This winter, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is set to ignite Toronto’s cultural scene with a dynamic program featuring live talks, performances, and immersive experiences. Celebrating the intersection of art, music, and culture, the series brings together visionary artists, musicians, and thought leaders for unforgettable events. Visitors can explore groundbreaking exhibitions, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and enjoy captivating live performances that redefine the gallery experience.
Winter 2025 Talks, Openings & Performances
- On Friday, January 10 at 7 p.m. Toronto-based artist Blessyl Buan will perform live in Pacita Abad. Inspired by Abad’s artistic legacy and Indigenous Filipino spiritualism, this site-specific performance blends dance, drawing and memory. Free with General Admission. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/blessyl-buan-babaelan.
- On Saturday, January 18 at 2 p.m., join Toronto-based artist Louise Nogouchi and Renée van der Avoird, associate curator of Canadian Art, for the opening of Louise Nogouchi: Select Works 1986-2000. Free with general admission. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/louise-noguchi-public-opening.
- On Sunday, January 19 at 2 p.m., join writer and psychologist, Christopher Rothko, for a talk about the work and legacy of his father, famed artist Mark Rothko (1903-1970) in Baillie Court. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Moments in Modernism. Advanced tickets are required. For more details and to register, visit ago.ca/events/mark-rothko-and-inner-world.
- On Wednesday, February 5 at 7 p.m., and continuing monthly through April, don’t miss live dance responses to the sounds and visual elements of Sonia Boyce: Feeling Her Way. These site-specific performances by a rotating cast of dancers are free as part of First Wednesday Night Free programming. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/feeling-her-way-dancer-responses.
- On Saturday, February 15 at 2 p.m., join Toronto-based artist Oluseye and Julie Crooks, Curator, Arts of Global Africa and Diaspora for the opening celebration of Oluseye: Merindinlogun. This event is free with General Admission. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/oluseye-merindinlogun-public-opening.
- On Wednesday, February 12 at 7 p.m., celebrated Canadian artist Stan Douglas, will give a talk about his art practice in Baillie Court. Presented in conjunction with the exhibitions Light Years: The Phil Lind Gift and The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century. Advanced tickets are required. Stay tuned to ago.ca/events for more information and ticketing links.
- On Wednesday, March 19 at 7 p.m., join art historians Carmen Robertson and Georgiana Uhlyarik, Fredrik S. Eaton Curator of Canadian Art, AGO, for a conversation about the lives and works of two of the 20th century’s greatest painters: Rita Letendre (1928-2021) and Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007). The talk is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Letendre/Morrisseau and will take place in Baillie Court. Advanced tickets are required. For more details and to register, visit ago.ca/events/morrisseau-and-letendre.
- On Saturday, March 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the AGO, in partnership with the Roots Rhymes Collective, presents Remembering RapCity: The Legacy of Canadian Hip Hop Television, a multimedia panel discussion by those who were there. Presented in conjunction with The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century. Advanced tickets are required. For more details and to register, visit ago.ca/events/remembering-rapcity-legacy-canadian-hip-hop-television.
- On Saturday, March 29, at 2 p.m., join the 2022 Gershon Iskowitz Prize at the AGO recipient Tim Whiten and Julian Cox, AGO Deputy Director and Chief Curator for the opening celebration of Tim Whiten: A Little Bit of Light. Free with General Admission. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/tim-whiten-little-bit-light-public-opening.
- On Saturday, April 5, the AGO celebrates Slow Art Day with activities for the mind and body. Open to all ages, visitors can experience Yoga in the Gallery, free with General Admission, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/slow-art-day-2.
- On Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m., join writer and curator Ray Cronin for a talk about the enduring appeal and significance of artist Alex Colville (1920-2013) in Baillie Court. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Moments in Modernism. Advanced tickets are required. For more details and to register, visit ago.ca/events/ray-cronin-alex-colville.
- On Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m., join artist Tim Whiten, recipient of the 2022 Gershon Iskowitz Prize at the AGO, in conversation with independent curator and writer, Carolyn Bell Farrell. Presented in conjunction with the AGO exhibition Tim Whiten: A Little Bit of Light, the discussion will be moderated by the exhibition curator and the AGO’s Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Julian Cox, in Baillie Court. Advanced tickets are required. For more details and to register, visit ago.ca/events/tim-whiten-conversation.
AGO Friday Nights
Grab a drink, explore, and connect every Friday night as the AGO stays open late. AGO Friday Night programming is included in General Admission, which is always free for Ontarians under 25, Indigenous Peoples, AGO Members and Annual Pass holders.
- Beginning January 17, from 6 to 9 p.m., Maker Fridays returns every month to Walker Court, with an exciting lineup of new drop-in artmaking activities inspired by the AGO Collection and special exhibitions. No advance registration is necessary. All materials are provided and a cash bar is on site. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/maker-friday-culture.
- On January 24, and February 28, AGO invites you to Dance with Jade’s Hip Hop Academy from 6 to 9 p.m. Catch a live performance and bring your dancing shoes for an interactive night of movement and music in Walker Court. This event is free with General Admission and suitable for all ages. A cash bar will be available. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/dance-jades-hip-hop-academy-0.
- Beginning January 31, Awkward Date Night returns every month to offer visitors a fun-filled tour where the art breaks the ice for you! This event is free with General Admission. Space is limited – registration is onsite, the day of, beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/awkward-first-date-tours.
Studio Courses, Workshops and Wellness
Studio art courses continue this winter for artists of all skill levels at the Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School. AGO courses are designed to provide a dynamic and inclusive environment where participants can explore their creativity, expand their knowledge, and connect with others. Browse weekday and weekend course and workshop offerings inspired by current exhibitions and the AGO collection. To register, visit ago.ca/learn/courses-and-workshops. AGO Members receive a discount on courses.
- Beginning Saturday, January 25 at 11:30 a.m., and continuing monthly, AGO Bistro presents Brunch Club, a unique twist to the weekend classic – featuring guided art instruction and conversation followed by a prix-fix brunch menu. Gallery admission, art materials, coffee/tea and pastry, brunch prix fixe and complimentary coat check are included in registration. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. To register, visit ago.ca/events/brunch-club.
- Beginning February 7, and continuing monthly, Drawing. Drinks. Social invites visitors to spend an evening over drinks and conversation while an AGO artist-instructor leads through an artmaking session. Gallery admission, sketching supplies, and a drink are included in the fee. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. For more details and to register, visit ago.ca/events/drawing.-drinks.-social.
- On Saturday, April 5, the AGO celebrates Slow Art Day with activities for the mind and body. Beginning at 1 p.m., Art Educators are offering guided tours of the collection with an emphasis on close looking. Registration required. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. For more details and to register, visit ago.ca/events/slow-art-day-2.
- Seniors Social, the AGO’s dedicated artmaking and conversation monthly series for older adults continues in person and online this winter. Zoom with us on March 11, join us in person for a guided tour of The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century and a spoken word session. Advanced registration is required. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive a discount. To register, visit ago.ca/events/seniors-social-culture-0.
ABOUT THE AGO
Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists to European masterpieces. The AGO presents wide-ranging exhibitions and programs, including solo exhibitions and acquisitions by diverse and underrepresented artists from around the world. The AGO is embarking on the seventh expansion project undertaken since it was founded in 1900. When completed the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will increase exhibition space for the museum’s growing modern and contemporary collection and reflect the people who call Toronto home. With its groundbreaking Annual Pass program, the AGO is one of the most affordable and accessible attractions in the GTA. Visit ago.ca to learn more.
