Art Matters - Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts

Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond hosted the 48th public Art Matters forum at the Canada Council Art Bank, 921 St. Laurent Boulevard, in Ottawa. This discussion brought together laureates of the 2010 GGAVMAs, as well as members of the arts community, and focused on the theme “Visual Literacy: Which tools and skills can we develop to grasp a work of art?”

"Education is not only developing intellectual skills, but also practical abilities. This is especially true when it comes to art education. But, what are the tools we give to our children at school? How do we educate them to become art appreciators? Art education is not only about giving the tools to understand, but it is also about creating awareness."

Ms. Pat Durr, visual artist, was amond the panelists. The discussion was moderated by Robin Metcalfe, director and curator of the Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery. The other panelists were: Dominique Blain, visual artist; Vicky Chainey Gagnon, curator of the Foreman Art Gallery of Bishop’s University; Frédéric Loury, owner of the Galerie [SAS], founder and curator of Art souterrain; and Marc Mayer, director of the National Gallery of Canada.

Many members of the public had the chance to share their comments and ask questions to the panelists.