Last night I took part in a focus group at the Art Gallery of Ontario. They are working on a re-branding strategy to go with the big Gehry-induced physical transformation in 2008. They've invited various stakeholders to give input. My group was "artists." There's another "artists" group on Wednesday. In attendance last night were 8 artists, an outside facilitator, and Arlene Madell, the director of marketing and communications. Of the artists, 7 were white females between 35-45. Pretty well everyone in the group knew each other really well. As a bunch, we were kind of mean and negative. I hope the feedback was helpful, it was definitely impassioned and honest. Here are my favourites of the more positive, action-oriented suggestions that came up:
- Give more power and freedom to young curators with vision and excitement for contemporary art. We named names. I dunno if I should do that here. It seems like it would be a breach of confidence. If I change my mind I'll make an update.
- Host regular get-togethers for curators and programmers from galleries across Ontario, including artist-run centres, private galleries and public galleries, to compare notes about specifically what projects are upcoming and explore ways to work together.
- Expand on the good work that the education and outreach department is doing, particularly Teens Behind the Scenes and any like programs.
- Open an AGO bar and hold free weekly events there.
- Get excited about showcasing contemporary Canadian art to local, regional and international audiences, and tour contemporary shows around the country.
- De-accession works from the collection which are not relevant to current goals for the institution and channel that money into contemporary programming.
- Shed the small-time Upper Canadian museological stuffiness for some genuine, committed engagement with current Canadian art.
There's was lots more, and I didn't take notes. These are just the things that stick out for me. I'm pretty sure they were looking for a cultural read on us potential gallery-goers (what colour of i-pod best expresses my taste in contemporary art?), than piles of requests for programming changes. But Arlene Maddell seems alert and concerned and I have had other excellent experiences with AGO's communications and publicity people recently. In my opinion, if anyone can shift that behemoth's 'tude its the marketing dudes. Still, I hate to think what suggestions the other "stakeholders" came up with. Finer floral displays in the member's lounge? Discount rates for celebrity weddings in Walker court? *shudder*
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