Program invites teachers, parents and caregivers to register for daily guided curriculum-based art explorations
TORONTO — This fall, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is proving that just because field trips are on pause, art education doesn’t have to be. Beginning Tuesday, October 13, the AGO invites students in the classroom or at home, to connect via Zoom for a new series of free guided art conversations, happening every weekday, Monday to Friday, in real time.
Designed to bring the AGO to students, each 30-minute conversation will be led by a trained art educator and will highlight artwork and artists from the AGO’s Collection, include a mini creative exercise and feature opportunities for discussion. These curriculum-based conversations will emphasize the role of art in promoting wellness and connect to contemporary subjects including the art of the African Diaspora, art and the senses, and Indigenous Art.
Registration for each or all of these conversations is free of charge. Teachers, parents and caregivers are invited to register and share with one child or a classroom of students. To see a full schedule of upcoming conversations and to register, visit https://ago.ca/visit/group-visits/virtual-school-programs
“Art education is at the heart of what we do, and in this moment when students can’t come to us, we have found a way to come to them - virtually” said Audrey Hudson, the AGO’s Richard & Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education & Programming. “The focus of these guided conversations should bring joy and spark engagement – which is why having them live is so critical. Our talented team of art educators will deliver a series of programs that are rooted in the Ontario Curriculum, and that brings to life, the many ways art contributes to our wellbeing and sense of belonging.”
Understanding the distinct needs of various grade levels, three versions of each conversation will be offered daily - one tailored specifically for students in JK to Grade 3, one for Grades 4 to 8 and another for Grades 9 to 12. While each day’s conversation will be unique, the material being discussed has been organized thematically to help teachers and parents select the best conversation for their students. The various themes are AGO Highlights of the Collection, Introducing Art of the African Diaspora, Art and the Environment, Art and the senses, and Indigenous Art and artists. The program will also include a few specialized conversations, including An Introduction to Haegue Yang and The Art and Science of Conservation.
In addition to these free daily conversations, the AGO is also offering customizable virtual school programs. Designed in tandem with an art educator, these bespoke experiences include facilitation and an art making component. For more details on how to book, visit www.ago.ca/learn.
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 105,000 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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