“Civic Muse is an incredible and exciting initiative which will invaluably serve Canadian culture. I have commented recently to curators and colleagues that the art world in Canada has made a great strides in the past decade towards authentic collaboration between our individual industry “silos” and the resulting work, relationships and, importantly, service to the art and the public is noticeable. Civic Muse is arriving at a time when this evolution needs protecting and encouragement and I cannot think of a more perfect individual to guide in the ways you outline. Congratulations Stephen!”

“Civic Muse is an exciting new endeavour for Dr. Stephen Borys. I can think of few people in Canada who combine Dr. Borys’ range of expertise. Writing as a colleague at the University of Manitoba (where Dr. Borys serves as Adjunct Professor), as a collaborator on donation, curatorial and research projects at the WAG, and as a person who has known him for some 17 years now, I can say that Dr. Borys is that rare personality who combines knowledge and expertise in the academic, managerial, governance, curatorial, philanthropic, strategic planning and other functions such as major project management, and who has a proven track record when it comes to reconciliation and indigenization. His record at the Winnipeg Art Gallery speaks for itself.”

“The PRHouse team has worked for and with hundreds of leaders from CEOs to Chairs of Boards, to Indigenous Elders. But working alongside Stephen Borys as he reimagined how a major Canadian institution could ask, listen, interpret and act on the urgent needs in the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action has been a great joy. Every leader in Canada can learn from the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq’s journey, led by Stephen.”

“The course that Stephen Borys teaches for the Department of Business and Administration at the University of Winnipeg is an absolute treasure. “The Art of Cultural Management” allows students to examine various aspects of the business end of an arts organization without losing sight of the broader cultural objectives. It is a rare combination of unique course with a remarkably gifted instructor. Tell me, who is better qualified to offer such a course? And students love it.”

“Stephen’s years of leadership have not only shaped the WAG but also inspired a broader cultural movement rooted in inclusion, innovation, and integrity. The creation of Qaumajuq stands as a testament to his vision and unwavering commitment to collaboration with Indigenous communities—an achievement of profound national and international significance. Civic Muse reflects Stephen’s deep belief in the power of the arts to build more just and resilient communities. With his dedication to mentorship, cultural strategy, and community engagement I have no doubt Civic Muse will become a vital space for dialogue, leadership, and innovation.”

“When I first met Stephen Borys more than 12 years ago, it was the beginning of the dialogue and formation of Qaumajuq. I totally felt comfortable being myself, representing Inuit culture and the ways of doing things in accordance with Inuit societal values and principles. With prestigious Indigenous members leading the vision for Qaumajuq, we broke the colonial ways and replaced them with Indigenous visions. Now with Stephen leading Civic Muse, Inuit artists will stand a better chance as he continues his dialogue with artists. And with his expertise and experiences in the art world, I look forward to Civic Muse working in collaboration with Inuit artists from Nunavut.”

“I have worked with Dr. Borys in different capacities over 17 years, especially as a colleague at University of Winnipeg. During this enduring collaboration, I have noted his love of art and objects, his strong curatorial eye, and his interest in critical art history and connoisseurship alike. But what I have come to really appreciate is his ability to listen and learn.  When Dr. Borys began thinking about how to dismantle colonizing attitudes and structures in the Winnipeg Art Gallery, he turned to strong and smart Indigenous and racialized women for an Advisory Circle. Handing over the reins, Dr Borys gave others the agency to shape Qaumajuq, perhaps one of the best examples of a 21st-century museum in Canada to date.”

“Stephen Borys leads with vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to transformative growth. His championing of the arts has left an indelible mark both locally and internationally. Collaborating with him has been one of the true highlights of my artistic career.”

“Stephen is a collaborative and strategic leader who consistently works with passion, grace, and care for the people he engages with. An innovator and community builder, he is bold, passionate, and tenacious in seeing transformative work through. I often recall his courage to auction off Andy Warhol prints in order to raise funds for Indigenous art—groundbreaking for the museum sector. It’s because of Stephen’s innovation and drive that Winnipeg is home to Qaumajuq, the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world.”

