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In Conversation with Susan A. Thompson to Support Inuit Art Centre

Winnipeg’s First and Only Female Mayor to Share Insights with Fellow Trailblazer Shannon Sampert

Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 20, 2016: During Canada’s 100th anniversary year of the vote for women, the Winnipeg Art Gallery is proud to present a one-on-one discussion between two inspiring Winnipeg women. Susan A. Thompson, Winnipeg’s first and only female mayor, will share personal, business, and political insights with Shannon Sampert, the Winnipeg Free Press’ first female op-ed editor. The afternoon conversation takes place on Sunday, November 27 with net proceeds supporting the WAG’s Inuit Art Centre.

“The WAG is delighted to feature Susan A. Thompson and celebrate her remarkable achievements with the community,” states Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG Director & CEO. “Susan recognizes the incredible benefits the Inuit Art Centre will bring to Winnipeg, and has done a great deal to advance our cause, beginning with her time as mayor. This gesture to benefit the Inuit Art Centre is a prime example of her steadfast support and generous spirit.”

Elected Mayor in 1992, Thompson was the first woman to own her family’s business, the first woman Rotarian in Manitoba, the first woman Consul General at the Canadian Consulate in Minneapolis, and the founding President and CEO of the University of Winnipeg Foundation.

Most recently, Thompson was honoured with the Order of Manitoba and an Honourary Doctor of Laws from the University of Winnipeg. Just over two weeks ago at the beginning of Women’s History Month, Thompson launched her new memoir to rave reviews. Written with Terry Létienne, Her Worship: Moments in History, Moments in Time takes readers through triumphs and obstacles Thompson faced as a pioneer in a male-oriented society. The year 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of her election as the first woman mayor of Winnipeg. “2016 is an incredibly important year for our past, our present, and our future,” says Thompson. “I look forward to this wonderful afternoon at the WAG.”

Joining Thompson for the event at the WAG is Shannon Sampert, Perspective & Politics Editor at the Winnipeg Free Press, the first female op-ed editor in the paper’s history. Currently on leave from the University of Winnipeg, Sampert has a PhD in Canadian politics and gender. She is the author of numerous journal publications and co-edited a book: Mediating Canadian Politics.

In Conversation with Susan A. Thompson is presented on Sunday, November 27 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Coordinated with the Associates of the WAG, the event features Thompson and Sampert with an introduction by Borys, followed by a Q&A, a book signing with Thompson, and a reception. Tickets are $25 or $20 for WAG members, seniors, and students. Reserve at wag.ca/events or call 204.786.6641.

Thank you to John Prystanski for being a sponsor for this event.

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram #inuitartcentre

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For more information or to prearrange interviews, please contact:
Catherine Maksymiuk
Manager, Media & Marketing
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1767
Media-Manager@wag.ca

Tammy Sawatzky
Public Relations Coordinator
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
PublicRelations@wag.ca

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is a cultural advocate – a lens and forum – helping people see and experience more through art. Playing a vital role in the community, engaging and enriching people of all ages and backgrounds through art and culture, the Winnipeg Art Gallery thrives as a creative, innovative, and accessible place for learning, discovery, and inspiration.

The WAG holds in trust the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. Breaking ground 2017, the WAG is creating an Inuit Art Centre to celebrate the art and to honour the Inuit. The Centre will bridge Canada’s North and South through exhibitions, research, education, and art making. It will also house the WAG’s nationally recognized Studio art and learning program.

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