OTTAWA.- Pierre Théberge, Director of the National Gallery of Canada, announced the appointment of Josée Drouin-Brisebois as Curator and head of the department of Contemporary Art, effective immediately.

Ms. Drouin-Brisebois won the appointment after a national and international search. She has held several progressive positions at the National Gallery of Canada, starting with an Internship in Media Arts in 1995. Since August 2006, she has been Acting Curator of Contemporary Art. She recently launched the exhibition De-con-structions and is currently working on new exhibitions scheduled for 2008, and beyond.

Her extensive experience in organizing special exhibitions and displays of the collection of Contemporary Art, coupled with her expertise in acquisitions of works of art, provides an important contribution to the National Gallery’s special but not exclusive emphasis on Canadian art.

Ms. Drouin-Brisebois holds a Master’s Degree in Art History (Contemporary Art) from the Université de Montréal, along with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Ottawa.

“Josée Drouin-Brisebois has been a tremendous asset to our Collections and Research team over the years, and her care and enthusiasm for the development of our unique contemporary art collection is highly valued,” said Mr. Théberge. “The National Gallery of Canada will continue to benefit greatly from her expertise.”

As Curator of Contemporary Art at the National Gallery of Canada, Ms. Drouin-Brisebois will be responsible for developing new exhibitions in contemporary art, as well as research and acquisitions. She also sets conservation priorities within the holdings, and informs the public nationally and internationally on the contents of the collection and on specific aspects of contemporary art.

“This is a well-deserved appointment for Ms. Drouin-Brisebois, and it recognizes her contributions and the importance that we attach to this area of our collections. The National Gallery is the only major national art museum with a full contemporary art program,” said David Franklin, Deputy Director and Chief Curator. “I am very pleased to have Josée lead our Contemporary Art now and into the future.”