OTTAWA.- After an in-depth review of its operations, The National Gallery of Canada (NGC) has instituted an organizational realignment designed to increase overall effectiveness in delivering its national mandate and to bring spending in line with its financial resources.

Internal divisions have been streamlined and amalgamated to maximize efficiency and simplify operations. Collections, Research and Education are now being integrated under the leadership of the Deputy Director and Chief Curator. Most revenue generating activities including Visitor Services, Membership and Annual Giving, Sponsorship and Facility Rentals are being integrated under a new department entitled Institutional Advancement. Publications, Web, Bookstore, Copyright and Marketing will also be combined into a single department.

The National Gallery of Canada Foundation will now focus entirely on endowments and planned giving, a direction supported by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The realignment has resulted in staff reductions of 27 full-time positions. This was done through a combination of lay-offs and attrition that include managerial positions, and has been planned to minimize disruption to the Gallery’s mission and to the public.

“We are convinced that the changes we are making will enable us to significantly update our services to Canadians, and improve our own internal workflow through a more rational reporting structure,” said NGC Director and CEO Marc Mayer. “These changes will also leave us better positioned to meet the financial challenges ahead. I take this opportunity to thank our members and donors for their loyal support. They will continue to receive the highest level of service from us,” he concluded.