Moonlight Gala 2023 Raises More Than $630,000 in
Support of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection

June 1, 2023, KLEINBURG, ON – The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is pleased to announce the resounding success of its signature fundraiser, the Moonlight Gala. This year’s Gala raised more than $630,000 in support of the art of Canada, community programming, and educational outreach.

The Moonlight Gala is one of the Canadian art world’s most anticipated events and raises funds toward the conservation and exhibition of more than 7,000 works of art in the McMichael’s permanent collection, the development of industry-leading educational programs for children and youth, and the stewardship of the McMichael’s natural landscape and outdoor art.

This year, more than 630 guests filled the McMichael grounds under a starlit sky, making it one of the best-attended Moonlight Galas to date. Those in attendance included Gala co-chairs Debra Fenwick and Laura Mirabella, honorary chairs Joan and Martin Goldfarb, honorary patron Steven Del Duca, Mayor of the City of Vaughan, as well as artists, art lovers, donors, community leaders, and corporate supporters from around the country. Guests enjoyed a culinary extravaganza, a fine selection of Ontario wines, live musical performances, exclusive access to the McMichael’s summer exhibitions, and above all, the company of so many who are united by their love of the art of Canada.

The 2023 Moonlight Gala featured the return of the popular live auction including work donated by leading contemporary Canadian artists John Hartman, Rajni Perera, Moridja Kitenge Banza, Winnie Truong, and Margaux Williamson. Guests were also able to bid on a curated selection of packages including all-Canadian outdoor experiences through an online auction. The two auctions, together with a $25,000 donation announced by Mayor Del Duca through the Spirit of Generosity, sponsorships, and donations, helped raise more than $630,000.

“As we reunited in support of the art of Canada, I was inspired by the continued support and affection streaming in from every corner of our community. I’d like to thank our co-chairs, patrons, guests, sponsors, and staff for their support in making the Moonlight Gala such a success,” said Ian A.C. Dejardin, Executive Director of the McMichael. “The tremendous generosity of our community will allow us to continue to produce world-class exhibitions of Canadian art, award-winning publications, and innovative educational programming. We look forward to seeing you again in this special place. Don’t forget to mark Saturday, June 1, 2024, on your calendars for next year’s Moonlight Gala. We’ll see you on the dance floor!”

“The outpouring of support demonstrated at the Moonlight Gala is a testament to how Ontarians value the McMichael Canadian Art Collection as an integral part of the cultural landscape of this province,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “The McMichael is making incredible efforts in preserving and exhibiting Canadian art and will continue inspiring visitors for generations to come.”

The Moonlight Gala was made possible by the generous support of our lead sponsors, notably: Hatch, RPIA, Sprott, TD, Aird & Berlis, Bazil Developments, RBC, RBC Wealth Management, Scotiabank/Scotia Wealth, Canadian Shield Capital, Capgemini, CIBC, Cidel Asset Management, Clairvest, Deloitte, Liberty Developments, McCleave Family Foundation, and Nashville Developments (TACC).

Media wishing to request high-resolution images of the McMichael or Moonlight Gala are asked to contact Sam Cheung at scheung@mcmichael.com or 905.893.1121 ext. 2210.

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The Moonlight Gala is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors:

ABOUT THE MCMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and the McMichael Canadian Art Foundation. It is the only major museum in the country devoted exclusively to Canadian art. In addition to touring exhibitions, the McMichael houses a permanent collection of more than 7,000 works by historic and contemporary Canadian artists, including Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, Indigenous artists and artists from the many diasporic communities. The Gallery is located on 100 acres of forested landscape and hiking trails at 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in the City of Vaughan. For more information, please visit mcmichael.com.

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