Art anywhere, at school or at home! Join us for our Virtual School Programs, happening daily, Monday to Friday via Zoom.
While we are not able to see you in person, we are excited to welcome you virtually. These programs are free of charge to you, thanks to the extraordinary support of The Michael Young Family Foundation. We invite students at home or in school to join us daily Monday - Friday for a live conversation with an AGO Art Educator. Understanding the distinct needs of various grade levels, three versions of each conversation are 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. These conversations are linked to the Ontario Curriculum. Each program is 30 minutes, and has an element of wellness and art woven into the session, as well as a small creative exercise, so please have pencils, pens or crayons and paper at the ready. We hope you will join us often!
For our scheduled French programming, please note that our Art Educators will provide a bilingual experience to support our French-Language learners.
Visit us daily or weekly for a new perspective on the AGO Collection.
Looking for something more specific? Join us for our live and interactive sessions with an experienced Art Educator!
VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS SCHEDULE
To register for any of these free live programs, please select the week that it occurs in. You will receive a link that will allow you to attend any (or all!) of the programs happening during that week.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS IN ENGLISH
MAY 31 - JUNE 4
JK - GRADE 3
EVERY DAY AT 9:30 - 10:00 AM
Monday
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling
Tuesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment with the Canadian Centre for Architecture
Wednesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Senses
Thursday
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Friday
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
REGISTER FOR JK - GR 3 | MAY 31 - JUNE 4
GRADE 4 - GRADE 8
EVERY DAY AT 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Monday
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling
Tuesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment with the Canadian Centre for Architecture
Wednesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Senses
Thursday
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Friday
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
REGISTER FOR GR 4 - GR 8 | MAY 31 - JUNE 4
GRADE 9 - GRADE 12
EVERY DAY AT 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday
AGO Schools: Prints & Drawings
Tuesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment with the Canadian Centre for Architecture
Wednesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Senses
Thursday
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Friday
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
JUNE 7 - 11
JK - GRADE 3
EVERY DAY AT 9:30 - 10:00 AM
Monday
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling with the Canadian Centre for Architecture
Tuesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment
Wednesday
AGO Schools: Honouring Pride - Art and Identity
Thursday
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Friday
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
REGISTER FOR JK - GR 3 | JUNE 7 - 11
GRADE 4 - GRADE 8
EVERY DAY AT 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Monday
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling with the Canadian Centre for Architecture
Tuesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment
Wednesday
AGO Schools: Honouring Pride - Art and Identity
Thursday
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Friday
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
REGISTER FOR GR 4 - GR 8 | JUNE 7 - 11
GRADE 9 - GRADE 12
EVERY DAY AT 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling with the Canadian Centre for Architecture
Tuesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment
Wednesday
AGO Schools: Honouring Pride - Art and Identity
Thursday
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Friday
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
JUNE 14 - 18
JK - GRADE 3
EVERY DAY AT 9:30 - 10:00 AM
Monday
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling
Tuesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment
Wednesday
AGO Schools: Honouring Pride - Art and Identity
Thursday
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Friday
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
REGISTER FOR JK - GR 3 | JUNE 14 - 18
GRADE 4 - GRADE 8
EVERY DAY AT 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Monday
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling
Tuesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment
Wednesday
AGO Schools: Honouring Pride - Art and Identity
Thursday
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Friday
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
REGISTER FOR GR 4 - GR 8 | JUNE 14 - 18
GRADE 9 - GRADE 12
EVERY DAY AT 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling
Tuesday
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment
Wednesday
AGO Schools: Honouring Pride - Art and Identity
Thursday
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Friday
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
Special Guest Presenters
Virtual School Programs is excited to welcome special guest presenters from the Museum of Modern Art, Hong Kong University Museum and Art Gallery, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada and Canadian Center for Architecture for a cross-disciplinary exploration with our students. Our goal is to expand geographic, economic and cultural access to as many students and teachers as we can to inspire the ongoing love of learning with the arts. Join us each month as our Art Educators and special guest presenters lead conversations on themes of storytelling, the senses and the environment, all inspired by the AGO Collection.
Starting on April 26, we host fellow art museum, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), who will be joining us from New York City, to discuss visual art in their collection. We are also joined by guest presenters from the Hong Kong University Museum and Art Gallery to share selected works from their newest exhibitions. In May, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will join us to share with students sonic elements and the beauty of the instruments and performers. Also in May, we host the National Ballet of Canada, who will dance their way onto our screens with the fluidity of movement. Finally, in June, get ready to talk about buildings and spatial elements of structures with the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment with the Canadian Centre for Architecture
In this session, students will explore objects and material culture from the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal, coupled with works from the AGO Collection.
