York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton issues the following announcement to the community:
I am writing to inform members of the York University community that the search for the next director/curator of the Art Gallery of York University (AGYU) has reached a successful conclusion. Following an extensive national and international search, I am delighted to share with you that Jenifer Papararo has accepted our offer to take up this position as of Jan. 1, 2020.
Papararo joins York University from Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art on the campus of the University of Winnipeg, where she has held the position of executive director for the past five years. At Plug In, she provided leadership for its mandate of research and education, fostering new artistic works, expanding audiences and conducting strategic planning. Her initiatives include the STAGES biennial, a public art exhibition throughout Winnipeg; the Interpreting Youth program; and several other community-based lectures, screenings and performances. Prior to her appointment at Plug In, she served as curator of the Contemporary Art Gallery in Vancouver from 2004 to 2014. She has been engaged in the contemporary art field in a range of roles for more than 15 years as a curator, writer, institutional director, and member of the service-oriented curatorial and artist collective Instant Coffee. Throughout her positions, she has undertaken production and distribution of contemporary art, partnership building, publishing, and promotion of interdisciplinary approaches and interactions.
Papararo holds a master’s degree in art history from Western University. She is a frequent presenter and moderator for a variety of audiences in and beyond universities, and has published several exhibition-related catalogues, an anthology of collected writing and two artist book works.
The Art Gallery of York University is an important hub for artistic engagement on our campus and in our community. As director/curator of the AGYU, Papararo will be responsible for artistic direction, policy development, and collections and acquisitions, while serving as an ambassador for the gallery, enhancing its profile and building relationships with artists, donors, the public and other key stakeholders.
Please join me in welcoming Jenifer Papararo to York University. I look forward to working with her in the coming years as she leads the AGYU in its advancement of innovation and community engagement.
Finally, I would like to thank Emelie Chhangur for her outstanding service as interim director/curator of the AGYU and the search committee for their contributions to this important process.