.jpg)
The longtime leader of the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq has announced that he is stepping aside.
“After 17 inspiring years leading the WAG and Qaumajuq, I’m stepping into a new chapter,” said Stephen Borys in a statement shared to social media.
Watch Stephen Borys in conversation about Civic Muse with Nolan Kehler here.
That new chapter is a project called Civic Muse, a consultancy that aims to help organizations in the arts, museum, academic and civic sectors in cultural innovation work.
“Civic Muse is about building meaningful, future-forward collaborations,” said Borys in an emailed statement. “It offers strategic guidance, thought leadership, and project-based engagement with museums, galleries, universities, governments and civic organizations. It’s also a community of practice for sharing ideas and insights.”
During his tenure as CEO at the WAG, Borys oversaw the establishment of Qaumajuq, which has quickly become its biggest draw with the largest collection of contemporary Inuit art in the country.
“The creation of Qaumajuq... has been one of deep meaning and impact,” said Borys. “On this journey, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Indigenous leaders and nations advancing Reconciliation, Indigenization, and the Decolonization of cultural and academic institutions—efforts that have profoundly shaped my work and purpose. I remain committed to continuing that path with respect, humility, and action.”