-Immediate Release-
(Toronto, Canada, July 6, 2016) – The Museum of Contemporary Art_Toronto_Canada, has announced an executive change as part of its senior leadership succession plan.
Terry Nicholson has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer of MOCA taking over the directorship of the museum effective today.
Nicholson comes to MOCA with more than 30 years of professional experience in Toronto’s cultural sector.
“MOCA has worked hard over the years to establish itself as an essential voice in Toronto’s vibrant Canadian art scene,” says Nicholson. “I am thrilled to be working with a great board and staff to realize MOCA’s bright future on the international stage.”
Nicholson brings a wealth of relevant experience to this role. Most recently, he was the Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Toronto where he led the City’s cultural grants, public art, and major international arts events such as Nuit Blanche and Panamania at Nathan Phillips Square. Nicholson also has extensive experience in the adaptive re-use of heritage buildings, such as the Artscape Wychwood Barns and Evergreen Brick Works.
Key to Nicholson’s immediate leadership role will be overseeing the much anticipated move to MOCA’s new museum home in Toronto’s west end to the iconic Auto BLDG. The restoration is on track for completion for 2017.
“We are delighted to welcome Terry to MOCA as our interim CEO,” says Julia Ouellette, MOCA’s board chair. “We believe Nicholson’s arts acumen helps MOCA master the challenge of building an innovative arts community in Toronto but also serve as a bridge that connects our arts patrons and stakeholders to the international contemporary art world.”
Nicholson’s academic achievements include an MBA in Arts Administration from York University and an MA in History from the University of Toronto.
Nicholson’s official first day on the job is July 6, 2016.
About MOCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art_Toronto_Canada (formerly known as the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art – MOCCA) was founded from the former Art Gallery of North York in 1999. In 2005, the Museum relocated to the West Queen West Art + Design District in downtown Toronto, in the heart of one of North America’s most dynamic arts communities. Since arriving on Queen Street West the Museum became a stimulus for the neighbourhood’s art community, for local businesses and for contemporary art and artists in Canada. Showcasing the work Canadian and international artists with its ambitious local-to-global programming, the Museum functions as a hub for cultural production and creative exchange.
In 2015 the Museum of Contemporary Art_Toronto_Canada announced a unique partnership with Castlepoint Numa to create a new home for the Museum. The museum will be moving its operations to 158 Sterling Road where it will occupy the first five floors of the iconic Auto BLDG. in Toronto’s Lower JCT. neighbourhood. This marks a new phase of dynamic growth and expansion for the Museum, with a mission devoted to the art of the 21st century.
The Museum of Contemporary Art_Toronto_Canada is supported by Castlepoint Greybrook Sterling Inc., BMO Financial Group, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP., Leo Burnett Toronto, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Culture, The Ouellette Family Foundation, The Jack Weinbaum Family Foundation, MSLGROUP, private donations, and individual members.
Contact
Mark Savoia
Head, Marketing and Communications
msavoia@museumofcontemporaryart.ca
416-395-7490