Weekend Links: AGO Layoffs, Montreal Curator Smackdown and More

Some newsy links from over the weekend:

The Art Gallery of Ontario announces layoffs just before their Massive Party fundraiser. Classy. The CBC says layoffs number 70, the Toronto Star says only 23. Union to respond today, apparently.

Montreal Curator Smackdown! The National Post reports that Quebec uber-curator Louise Dery does not approve of the celeb-oriented Yoko Ono/John Lennon exhibition just opened at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art. The show was led by MMFA head Natalie Bondil.

Hey guess what? After years of being lumped in with tourism, parks and recreation, Alberta culture actually has a separate ministry. FFWD has an interview with the new minister.

I'm late on this news, but AGYU curator Michael Maranda released a "Waging Culture" report last week that confirms artists barely make a living. Gabby Moser has some comments on whether day jobs might actually be a good thing. The Star offers report highlights.

Toronto city government hasn't let the recession cut their arts spending; they've increased it by 2%. The Star reports.

The Images Festival kicked off in Toronto this week -- Jason Anderson reviewed one piece for Artforum.com. Local media reports here here here and here.

Murray Whyte at the Star talks new native art as a related show, Remix, opens at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Image of "Imagine Peace" bed-in redo in Montreal from the National Post