Contemporary Calgary Welcomes Mona Filip as Chief Curator
Photo by Mahsa Alikhani
Contemporary Calgary Welcomes Mona Filip as Chief Curator
With transformational funding secured and an extraordinary team in place, the gallery is poised to redefine contemporary art in Canada in an exciting new phase of growth.
CALGARY, AB – March 4, 2025 – Contemporary Calgary is pleased to announce the appointment of Mona Filip as its new Chief Curator, following an extensive international search led by Arts Consulting Group. Mona officially assumed her role on March 3, 2025, and will relocate to Calgary from Toronto in May.
Mona Filip joins Contemporary Calgary at a transformational time for the institution. Just last week, the Alberta Government announced a landmark $40-million commitment to the Centennial Planetarium Transformation Project, positioning Contemporary Calgary as one of the leading contemporary art institutions in Canada. With new curatorial leadership in place, the gallery is poised for an exciting new era of artistic programming and engagement.
A Visionary Leader for Contemporary Calgary
The Chief Curator Selection Committee—comprising esteemed members of the art and cultural community—unanimously selected Mona Filip for the role. The committee was chaired by Contemporary Calgary CEO David Leinster and included Carol Ryder (Co-Chair, Contemporary Calgary), Kanika Anand (Senior Curator, Contemporary Calgary), Margaret Jean Mannix (Board Member, Chair of Governance, HR and Nominating Committee), Faye HeavyShield (Artist, Board Member, Contemporary Calgary), and Yves Trépanier (Founder, TrépanierBaer Gallery).
“Mona’s authenticity, passion for contemporary art and artists, and confidence deeply impressed the selection committee,” said David Leinster, CEO of Contemporary Calgary. “Her vision for a curatorial program that is rigorous and deeply connected to both our building’s history and the broader cultural landscape will play a pivotal role in cementing our identity as a significant Canadian institution.”
"I am thrilled to welcome Mona Filip to Contemporary Calgary and to have the opportunity to collaborate with her as we continue to shape the future of our exhibitions and public programs,” said Kanika Anand, Senior Curator at Contemporary Calgary. “Mona’s depth of experience, vision, and passion for contemporary art will be an invaluable addition to our team, and I look forward to working together to create dynamic and thought-provoking experiences for our audiences,” she added.
Carol Ryder, Co-Chair of Contemporary Calgary, echoed these sentiments, stating: “Mona brings a refined clarity of vision and a collaborative leadership style that will inspire both our team and our audiences. We are thrilled to welcome her to Calgary.”
“Mona’s ability to foster meaningful connections, both within our gallery and with the broader artistic community, makes her an ideal leader for this moment of growth and renewal,” added Faye HeavyShield, artist and Board Member, Contemporary Calgary.
A Transformational Moment for the Gallery
Mona Filip joins Contemporary Calgary as the institution embarks on a significant period of expansion and reinvention. With the Centennial Planetarium Transformation Project having just secured a $40 million commitment from the Provincial Government last week, the gallery is on track to become a world-class destination for contemporary art by 2029. Mona’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the gallery’s curatorial direction, ensuring it remains at the forefront of artistic innovation and public engagement.
“I am thrilled to be joining the dynamic team at Contemporary Calgary at such a pivotal moment,” said Mona Filip, Chief Curator, Contemporary Calgary. “The vision and aspirations of this vibrant institution deeply resonate with my steadfast belief in the transformative power of art in fostering critical thinking and social change.” Mona added, “I look forward to working with my new colleagues and the artists of the region and beyond to bring to the public engaging programs that honour local history and instill a sense of curiosity and wonder across generations of audiences who will come to Contemporary Calgary to explore new ways of understanding the world, imagining the unknown and articulating the future through artistic creation.”
Media Availability and Public Welcome
Media are invited to meet with Mona Filip on Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6, as she attends the opening of Miruna Drăgan & Maggie Tiesenhausen: Hummingbird Guided Meditation on March 6, from 5:00-9:00 PM. This exhibition opens on Contemporary Calgary’s First Free Thursday night in March and will offer an opportunity to celebrate the gallery’s latest exhibition and recent developments, while welcoming Mona as the newest member of Calgary’s arts community.
Mona will be available for media interviews alongside Contemporary Calgary CEO David Leinster. For media inquiries, to book an interview, or to confirm attendance at the exhibition opening, please contact:
PARKER PR & PARKER MEDIA
Nikita Nayak, Communications Manager
T. 778.751.4510
E. nikita@parkerpr.com
Ellen Parker, CEO, Parker PR
T. 403.919.9452
E. ellen@parkerpr.com
CONTEMPORARY CALGARY
Sarah Philpott, Marketing & Communications Officer
T. 403.875.7862
E. sarah@contemporarycalgary.com