PHOTO: Malcom Wells, the roof of Wells’ office. The Underground Space Center, 1970. © Estate of Malcolm Wells / Malcolmwells.com
![Autostrada Terra-Luna [Earth moon highway] for Architettura Interplanetaria [Interplanetary Architecture].](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small/public/2021-05/cca-storytelling.jpg?itok=iikuxHyy)
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling with the Canadian Centre for Architecture
In this session, students will explore objects and material culture from the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal, coupled with works from the AGO Collection.
PHOTO: Autostrada Terra-Luna [Earth moon highway] for Architettura Interplanetaria [Interplanetary Architecture]. Alessandro Poli fonds, Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal; Gift of Alessandro Poli © Archivio Superstudio
AGO Schools: Honouring Pride - Art and Identity
In this session, we celebrate Pride through an exploration of select artworks in the AGO’s collection.
AGO Schools: Art and Storytelling
Explore stories from the collections to learn about how artists express themselves with their unique visual language.
Curriculum Connections: The Kindergarten program, The Arts, Language, Health and Physical Education
Links to 21st Century Competencies: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Learning to Learn / Self-Aware & Self Directed Learning, Collaboration, Communication
IMAGE: K.M. Graham. Abstraction #4, 1974. Tusche stick on paper, 56 x 70.5 cm. Gift of K.M. Graham, 1997. © Estate of K.M. Graham 97/2076
Les écoles du MBAO: L’art et le conte
Explorez les histoires des collections pour découvrir comment les artistes s'expriment avec leur langage visuel unique.
Liens avec le curriculum scolaire: le Programme de la maternelle et du jardin d'enfants, Éducation artistique, Langues, Éducation physique et Santé.
Liens vers les compétences du XXIe siècle : la pensée critique et la résolution de problèmes, apprendre / apprentissage autonome et autodirigé, collaboration et communication.
IMAGE : K.M. Graham. Abstraction n° 4, 1974. Tusche stick sur papier, 56 x 70,5 cm. Don de K.M. Graham, 1997. © Succession de K.M. Graham 97/2076
AGO Schools: Art and the Environment
Discover how artists have creatively interpreted Canada’s diverse regions, including flora and fauna in this exploration of urban and rural environments.
Curriculum Connections: The Kindergarten program, The Arts, Language, Science, Health and Physical Education
Links to 21st Century Competencies: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Collaboration, Communication, Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship, Global Citizenship
IMAGE: K.M. Graham. Arctic Night #2, 1974. Acrylic and pastel on paper, 44.5 x 58.4 cm. Gift of K.M. Graham, 1998. © Estate of K.M. Graham 98/430
Les écoles du MBAO : Art et environnement
Découvrez comment les artistes ont interprété avec créativité les diverses régions du Canada, y compris la flore et la faune, dans cette exploration des environnements urbains et ruraux.
Liens avec les programmes d'études : le Programme de la maternelle et du jardin d'enfants, Éducation artistique, Langues, Sciences, Éducation physique et Santé.
Liens vers les compétences du XXIe siècle : la pensée critique et la résolution de problèmes, collaboration, communication, l’innovation, la créativité et l’entrepreneuriat et citoyenneté mondiale.
IMAGE : K.M. Graham. Nuit arctique n°2, 1974. Acrylique et pastel sur papier, 44,5 x 58,4 cm. Don de K.M. Graham, 1998. © Succession de K.M. Graham 98/430
AGO Schools: Art and the Senses
In thinking about how our brain processes the world around us, students will mindfully look, mindfully listen and mindfully experience art while building observational skills in a joyful and engaging way.
Curriculum Connections: The Kindergarten Program, The Arts, Language, Health and Physical Education, Science
Links to 21st Century Competencies: Learning to Learn / Self-Aware & Self Directed Learning, Collaboration, Communication
IMAGE: K.M. Graham. Arctic II Mountain Range, 1973. Acrylic on paper, 55.9 x 76.2 cm. Gift of K.M. Graham, 1996. © Estate of K.M. Graham 96/1059
Les écoles du MBAO : L'art et les sens
En réfléchissant à la façon dont notre cerveau traite le monde qui nous entoure, les élèves regarderont attentivement, écouteront et feront l'expérience de l'art tout en développant leur sens de l'observation d'une manière joyeuse et engageante.
