Canada names new director of country’s National Gallery

“Welcome Alexandra ‘Sasha’ Suda!” (Photo: National Gallery of Canada/Official Website)

The National Gallery of Canada has just appointed a new director to begin a five-year term on April 19. Alexandra Suda is a curator at the Art Gallery of Ontario and will be the fourth woman to be at the highest position of Canada’s largest and most popular art museum.

Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez made the initial announcement last Wednesday, February 13, stating, “Through her exceptional talent, she will lead the National Gallery of Canada with the highest standards, making Canadians proud of their national art institution.”

After news broke out, Suda issued her own statement, responding, “It is a great privilege to lead the National Gallery of Canada. A thrilling adventure awaits us – one that builds on a rich tradition, a world-class collection, and the dedication of the institution’s incredible staff.” The chair of prints and drawings at the Toronto gallery also earned a PhD at New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts, having previous experience working for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan as well.

Most previously, the position of director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Gallery of Canada was fulfilled by Marc Mayer, who left the position in January after ten years in the job. As soon as Suda was appointed to take over, Mayer shared on his Twitter, “Good news. Alexandra ‘Sasha’ Suda named new NGC Director and CEO. I can breathe again. And even smile! She’ll be great.” Mayer’s decision to resign stemmed from controversy over his decision to sell Marc Chagall’s La Tour Eiffel painting to pay for the 1779 painting, Saint Jerome Hears the Trumpet of the Last Judgment by Jacques-Louis David. This caused public outcry, which led to the museum’s former board of members to cancel the painting’s sale.

Before Suda was announced as Mayer’s official replacement, deputy director of exhibitions and outreach Anne Eschapasse and deputy director, administration, and chief financial officer Julie Peckham were the acting co-directors of the gallery.