Today, Art Toronto announced that legendary art curator Kitty Scott will lead the 24th edition of Canada’s art fair as the Focus exhibition curator. Scott’s decades-long career with Canada’s leading art institutions makes her the most respected curator in Canada. A champion for Canadian talent, Scott is also known for her curatorial vision for the Canadian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale from 2017 with Geoffrey Farmer and her role as co-curator at the Liverpool Biennial (2018).

As curator of the Focus exhibition, Scott will bring together artworks from participating Art Toronto galleries to create an exhibition from which works can be purchased by collectors. This represents a major collecting moment given Scott’s longtime support of emerging and established artists. Fairgoers are encouraged to view the Focus section as a unique piece of Canadian art history and watch as Scott’s institutional hat comes off for the first time in years. 

"The Focus platform at Art Toronto is unique in Canada,” says Kitty Scott.  “It represents a thrilling opportunity to collaborate with some of the country’s most exciting contemporary artists. As someone who is passionate about curating, I look forward to the challenge of creating a memorable experience for visitors to the fair." 

In the short four years since her appointment, Mia Nielsen Director of Art Toronto has weathered the storm of the pandemic– developing a virtual fair, a hybrid model fair and one return to in-person buying. Art Toronto is being reimagined to compete in the international art fair market under Nielsen’s direction. The addition of Scott is a power move to show collectors Art Toronto is advancing and a visit to Toronto this Fall is to be considered. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Kitty Scott to Art Toronto as the Focus curator for the 2023 edition. I’ve long admired Kitty’s momentous achievements in her former positions and her direct role in the advancement of Canadian art. Given Kitty’s remarkable eye, talent for discovering new artists and in-depth knowledge of the art world, Toronto will be a must-go destination for collectors this year. I encourage all art enthusiasts to put October 26-29 in their calendars.”   

Art Toronto is set to return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre October 26-29, 2023, with over 100+ galleries. Participating galleries include Canada’s best, some of the most dynamic spaces in the US and international favourites. For more information visit arttoronto.ca.