Kathleen Bartels to Step Down As Vancouver Art Gallery Director

Kathleen Bartels. | Image: The Globe and Mail.

After 18 years, Kathleen Bartels is stepping down as the director of the Vancouver Art Gallery “to pursue other professional and personal interests." The news was revealed via a statement issued by the Gallery on May 29.

Chief curator and associate director Daina Augaitis will serve as interim director until the appointment of a new, full-time director. Bartels will act as a special advisor during the transition.

The statement credits Bartels for dramatically increasing attendance, private donations, and the Gallery’s institutional endowment: "[Bartels] leaves behind a legacy of transformation, and we are grateful for her contributions.”