02/07/2026
Interesting, however sad, about an almost AGO purchase …
Since news broke last month that Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) decided against acquiring a new work by Nan Goldin, the fallout has been fierce. The decision, prompted by trustee Judy Schulich, who reportedly branded the Jewish American photographer “antisemitic,” has led to calls for her resignation. It’s also renewed scrutiny of how wealthy donors influence museum governance.
An open letter demanding more transparency and curatorial independence at the AGO—and calling for Schulich to step down—has to date collected more than 500 signatures, including Goldin herself. Organized by Jewish groups such as Jews Say No To Genocide, Independent Jewish Voices Toronto, and United Jewish Peoples Order Canada, the letter frames Schulich’s intervention as part of a worrying pattern of donor influence over curatorial decisions.
Read more: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/open-letter-demanding-more-curatorial-independence-at-ago-after-non-acquisition-of-nan-godin-work-collects-500-signatures-1234772059/