-Immediate Release-
(Toronto, Ontario – January, 24, 2017) – The Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada (MOCA) announces the appointment of November Paynter as Director of Programs. Paynter brings a wealth of curatorial, organizational and international experience, shaped by over fifteen years dedicated to developing arts organizations and working with contemporary artists.
Paynter joins the organization during a pivotal point in MOCA’s existence as it prepares to expand its footprint into Toronto’s iconic, heritage Tower Automotive Building. Opening in fall 2017, this new enhanced MOCA will align the aspirations, track record and potential developed over its twenty-three-year history.
“We are thrilled that November will bring her unique experience building institutions and working within cultural networks to MOCA as we usher in this new phase for the museum,” says Julia Ouellette, Chair, MOCA Board of Directors.
Paynter will be responsible for evolving a dynamic and inspirational program and collecting policy, as well as initiating collaborations between MOCA and like-minded international partners. Paynter will work hand-in-hand with MOCA curator, David Liss, to advance the museum’s creative vision. “I am excited and honored to step into this role at a crucial moment as MOCA finalizes the renovation of its new venue. I particularly look forward to shaping the attitude and direction of the program, while retaining the institution’s meaning for the local art community by putting relationships at the center of the operation,” Paynter said.
Born in the UK and holding an MA in Curating Contemporary Art from the Royal College of Art in London, Paynter joins MOCA from SALT, Istanbul and Ankara where she was founding Associate Director of Research and Programs from 2011 – 2016. In this role she headed the visual arts programming across three venues and acted as project leader for the institution’s participation in the museum confederation L’Internationale. Paynter’s previous posts include Director of the Artist Pension Trust, Dubai; Consultant Curator, Tate Modern; Assistant Curator, 9th International Istanbul Biennial and Curator of Platform Garanti, Istanbul. Her recent editorial project VOTI Union of the Imaginary was published by Buchhandlung Walther König in 2016. In 2017 she will sit on the panel of judges for the Jameel Prize 5 organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
“Toronto is among a unique list of cities that embody a progressive and future orientated perspective. Add to this the opportunity to help model a museum that lives and breathes within a thriving multicultural environment, and Toronto is clearly an extremely desirable context in which to live and work,” says Paynter of her relocation to Toronto.
About the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada
The Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada is building a one-of-a-kind inclusive cultural catalyst. Founded in 1993, as the page turned on the 20th century, MOCA is celebrated for its sharp, incisive, artist-centric approach to programming, and its welcoming visitor experience. In fall 2017, MOCA will mark a new phase of the museum’s growth as it expands its footprint into the iconic, heritage Tower Automotive Building situated in Toronto’s Junction Triangle.
More than just a new physical space, MOCA will be a participatory vehicle where artists and audiences can step into a wider world of contemporary art, and be part of a global creative moment defined by new ideas and new forms. The expanded museum will realize its vision through bold and innovative programming including three lead exhibitions per year, complementary activations, print and web publications and integrated educational opportunities such as workshops, talks, screenings and much more.
The evolution of the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada is made possible through a unique alliance with Castlepoint Greybrook Sterling Inc., public sector funders, private donors, members, sponsors and a network of cross-sectoral partners.
Media Contact
Mark Savoia
Head, Marketing and Communications
msavoia@museumofcontemporaryart.ca
416-395-7490