Liens avec les programmes d'études : le Programme de la maternelle et du jardin d'enfants, Éducation artistique, Langue, Éducation physique et Santé et Sciences
Liens vers les compétences du XXIe siècle : apprendre / apprentissage autonome et autodirigé, collaboration et communication
IMAGE : K.M. Graham. Chaîne de montagnes Arctic II, 1973. Acrylique sur papier, 55,9 x 76,2 cm. Don de K.M. Graham, 1996. © Succession de K.M. Graham 96/1059
AGO Schools: Indigenous Art and Artists
Starting with the land, how do we hold conversations around Indigenous art and artists? In this experience, students will look at and discuss specific pieces of art that capture themes of Indigeneity.
Curriculum Connections: The Kindergarten Program, The Arts, Language, Social Studies, History, FNMI Studies (9 - 12)
Links to 21st Century Competencies: Learning to Learn / Self-Aware & Self Directed Learning, Collaboration, Communication, Global Citizenship
IMAGE: K.M. Graham. From my window, Cape Dorset, 1974. Pastel on paper, 22.9 x 30.5 cm. Gift of K.M. Graham, 1998. © Estate of K.M. Graham 98/457
Les écoles du MBAO : L'art et les artistes autochtones
En commençant par la terre, comment tenir des conversations sur l'art et les artistes autochtones ? Dans le cadre de cette expérience, les élèves examineront et discuteront d'œuvres d'art spécifiques qui illustrent les thèmes autochtones.
Liens avec le programme scolaire : le Programme de la maternelle et du jardin d'enfants, Éducation artistique, Langue, Études sociales, Histoire, Études du PNMI (9 - 12)
Liens vers les compétences du XXIe siècle : apprendre / apprentissage autonome et autodirigé, collaboration, communication et citoyenneté mondiale
IMAGE : K.M. Graham. De ma fenêtre, Cape Dorset, 1974. Pastel sur papier, 22,9 x 30,5 cm. Don de K.M. Graham, 1998. © Succession de K.M. Graham 98/457
AGO Schools: Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
Students explore the works of Black artists in the collection and consider concepts of identity through the history and presence of the African diaspora nationally and globally.
Curriculum Connections: The Kindergarten Program, The Arts, Language, Social Studies, Social Studies and Humanities (9 - 12), History, Geography
Links to 21st Century Competencies: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Collaboration, Communication, Global Citizenship
IMAGE: K.M. Graham. From Resolute Towards Magnetic North Pole, 1974. Pastel on paper, 26.1 x 33.6 cm. Gift of K.M. Graham, 1997. © Estate of K.M. Graham 97/2013
Les écoles du MBAO : Apprendre à connaître l'art de la diaspora africaine
Les élèves explorent les œuvres des artistes noirs de la collection et examinent les concepts d'identité à travers l'histoire et la présence de la diaspora africaine au niveau national et mondial.
Liens avec le programme scolaire : le Programme de la maternelle et du jardin d'enfants, Éducation artistique, Langue, Études sociales, Sciences sociales et humaines (9 - 12), Histoire et Géographie
Liens vers les compétences du XXIe siècle : la pensée critique et la résolution de problèmes, collaboration, communication et citoyenneté mondiale
IMAGE : K.M. Graham. De Resolute Towards Magnetic North Pole, 1974. Pastel sur papier, 26,1 x 33,6 cm. Don de K.M. Graham, 1997. © Succession de K.M. Graham 97/2013
AGO Schools: Prints & Drawings
Join Associate Curator Alexa Greist to learn about the origins of the poster and how prints were used to communicate information in various ways in the West over the last 200 years
IMAGE: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Divan Japonais, 1893. crayon, brush and spatter lithograph, printed in four colours, Sheet: 81 × 62 cm. Gift from the Donald R. Muller/ Ross R. Scott Collection through the American Friends of the Art Gallery of Ontario Inc., 2013. © Art Gallery of Ontario. 2013/55
Virtual School Visit FAQs
How much does it cost?
The weekly Virtual School Program sessions are free!
How do I join one of the weekly sessions?
Please select the class in the schedule you would like to join and then register. A Zoom webinar link will be emailed to you.
I have the Zoom link; how does my class join and participate?
Please feel free to forward the Zoom link to your students. Students do not need to download Zoom to watch the session; they will just need to click “View in Browser” when prompted.
Other options include sharing the session with your students via Google Meets/Classroom. You will need to make sure you accept conference audio when joining the session, otherwise you will not be able to hear the presenter.
Is my student’s privacy at risk?
The Zoom link shared with your students will be registered as the name on the invitation.
All students will have the name given on registration upon joining the session.
What will we be doing?
In each 30-minute session, participants in AGO Virtual School Programs will explore and discuss two artworks from the AGO Collection, with a focus on the Critical Analysis Process. Also included is a mini-wellness moment, and a mini-artmaking “spark” so you and your class can continue to think about the topic once the session is over.
