Media Releases
WAG-Qaumajuq Media Release
July 11, 2025
The Winnipeg Art Gallery and Stephen Borys Announcement
Winnipeg, MB (July 11, 2025): The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG-Qaumajuq) and Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, today announced that Dr. Borys will be stepping down from his role following a successful 17 year tenure.
During his tenure at the Gallery, Dr Borys oversaw the development of Canada’s Inuit Art Centre, Qaumajuq, now home to the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit Art in the world.
“We are grateful for Stephen’s leadership during a time of important creative expansion and growth”, said Aynsley Cockshott, Chair, WAG-Qaumajuq Board of Governors. “He played an instrumental role in shaping the artistic vision of WAG-Qaumajuq and throughout his career has organized countless exhibitions, written catalogues and scholarly articles and received numerous research and exhibition grants. It’s important to note that under his leadership, WAG-Qaumajuq has become a model of diversity and inclusion, embedding the values of equity, care, trust and responsibility into the work of the institution.”
“It’s been the honour of a lifetime to serve WAG-Qaumajuq and to work alongside such an extraordinary team, community and network of partners,” said Borys, “and I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built together—locally, nationally and globally. While there are countless meaningful moments, the creation of Qaumajuq, Canada’s Inuit art centre, stands as a defining highlight and one I will always hold close. I look forward to sharing some exciting news in the coming days about the new path I’ll be taking in the arts and culture sector—one that continues my commitment to leadership, inclusion and creative impact.”
The Board of Governors will initiate a search for a new Director and CEO. During this transition, Bill Elliott, Deputy Director and CFO, will lead the organization on an interim basis, reporting to the Board. With more than 15 years of experience at WAG-Qaumajuq, Bill will ensure stability and confidence in the gallery and, with the full support of the Board, provide steady management of its operations.
While a transition in leadership represents change, WAG-Qaumajuq’s commitment to its mission remains steadfast as it continues to deepen it’s impact, in service of the community. The gallery will continue to advocate for the power of art to change lives and to recognize that Art is a Voice.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Governors, we thank Stephen for his valuable contributions and wish him the very best in his next chapter,” added Cockshott.
Civic Muse Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2025
Stephen Borys Launches Civic Muse: A New Consultancy Advancing Strategic Leadership in Arts and Culture
Winnipeg, MB — Dr. Stephen Borys, a nationally respected arts leader and former Director & CEO of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq, has announced the launch of Civic Muse Inc., a new consultancy dedicated to strategic leadership, planning, and innovation in the arts, culture, and nonprofit sectors.
Based in Winnipeg and working globally, Civic Muse partners with museums, galleries, universities, Indigenous communities, foundations, collectors, and governments to shape projects, programming, governance, and capital initiatives that place culture at the center of civic life.
“This isn’t a step away from public service — it’s a deepening of it,” said Dr. Borys. “Through Civic Muse, we’re helping institutions navigate the complex challenges of our time — reconciliation, equity, civic trust, and the very question of what cultural leadership looks like in the 21st century.”
Civic Muse draws on Dr. Borys’ extensive experience, including:
- Over 17 years as Director & CEO of WAG-Qaumajuq, where he led the creation of the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art and guided the institution through transformative reconciliation and equity initiatives.
- More than $75 million raised for capital and endowment projects, plus $60 million in donations of art and program support.
- National roles on the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board (CCPERB), Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD), Canadian Museums Association (CMA), Canadian Art Museum Directors Organization (CAMDO), and the board of Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW), shaping policy and advancing cultural diplomacy.
At its core, Civic Muse is committed to helping organizations lead with purpose, accountability, and creativity. Services include strategic planning, architectural and curatorial programming, board governance, fundraising and campaign leadership, community engagement, and developing frameworks for reconciliation and Indigenization.
The consultancy is already partnering on projects across Canada, supporting cultural organizations and civic bodies to reimagine their impact.
The firm’s new website, www.civicmuse.ca, features more on their mission, client services, and a blog where Stephen will share reflections on the evolving role of arts and cultural institutions.
About Civic Muse
Civic Muse Inc. is a consultancy and creative hub based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, working with arts and culture organizations across Canada and beyond. Founded by Dr. Stephen Borys, the firm brings together museum and gallery leaders, art historians, designers, educators, and strategists to advance cultural projects that build trust, equity, and long-term civic value.
Media Inquiries
Civic Muse Inc.
1-240 Tache Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2H 1Z7
(204) 296-2256
stephen@civicmuse.ca
www.civicmuse.ca
Art, media, meaning: meet our newest contributor
Director and CEO Stephen Borys leaves WAG-Qaumajuq
Stephen Borys quitte le Musée des beaux-arts de Winnipeg pour se lancer dans le conseil
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