The AGO has launched a crowdfunding campaign to acquire Canada’s first Infinity Mirror Room artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Yayoi Kusama. Inspired by the love for Kusama’s unique and immersive Infinity Mirror Rooms, the AGO wants one of her works in Toronto…for infinity. The AGO has secured half the purchase price for this permanent Infinity Mirror Room but are using the power of crowdfunding with the #InfinityAGO campaign which invites Torontonians to donate the rest to ensure that current and future art lovers can experience Kusama’s extraordinary and innovative exploration of time and space.The room would belong to the AGO and in turn, to the people of Toronto. The #InfinityAGO campaign is live online now at InfinityAGO.ca. I’m hoping that the room will also be used for mental health awareness unlike the original Infinity Rooms exhibit earlier this year. The AGO has a chance to do it right this time! If you want to read more about the Infinity Mirrors exhibit earlier this year, check it out here.
“Yayoi Kusama is one of the most important artists alive today. The opportunity to have an Infinity Mirror Roomas part of the AGO’s collection is deeply exciting,” says Stephan Jost, the AGO’s Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO.“We know that the people of Toronto have a special bond with Kusama and her art.It is time that a major Kusama Infinity Mirror Room be here in our city and province.”
The Infinity Mirror Room the AGO is hoping to acquire has never before been exhibited in Canada. It would be the first Infinity Mirror Room acquired by a Canadian public art museum. As funds are raised, the AGO will unveil pieces of a photo of the Infinity Mirror Room. The Infinity Mirror Room’s name and image will be revealed when the #InfinityAGO campaign is complete.The AGO hopes to reach its crowdfunding goal of $1.3 million CAD within 30 days so that the work can be brought to Toronto as soon as possible.
The AGO is the first Canadian art museum to launch a crowdfunding campaign of this scale to acquire a contemporary artwork. Donors of $25 and higher will have a chance to see the Infinity Mirror Room in spring 2019 before it opens to the public. Other benefits, from buttons to umbrellas and more, are available for larger donation amounts. Donors within the first five days of the campaign, Nov.1until Nov.5 at 12 p.m.will be entered into a contest for a sleepover at the AGO with five friends, which includes early and exclusive access to the Infinity MirrorRoom. All donations of $100 and up will receive a tax receipt. The AGO hopes to engage with thousands of people through the #InfinityAGO campaign. “A central theme in Kusama’s work is the idea of connectivity. So it’s fitting that #InfinityAGO will involve thousands of people working together to bring great art to Toronto. Together, infinity is achievable,” Jost says.
Support from individuals is critical to the AGO’s mission to bring people and art together, and to highlight the best art from across Canada and around the world. A registered charity, the AGO relies on the generosity of individual donors, corporate sponsors, members and visitors, to supplement the annual operating support from government sources.Most of our artwork is acquired through generous donors who support the AGO, which is why the AGO is reaching out to the public in this unprecedented way.
