Reflecting on the year that was, #PortraitsAGO invites everyone from coast to coast to coast to submit artworks that depict resilience in their everyday lives
TORONTO — Marking one year since Toronto went into lockdown, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) invites the public to come together and contribute their original artworks to a new online exhibition highlighting our collective resilience.
Beginning today, the AGO is welcoming digital submissions from makers of all ages everywhere. Portraits of Resilience will share artworks that reflect individual experiences from the past year – be it in a painting of a person, a sculpture of a mood, a landscape or a snapshot of a moment. Created by the community and for the community, the online gallery is available virtually and will expand as artworks are submitted. All submissions will be reviewed by the AGO Education and Programming team and a curated selection of digital entries will be displayed onsite at the AGO later this year.
“After months apart, art is the perfect way to come together creatively, boldly and safely to share our experiences,” said Audrey Hudson, the AGO’s Richard & Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education & Programming. “Resilience looks and feels different for all of us, but it is something we have all had to learn. This is a community art project and I believe, the online and in-person exhibition is a powerful declaration that will broaden our commitment to reflect the communities we serve.”
Visit ago.ca/portraits-resilience for more details on how to submit and explore the online gallery. Digital submissions are accepted between March 16 to May 10, 2021.
The AGO is a not-for-profit organization, and its robust membership program provides a foundation of philanthropic support. The generosity of nearly 100,000 members allows the AGO to fulfill its mission to bring art, learning and audiences together. For more information on how to become a Member, visit ago.ca/membership today. AGO Annual Passes provide unlimited entry for an entire year. Annual Passes are $35 and free for visitors 25 and under.
@AGOToronto | #PortraitsAGO
This exhibition is generously supported by:
The Schulich Foundation
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 and European masterpieces. The AGO presents wide-ranging exhibitions and programs, including solo exhibitions and acquisitions by diverse and underrepresented artists from around the world. In 2019, the AGO launched a bold new initiative designed to make the museum even more welcoming and accessible with the introduction of free admission for anyone 25 years and under and a $35 annual pass. Visit AGO.ca to learn more.
The AGO is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. 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.
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Andrea-Jo Wilson; Manager, Public Relations
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Antoine Tedesco: Director, Communications
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