Art Matters Forum

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, offers opening remarks during the Art Matters forum, on the occasion of the Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts.

His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond sets the tone for the Art Matters discussion and provides participants with some insight on the theme "Igniting an electrifying and unifying atmosphere around the visual and media arts."

Moderator Andreanne Sasseville introduces the panelist and starts the discussion.

Panelist Josée Drouin-Brisebois, curator at the National Art Gallery of Canada, shares her thoughts.

VJ Ryan Stec says a few words. Mr. Stec, accompanied by DJ Andrew O'Malley, performed before the start of the discussion.

Kim Ondaatje, laureate of the 2009 Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts, shares her thoughts.

Tony Urquhart, laureate of the 2009 Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts, shares his thoughts.

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond, hosted a public Art Matters forum at Rideau Hall, on Tuesday, March 24, 2009. This discussion brought together laureates of the 2009 GGAVMAs, as well as members of the arts community, and focussed on “igniting an electrifying and unifying atmosphere around the visual and media arts”.

Before the Art Matters forum, Rideau Hall opened up its doors and provided participants with the opportunity to tour its room and to see its impressive art collection, including Spirit of Place, a new exhibition in the Ambassador's Room.