Vancouver Art Gallery makes its interim leaders permanent co-chief executives
Eva Respini and Shirish Rao will share chief executive duties, with the former also serving as chief curator while the later takes on the role of executive director
The Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) has appointed Eva Respini and Sirish Rao as its co-chief executives, marking the end of a temporary dual leadership model. The decision comes after the gallery pulled the plug on an ambitious but costly building project, which resulted in a significant deficit and layoffs. Both Respini and Rao have been credited with stabilizing the gallery's finances, strengthening its collection, and developing a long-term vision for the institution.
Respini, who joined the VAG in August 2023, has made significant acquisitions and gifts to the gallery, including works by Nan Goldin and Stephen Shore, as well as the most significant donation of international contemporary art in the gallery's history. Rao, who joined the VAG in January 2023, has introduced various initiatives, such as the BC Parks Foundation's PaRx prescription program and expanded the gallery's Centre for Global Asia as a national platform for exhibitions and programming.
The fresh funding has raised C$270 million towards the C$400 million project, with the new building expected to be completed in 2028.
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