MOCCA announces the appointment of Chantal Pontbriand to the newly created position of CEO of the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) in Toronto, Canada. The appointment comes as the Museum embarks on a major expansion project, including relocating to a new building in early 2017.
Chantal Pontbriand is an internationally renowned curator and art critic from Montreal. She recently returned to Canada after being based in Paris and London for the last 10 years. Pontbriand will guide the re-opening of the Museum at its new premises in the refurbished and historically designated Tower Automotive Building, built in 1919. Pontbriand will evolve a comprehensive vision for the general orientation of the collection, exhibitions, programs and events, media initiatives, and publications. She will bring the institution’s renewed outreach initiative to the international art world and a larger public audience. Pontbriand will also undertake organizational restructuring in order for the Museum to continue moving towards meeting its long-term goals, including developing a funding structure with public and private partners.
As CEO, Pontbriand will work closely with the MOCCA Board of Directors to execute this pivotal phase in the Museum’s development. Pontbriand will also work with the members of the newly formed Capital Campaign Committee and International Advisory Committee.
“MOCCA is delighted to welcome Chantal as our CEO,” says Julia Ouellette, chair of the MOCCA Board of Directors. “Chantal’s arrival marks an exciting and important moment for the Museum and for the Canadian arts community. Her experience in Canada and abroad will strengthen Canada’s presence and enliven our engagement in the global visual arts conversation.”
Speaking about her new position as CEO of MOCCA, Chantal Pontbriand says, “I am delighted to accept this new challenge as MOCCA is poised to become one of Canada’s leading contemporary art institutions. It is particularly exciting to be taking on this project in Toronto, which is one of North America’s most dynamic cities in many respects: economically, culturally, and politically. It is an incubator for one of the most diverse and creative populations in the world.
“My aim is to transform MOCCA into a place that can meet the needs of the 21st century, connecting with the issues Canada and the world are facing today. These include opening our societies to a diversity of cultures due to unprecedented global migrations, and responding to the new environmental challenges facing our planet. Art plays a major role in advancing knowledge and in enhancing everyday life. Both will be at the heart of the new MOCCA.”
Among her many accomplishments, Chantal Pontbriand has been founder-director of two of Canada’s most pioneering institutions in recent decades: Parachute contemporary art magazine (1975–2007) and the FIND (International Festival of New Dance) (1985–2003). These organizations became internationally recognized leaders in their respective fields, contributing to the recognition of Canadian artists world-wide while introducing international artists to the Canadian public. Besides pushing the boundaries of artistic disciplines and opening up geographical horizons, Pontbriand has developed an extensive network, nationally and internationally, in both the visual and performing arts, including museum directors, curators, critics, collectors, galleries, festival and theater directors, and artists.
About MOCCA
The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art was born on the cusp of the millennium and exploded onto the international art scene with ambitious local-to-global programming. MOCCA functions as a hub for cultural production and creative exchange, and has showcased the work of over 1,300 Canadian and international artists since 2005. In 2017 MOCCA will open the doors to its new home in the Tower Automotive Building in Toronto’s west end.
All MOCCA programs and activities are supported by Toronto Culture, the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, BMO Financial Group, individual memberships and private donations.
Press contact
Mark Savoia, Head, Marketing & Communications
msavoia [at] mocca.ca / T +1 416 395 7490
