Jennifer Matotek Appointed as the New Executive Director of the Art Gallery of Windsor

Windsor, ON — Ms. Jennifer Matotek, an aspiring pioneer in the arts, has been appointed the new Executive Director of the Art Gallery of Windsor (AGW). Hailing from the Dunlop Art Gallery in Regina, Ms. Matotek will join the AGW on April 15, 2020.

"Jennifer embodies the qualities that the Art Gallery of Windsor seeks in its new leader. With a deep knowledge of art and community spirit, she brings an exciting artistic vision, and openness to ideas with a focus on team building and relationships with staff, artists, and collaborative partners." comments Board Chair, Ms. Federica Nazzani.

A Grimsby Ontario native, Jennifer’s reputation is as a warm and engaging cultural leader and artist, who has built on her successes in each institution she has been involved with. She is focused on artistic excellence, passionate about ensuring accessibility of art, committed to community engagement, and is deeply respected among her colleagues in Canada. “We believe she is the perfect fit for the Art Gallery of Windsor, and we are absolutely delighted to welcome Jennifer to the AGW and the community of Windsor-Essex” added Ms. Pearl Davies, Board Director and Chair of the Search Committee.  

“I am thrilled to be joining the AGW, which is one of Canada’s pre-eminent art galleries,” says Jennifer Matotek. “The energy and diversity of Windsor-Essex and proximity to Detroit is exciting to me as an artist and arts administrator. It is a great honour and humbling experience to be appointed as only the 7^th Executive Director in its 75 years history; a rich and exciting future awaits, I can promise you that.”

As one of her first priorities, Ms. Matotek will be leading the development of the new five-year strategic plan for the AGW in collaboration with community stakeholders. The plan will build upon AGW’s remarkable permanent art collection and legacy of success. Jennifer is looking forward to reaching out to the local artistic and broader community in Windsor-Essex. 

Ms. Matotek recently completed a six-year successful stint at the Dunlop Art Gallery and RPL Film Theatre in Regina, which saw her overcome a period of difficulty and implement a new operating model, which attracted thousands of visitors annually. She also led a province-wide initiative working with 17 cultural and municipal partners to launch an innovative public art project in the summer of 2018. Previously, she held senior positions at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Toronto International Film Festival and previous curatorial duties at the Power Plant, Harbourfront Centre in Toronto and programming responsibilities at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

Jennifer holds a Master of Arts, Art History from York University and a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business.

Media Contact:
Federica Nazzani
Board Chair, Art Gallery of Windsor
519-969-5777                                                                                      

About the Art Gallery of Windsor

The Art Gallery of Windsor supports the presentation of Canadian visual arts in the international border community of Windsor-Detroit, one of the busiest border crossings in North America.  Established in 1943, the Gallery is a cultural pillar situated in a premium downtown riverfront location overlooking the Detroit River and downtown skylines. The Gallery is known for its cutting-edge contemporary art program and Canadian art collection of nearly 4,000 works. The Gallery has received 20 organizational awards since 2013, including being the 2019 recipient of the Best of Windsor Award for Best Public Art Gallery or Public Art Space.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Art Gallery of Windsor remains closed until further notice.  Any changes and updates to programs or hours will be announced on our website, by email, and through social media.