A once-in-a-lifetime art experience at the AGO with Stephen Jost

You can visit the Art Gallery of Ontario almost any day of the week, but exploring the prestigious space alongside its director Stephan Jost — and learning all the hidden secrets and inside knowledge he carries—is not an experience one can just book or buy.

Canada’s National Observer is offering a unique gift of this once-in-a-lifetime art adventure (plus a dinner for two and surprise goodies) to the first supporter to make a donation of $4,000 towards our current fundraising campaign.

Nearly $28,000 more to go by May 31. Will you pitch in and help Canada’s National Observer cross the campaign finish line?

Since taking on the role of AGO director in 2016, Jost has become known for making the gallery a welcoming place to an increasingly diverse membership, for increasing the gallery’s focus on Indigenous art, and for a willingness to engage in rich conversations.

Jost believes in the power of art to change lives, and connect us through common understanding. Every object, he says, contains multiple narratives and stories, and through these they come to life. A walk through the AGO with him offers a rare opportunity to hear those narratives from someone whose life has been steeped in art history, and whose job it is to connect each piece to the public sphere.

Your time with Stephan Jost will be like a jaunt around the world with the most amazing tour guide ever. You can head to Iceland and enter an immersive meditation on love and death on the Eldhraun Ice Fields as part of the exhibit, Death is Elsewhere, by Ragnar Kjartansson. Perhaps you want to turn back the clock and experience Canada through the eyes of Tom Thomson, or William Kurelek. Or maybe you want to browse the AGO’s photography collection, accompanied by Jost’s photography expertise.

Help us raise $150,000 to accelerate CNO’s urgent climate reporting. Time is running out – but with you, our community – we can continue to bring you the best of Canadian journalism.

Donate $4,000 and accelerate the journalism of CNO and this opportunity is yours. Converse with a seasoned, in-demand museum director and be inspired as you learn. To sweeten this experience a touch further, the donor will enjoy a memorable meal at the AGO Bistro and also receive a swag bag of surprise CNO goodies.

Only one donor can claim this rare experience, so donate now to book this insider’s journey into the AGO! Offer available in Toronto*.

*Airfare and hotel not included.