TORONTO.- For the ninth consecutive year, the Art Gallery of Ontario is organizing the Opening Night Preview of the prestigious Toronto International Art Fair (TIAF), a four-day event showcasing more than 5,000 works from over 100 galleries and 14 countries around the world.

The Opening Night Preview takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Thursday, October 2 from 6:30 to 10 pm. Proceeds from the opening night will support AGO operations and education programs. Last year’s event raised over $290,000 for the Gallery.

For the second time in its history, the AGO will make a purchase at the Fair using proceeds from the Opening Night Preview combined with generous financial support from the Canada Council for the Arts’ Acquisition Assistance program.

“The Toronto International Art Fair is Canada ’s premier arts event,” says Matthew Teitelbaum, the AGO’s Michael and Sonja Koerner director, and CEO. “TIAF is a celebration of global contemporary artists, and a testament to Toronto ’s creative spirit, as it welcomes dealers and art enthusiasts from around the world.”

The TIAF Opening Night Preview features a spirited cocktail reception where guests have the opportunity to preview and purchase artworks before the Fair opens to the public. It is a rare occasion to meet and mingle with some of today’s leading gallery owners and artists.

Tickets to the Opening Night Preview are $190 per person, and can be purchased directly from the AGO by calling 416-979-6628 or by ordering online at http://shop.ago.net.

The AGO is also offering serious collectors an advance opportunity to view and purchase artworks at the Fair by holding an exclusive Special Collectors’ Preview on opening night from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Tickets to the Special Collectors’ Preview are $290 each, and availability is limited. For more information, or to buy tickets to this event, contact the AGO.