FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2003
AGO workers celebrate Gehry expansion,
hold “passionate protest” against program cuts
TORONTO – Workers at the Art Gallery of Ontario will hold a “passionate protest” Wednesday, July 9 to celebrate the work of architect Frank Gehry and to speak out against program cuts at the Gallery that they say run counter to the spirit of Gehry’s work.
Last week the AGO told staff that it will close the second floor gallery space, cut school educational programs and eliminate traveling exhibitions within Ontario, cutting 29 staff positions.
“Frank Gehry is famous for saying ‘I want buildings that have passion in them,’” said Lisa Walter, president of Local 535 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. “People who work in the arts support that vision wholeheartedly – we’ve dedicated our lives to it.
“That’s why Gallery staff are so upset about the latest layoffs and program cuts,” she said. “We simply don’t see how the AGO can become a more passionate promoter of the arts by putting up new buildings without the people inside to make them work.”
AGO staff will unveil their vision of how cuts, closures and layoffs will affect the Gallery’s future.
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Time: 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Place: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
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For more information:
Brian Gravestock (416) 979-6660, ext. 420
Lisa Walter (416) 443-8888, ext. 677
