoga in the Gallery
On Saturday, September 28, October 26 and November 23 at 11 a.m., join instructor Karmit Ifrah for yoga in Galleria Italia. Open to all ages and skill levels, these gentle Hatha yoga sessions promote balance, strength, flexibility, and stillness in the mind. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. For full schedule and to register, visit ago.ca/events/yoga-gallery.

Multisensory Art Visits
Launching this fall, in collaboration with Toronto-based aroma researcher Dr. Melanie McBride, the AGO introduces a new sensory experience. Join us at the Multisensory Art Cart in Irina Moore West the first Tuesday of every month from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and every weekend from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Walker Court. Experience five scents inspired by the AGO Collection, and explore other multisensory experiences including soundscapes, a mindful looking exercise, textured touch drawings, a taste experience and more. No registration required. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/relaxed-visits-1.

Learning Opportunities

AGO x RBC Emerging Artists Workshops: The Footprints of Artist Residences
Beginning Wednesday, September 25 at 6 p.m., Mexico-based artist and curator Francisco Guevara guides a three-part discussion series about the artist residency. Topics include placemaking, de-centering and bringing forth change. This free workshop series is aimed at emerging artists, artists-in-residence, those considering residencies or managers of residencies. Delivered virtually, registration is required. For more information, visit ago.ca/events/ago-x-rbc-emerging-artists-footprints-artist-residencies.

Studio Courses
Studio art courses continue this fall for artists of all ages and skill levels at the Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School. AGO courses are designed to provide a dynamic and inclusive environment where participants can explore their creativity, expand their knowledge, and connect with others. Browse weekday and weekend course and workshop offerings inspired by current exhibitions and the AGO collection. Registration for AGO Members begins August 27 and to the public on August 28. To register, visit ago.ca/learn/courses-and-workshops. AGO Members receive a discount on courses.

Seniors Social
Seniors Social, the AGO’s dedicated artmaking and conversation monthly series for older adults continues in person and online this fall.

  • On Tuesday, October 8, at 1 p.m., join older adults for an artmaking session and guided tour of the following exhibitions: Moments in Modernism, Reality and Reverie, and Sonia Boyce: Feeling her Way. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. To register, visit ago.ca/events/seniors-social-artists-process.
     
  • On Tuesday, November 12 at 1 p.m., join older adults for a guided tour of the exhibition, Pacita Abad, discussion and artmaking. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. To register, visit ago.ca/events/seniors-social-pacita-abad.
     
  • On Tuesday, December 10 at 1 p.m., join older adults virtually on Zoom for a sneak peek of the exhibition The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century. Following the tour, participants will work together to create a spoken word presentation. This event is free. To register, visit ago.ca/events/seniors-social-culture.

Brunch Club
On Saturday, September 28, October 26 and November 30 at 11:30 a.m., AGO Bistro presents a unique twist to the weekend classic – guided art instruction and conversation followed by a prix-fix brunch menu. Gallery admission, sketching supplies, coffee/tea and pastry, and brunch prix fixe included in the fee. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. To register, visit ago.ca/events/brunch-club.

Drawing.Drinks.Social
On Friday, October 4, November 1 and December 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., join us for an evening of conversation and artmaking over drinks, led by an AGO artist-instructor. Gallery admission, sketching supplies, and a cocktail included in the fee. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. For more details and to register, visit ago.ca/events/drawing.-drinks.-social.

Acknowledgments

Education Programs

Lead Support
The Michael Young Family Foundation

Relaxed Visits generously supported by
The Azrieli Foundation

AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Program generously supported by

Signature Partner
RBC

ABOUT THE AGO
Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists to European masterpieces. The AGO presents wide-ranging exhibitions and programs, including solo exhibitions and acquisitions by diverse and underrepresented artists from around the world. The AGO is embarking on the seventh expansion it has undertaken since the museum was founded in 1900. When completed, the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will increase exhibition space for the museum’s growing modern and contemporary collection. With its groundbreaking Annual Pass program, the AGO is one of the most affordable and accessible attractions in the GTA. Visit ago.ca to learn more.

The AGO is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Additional operating support is received from the City of Toronto, the Canada Council for the Arts, and generous contributions from AGO Members, donors, and private-sector partners.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrea-Jo Wilson; Manager, Public Relations
[email protected]

Wendy So; Communications Officer
[email protected]

Be the first to find out about AGO exhibitions and events, get the behind-the-scenes scoop, and book tickets before your visit.
Sign up to get AGO news right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.