Eva Respini, interim co-director of the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG), advocates for art museums to focus exclusively on art and artists, rather than engaging in activism or political stances. In a recent interview, she emphasized that her expertise lies in artistic direction, not other issues, even as institutions face pressure to address topics like the war in Gaza. Respini has been working to stabilize the VAG after it postponed plans for a new building in 2024, parted with executive director Anthony Kiendl, and laid off nearly a third of its staff. She has launched a new permanent collection installation on the third floor of the gallery's current home, highlighting 20th-century and contemporary Canadian and international art with a focus on B.C. artists.
This matters because Respini's philosophy represents a significant counterpoint to the growing trend of museums embracing decolonization and activism. Her approach prioritizes curatorial integrity and the permanent collection as the institution's core identity, which she calls its "DNA." The VAG's financial recovery and the unveiling of new architectural plans for a future home later this year signal a pivotal moment for the gallery, as it seeks to balance local audience engagement with international relevance. Respini's leadership could reshape how the VAG navigates its role in a polarized cultural landscape.