BOARD CHAIR
WAG-Qaumajuq occupies a very special place in downtown Winnipeg. A vibrant, cultural hub, it represents optimism, light and reconciliation for all of us who live and work in the city, as well as for those who visit from other places.
I am so grateful to the visionaries and dreamers who made this beautiful combined space a reality. The builders, the artists, the elders and knowledge keepers, the fundraisers, donors and sponsors, the members, volunteers, and visitors, past and present, have created an artistic institution like no other.
I would like to thank WAG staff and leadership for making this last year so remarkable. Their commitment to the success of the Gallery, to delivering exceptional exhibitions and programs and to creating partnerships with communities across the province and country is truly inspiring.
I have had the privilege of working with an outstanding Board of Governors who bring dedication, intelligence, and innovation to every decision and conversation. Their support during my first year as Chair has meant so much to me. Equally, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with CEO and Director, Dr. Stephen Borys. Under his direction, the Gallery has become a national leader in equity, diversity and inclusion. Many galleries and museums throughout North America look to WAG-Qaumajuq as an example of what’s possible. Thank you to the Board and to Dr. Borys.
Several years ago, I saw the architect’s model for Qaumajuq, then called the Inuit Art Centre, sitting under glass in the mezzanine of the WAG. I was immediately struck by the potential of this building to change the way we think about art. Seeing that model inspired me to volunteer – first on the Development Committee, then on the Board of Governors and now as Chair of the Board. Along the way, I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people.
I invite everyone to explore WAG-Qaumajuq. I know you will be amazed, challenged and moved by what you see here. I hope it will inspire you to engage further with the Gallery by becoming a member, volunteer or donor. Together, we have a bright future!
DIRECTOR & CEO
Dr. Stephen Borys, Director & CEO of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq, has long been a fierce advocate for the power of art to change lives and make a difference in the community. He holds an Executive MBA, PhD in Art and Architectural History from McGill University, MA in Art History from the University of Toronto, BA Honours from the University of Winnipeg. Dr. Borys is an adjunct professor of art history at the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg. Under his leadership, the WAG has expanded its role and purpose in the cultural and museum sector locally and globally, with particular attention to the Indigenization and decolonization of the institution. Responding to calls to action, reconciliation work with Indigenous peoples and nations has been at the forefront of his directorship. Dr. Borys was previously chief curator at The Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, Florida, at which time he held teaching posts at Florida State University and New College. Prior to Sarasota, he was senior curator and lecturer at the Allen Art Museum, Oberlin College, Ohio; and earlier, he was a curator of European & American art at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, and a curatorial assistant at the Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montreal. He has organized numerous exhibitions, written accompanying catalogues and scholarly articles, lectured across North America and internationally and is the recipient of several research and exhibition grants. Dr. Borys is a graduate of the Getty Museum Leadership Institute and the Royal Collections Studies Program. He was awarded the Business and Arts Peter Herrndorf Art Leadership Award in 2023, Order of Manitoba in 2020, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum and Diamond Jubilee Medals in 2022 and 2012. He is a member of the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review board and Economic Development Winnipeg board, and a past board member of the Canadian Museums Association, Association of Art Museum Directors, and the Canadian Art Museum Directors Organization.
Leadership Team
Board of Governors
For those interested in joining the Winnipeg Art Gallery Board of Governors please submit an application and CV to the board’s Governance & Nominating Committee.
All applications will be reviewed and acknowledged. For application information, contact
INDIGENOUS ADVISORY CIRCLE
As Indigenous ways, ceremony & knowledge are becoming more integrated into the fabric of WAG-Qaumajuq, including at the governance level, the mandate of the Indigenous Advisory circle has organically changed from annual formal meetings to monthly informal project-based collaboration. Indigenous Knowledge Keepers are always invited into conversations and collaborate on projects on a regular ad-hoc basis. Ceremonial Leaders make prayers at WAG-Qaumajuq regularly at the direction of Dakota Elder Wanbdi Wakita. WAG-Qaumajuq is very honoured to work with these Knowledge Keepers and is very grateful for their expertise, guidance, and leadership.
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE KEEPER COLLABORATORS
EMERITI
To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit
