Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries

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GOG 2026 Town Hall: Help Us See More Clearly

Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Online via Zoom
Register here

Join Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries (GOG) to learn how our Digital Data Service Pilot Program has supported organizations across Canada—and help shape what comes next.

As we evolve the service into its next phase, we want to hear directly from you. Share your experiences, insights, and priorities so we can design a service that respond to real organizational needs and challenges.

Take part in the “Help Us See More Clearly” Town Hall to contribute your ideas, raise questions, and discuss the realities your organization is facing.

Your input is essential. This session will guide the development of this service model and ensure it continues to be practical, responsive, and focused on strengthening organizational resilience—especially in an increasingly uncertain political and operating environment. Together, we can ensure GOG continues to support the membership and the broader sector in ways that are accessible, effective, and relevant.

Help us help you — by helping shape the future of this service. Register here!

Upcoming GOG Professional Development Workshops

GOG will also be hosting three separate professional development workshops in the coming new year. Each workshop builds on the next, giving a comprehensive understanding of what it means to care for collections in 2026 and beyond. Register and fully equip your institution for the future.

Registration Fees (All Workshops)

• Non-Member/General, $300.00
• GOG Member, $200.00
• Artists/Independent Art worker, $55.00
• Student with valid student ID, $45.00
• Indigenous artists and independent Indigenous art workers (pre-registration required), free

1) Collections Care In The Digital Age
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries, Online
Register here

Ready to future-proof your institution? Join GOG online over Zoom for the workshop, Collection Care in the Digital Age, taking place on January 28, 2026, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Featuring an engaging lineup of speakers, including Gabriel Bevilacqua (Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen’s University), Luisa Ji (UKAI Projects), Emelie Chhangur (Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen’s University), Danuta Sierhuis (Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen’s University), and Peter Pavement (Surface Impression), this workshop will provide institutions the strategies, methods, and opportunities for participants to thrive in the digital era while enhancing their collections, exhibitions and programming. The workshop will offer practical methods for digitizing their collections. There will be opportunities for institutions to learn opportunities for enhancing their exhibitions with the use of digital tools and other technologies.

2) Collections Stewardship In Art Galleries And Museums
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries, Online
Register here

Want to strengthen your stewardship practices and protect the artworks that shape our cultural landscape? Join GOG online on February 25, 2026, from 10:00am to 3:00pm for the workshop, Collections Stewardship in Art Galleries and Museums. Take your collections care skills to the next level.

Learn the essentials of art and museum collections care. This workshop covers the physical and intellectual management needed to properly preserve artwork, from art handling techniques and storage best practices to maintaining accurate records. Discover how good collections stewardship benefits every part of your gallery or museum.

3) Collections And Accessibility
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Art Gallery of Hamilton, In-person
Register here

Interested in making your institution truly welcoming to all? Join GOG at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on March 10, 2026, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, for the final workshop of the year, Collections and Accessibility. Be part of the movement toward more inclusive cultural spaces.

This workshop tackles physical, intellectual, and cultural barriers that can hinder engagement with your collections, exhibitions, and programs. Learn how to move beyond “one-time” fixes and embed accessibility into the core of your operations, creating a welcoming space for everyone.

Please note that to accommodate your dietary needs for the March in-person workshop, we require your complete registration no later than Monday, March 2, at 9:00am. Thank you for your understanding.

Register today for the workshops and lead meaningful change.

Acknowledgments

GOG gratefully acknowledges the funding contribution from the Museums Assistance Program, the Department of Canadian Heritage, for the professional development workshops.

Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries has over a 50-year history as an arts service organization (ASO) and represents over 270 members—public art galleries, museums, artist-run-centres, and arts organizations. GOG is the voice of visual arts, speaking to all levels of government on advocacy issues, policy, and legislation. Additionally, we continually strive to deliver innovative and cutting-edge professional development and network-building opportunities that advance, empower, and strengthen the visual arts sector in Canada.

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Contact Information:
Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries
E: communications@galeries-ontario-galleries.ca
T: (416) 598-0714