Please note: this is not a full artmaking session. The AGO does offer several artmaking classes taught by professional artist/educators. Click here to see all the creative classes we offer.
How do I prepare my class?
Students may want a pencil and a sheet of paper as they tune into the sessions. The emphasis of this session is visual literacy, so we ask students to respond to questions posed by the Art Educators, using a keyboard and the Q&A function of the webinar. There will be no verbal replies. All comments are visible to all participants in the session, so here's a gentle reminder to please use the Q&A function respectfully.
If students are onsite, they may choose to write or sketch their responses on a sheet of paper. We would love to see them so please share your completed masterpiece #AGOSchools @AGOToronto
Will any of us be visible during the meeting?
No.
Do I need a microphone or a webcam to participate?
All sessions will be done in a Zoom webinar; student responses are typed in. Participants will not be seen or heard, so no mic or webcam is needed.
Will all the sessions in a week have the same link?
Once registered, a Zoom webinar link will be emailed and will provide you access to all sessions in that grade level for the week.
Do I need to attend all sessions in the week?
No, only participate in the sessions you want to join. Each Zoom link is valid for the week, and you are welcome to attend as many sessions as you like throughout the semester.
Can we use the Chat function?
No. Please use the Q&A function to respond to questions posed by the Art Educator. There are also no audio or verbal replies.
Can I watch a recorded version of this session later on?
These sessions are presented live and not recorded.
Are the sessions the same each week?
We strive to provide unique sessions each week under the daily theme, however sometimes we may show the same work in the different sessions so students become more familiar with the art and they can discuss it from various perspectives.
Can I record the session to show my students later?
Due to copyright restrictions on different artworks, you are unable to record the session on Zoom
Troubleshooting Your Zoom Link
- If the link is not working, the quickest fix is to reregister. Our system will send a new link immediately.
- Only links sent from the AGO will work. Please do not use third-party links.
- Are there any blank spaces accidentally pasted at the front of the invite?
- Make sure that you have registered for the correct date, time and subject.
- Do you have pop-ups enabled?
- Could Zoom be blocked? Some school networks block Zoom.
- Try a different browser.
- Click the link that says, “Click to join” or “Join from your Android or Apple device”.
- Although you do not need the Zoom app to participate, it may help with your connection. Try downloading the app on your computer or device.
Troubleshooting Your Zoom Audio
- Check your volume settings, and make sure your headphones are in appropriately if you are using them.
- Be sure that you have enabled computer audio as part of your Zoom set up.
- Check your internet connection. Even excellent Wi-Fi can get spotty and prevent a connection. If possible, it’s best to be connected via Ethernet.
- If you are screensharing via Google Meets/Classroom, make sure your audio settings are in place to accept webinar audio, and that there is access to your computer audio. If Zoom prompts you with any sound requests, please accept them.
- Zoom may function slightly differently on different devices. For other tech issues you may experience, please check out Zoom’s help section: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us
CUSTOM VIRTUAL TOURS PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Art and the Canadian Identity
Discover how artists have interpreted belonging on the land in Canada, and how it is exemplified in their artistic practices. This online class will explore the artists' connection to land and invite students to consider their own contemporary, traditional and/or cultural connections to what land means to them.
Art and the Creative Process
Where do artist find their inspirations? Students gain insights into the process behind the creation of select works in the AGO European, Indigenous & Canadian, and Contemporary collections.
Indigenous Art and Artists
Starting with the land, how do we hold conversations around Indigenous art and artists? In this facilitated experience, students will look at and discuss artwork that captures themes of Indigeneity.
Getting to Know Art of the African Diaspora
Expanding on the concepts introduced in other Virtual School Programs, students will take a deep-dive into artwork in the AGO Collection by Black artists. Students will also consider concepts of identity through the history and presence of the African diaspora nationally and globally.
Yes, French Custom Tours are available. Please notify us in your booking form that you would like your program in French. The cost of a custom Virtual school tour is $250. In this 60-minute session we will observe, explore and discuss 2 works of art from the AGO’s collection with a focus on the Critical Analysis Process. Included in this session is a mini-wellness moment, and a mini-art making spark for you to continue to think about and expand upon, post-session. Unfortunately, we are not accepting cheques at this time. Sorry for any inconvenience. Yes, we are still accepting PO’s from your school board.
CUSTOMIZED VIRTUAL PROGRAMS FAQS
Is a French Custom Virtual School tour available?
How much is the Custom Virtual School Tour?
What will we be doing?
We usually pay by Cheque
We pay by PO from our school board
