REGINA, Sask. — John Mahli Lawa' Hampton, formerly with MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina, has been named the new Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq (WAG-Qaumajuq) director and chief executive officer.
Hampton held that same position at the MacKenzie Art Gallery until 2021.
As WAG-Qaumajuq’s director and CEO, Hampton will lead the art museum’s finances, operations and capital expansion projects. The museum board says Hampton’s role will include fostering a culture of creativity and innovation and advancing the strategic vision of Canada’s oldest civic art gallery, connecting art, culture, learning and community, while being recognized internationally for its world-renowned collection of contemporary Inuit art.
Hampton will work with the WAG-Qaumajuq Board of Governors to support sustainable growth and further the gallery’s reputation as a model for the new museum in Canada, one that balances historical collections, contemporary art, Indigenization and reconciliation and inclusive community learning, the museum says. According to the board, Hampton will strengthen collaborations with local and national partners and enrich visitor experiences, guided by WAG-Qaumajuq’s core values of equity, care responsibility, and trust.
“I am humbled and honoured to be joining this incredible team and community,” says Hampton.
“WAG-Qaumajuq has played an incredible role in shaping the cultural identity of both the Plains and Canada. I have admired the authenticity and openness the institution has taken to its relations with Indigenous communities and all who call this territory home, and I have long been inspired by the exceptional artists and Winnipeg’s unique identity.
“I know WAG-Qaumajuq, and this region more broadly, has an important role to play in this current moment, so I am thrilled to be returning to Manitoba to support the role its artists and communities can play in making our world a better place to live.”
Hampton has deep roots in the prairie museum community.
In addition to working with the MacKenzie, they were executive director of the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba in Brandon. A citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, they co-chaired the last two Canada Arts Summits, served on the Canada House Gallery Committee, were named to CBC’s Future 40 and authored “Decolonizing Museum Management: Towards a Human Institution” for the Manual of Museum Management.
Hampton was appointed following an extensive national and international search process led by executive recruiting firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG).
“We look forward to building on our current momentum and vision to deepen audience connections while advancing the art museum’s world-renowned collections, exhibitions, and programs,” says Aynsley Cockshott, chair, WAG-Qaumajuq Board of Governors.
The WAG-Qaumajuq Board of Governors thanks Bill Elliott for his leadership and guidance as interim leader. The board says it appreciates his contributions and commitment to the gallery during this transition.
