The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has announced the appointment of Jaimie Isaac as its new chief curator.
Isaac is a curator and interdisciplinary artist and a member of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Treaty 1 Territory.
She served as the Indigenous and Contemporary Arts curator at the Winnipeg Art Gallery for more than six years and has held leadership positions in arts and cultural organizations.
Isaac holds a degree in Art History from the University of Winnipeg and a Masters of Arts from the University of British Columbia, with the thesis focus on Decolonizing Curatorial Practice.
“It’s an honour to start working with the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and the arts community in Victoria, on the traditional unceded territory of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations,” said Issac. “Looking forward to being part of the team, building relationships and launching exciting projects,” said Isaac, who starts her role in September.
Artistically, Isaac co-founded The Ephemerals Collective, which was long-listed for the 2017 and 2019 Sobey Art Awards. Collectively and independently, she has exhibited and presented work internationally.
Isaac follows Michelle Jacques, who is now the Head of Exhibitions and Collection/Chief Curator at Remai Modern in Saskatoon.
“We are thrilled to have Jaimie join the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria,” said Janyce Ronson, acting director at the art gallery. “Jaimie’s experience working with different communities will lead the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s curatorial and education team in providing a voice reflective of the people of Victoria and Vancouver Island. With Jaimie, we have found the ideal candidate for the position.”