“Stephen Borys has a singularly unique set of skills that includes the visualization and realization of complex projects, transformative leadership, diplomacy, community engagement, and a razor-sharp business acumen. His tenure at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq proved that he is one of the world’s most accomplished arts thinkers with the knowledge and sophistication to produce ground-breaking work that is bold, inclusive, and the best of 21st-century.”

“Stephen Borys led the Winnipeg Art Gallery with vision, passion, and exceptional knowledge. His leadership brought Qaumajug to life, creating a globally recognized home for Inuit art and setting a new standard for cultural institutions. Stephen’s ability to build partnerships, champion artists, and inspire community engagement fosters lasting legacies in Winnipeg and beyond.”

“It is essential in life to help make our society a better place. Building important and impactful legacies is part of this process. It was my privilege to work with Stephen in building the world class legacy, Qaumajuq. It will indeed make our society and world a better place.”

“Stephen Borys is among the most prominent leaders in the Canadian art museum world today. His redoubtable sophistication has certainly not been at the expense of his effectiveness as a builder. Known for a good-natured professionalism, and not least of all for his vision, Stephen has been a transformative director for the Winnipeg Art Gallery, an institution that has benefitted enormously from his tenure.”

“A seasoned museologist and museographer, Stephen has successfully developed innovative and equitable opportunities for museum administrators, curators, and artists from marginalized communities, which remove barriers to access and allow institutions to benefit from expertise and innovation too-often overlooked. From supporting equitable decision-making and leadership operationally, to ensuring sustainable funding, Stephen is an expert in building the infrastructure to strategically advance the values and vision of arts and cultural organizations.”

“Stephen Borys has been a valued and invested longtime member of the Canadian Art Museum Directors Organization (CAMDO), including serving as Board President in past years. As Director and CEO of Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq, Stephen was a gracious host of the 2023 CAMDO Conference, where he also provided timely insights into new Centre’s development in close collaboration with Inuit and other Indigenous leaders, who continue to be engaged with this remarkable institution. Stephen’s exemplary experience with and passion for advancing the visual arts in Canada are highly regarded and greatly appreciated.”

“Stephen is a tireless advocate for art, culture, and community. His frank and thoughtful advice has been valuable to me personally and professionally over the years, and his ability to inspire and lead has helped create a world-class tourism asset in Winnipeg – Qaumajuq – as part of his vision to evolve and grow the Winnipeg Art Gallery in reflection of our unique and diverse community.”

“As Executive Director of the Association of Art Museum Directors, I have had the distinct privilege of working alongside Dr. Stephen D. Borys. His visionary leadership at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq set a new benchmark for cultural institutions, particularly in advancing equity and amplifying Indigenous voices. Dr. Borys has been a long-standing member of the Association and served for over seven years on our Membership Committee, where his expertise and deep relationships were instrumental in diversifying our membership from Canada. His passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to positive change serve as an inspiration to museum professionals across North America and beyond.

I found in you a refreshing kind of humility that I had not seen among leaders in a long time. Thank you for opening your doors to us.

“His knowledge of both historic and contemporary Canadian and International art… will be a welcome addition [to CCPERB].”

“Dr. Borys has courageously led the WAG in a bold new direction… reimagining not only what the museum looks like … but also the governance of the institution itself.”

“A passionate believer in the power of art to build understanding, Dr. Borys gathered a community of artists, Indigenous advisors… to envision and realize Qaumajuq, where all are welcome and where everyone’s stories are told and heard in a spirit of reconciliation.”

“…director and CEO of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Stephen Borys has long been a true advocate for the power of art to change lives and communities… The example he sets inspires the spirit of community service and leadership in others.”

“Dr. Borys is a fierce advocate for the power of art to change lives and communities… the University of Winnipeg is proud to bestow an Honorary Doctor of Letters on Stephen Borys.”

Stephen, I really appreciate your work towards rethinking museums as places of service and advocacy work. I find your boldness in challenging yourself as well as the shortcomings of museums as institutions deeply inspiring. Thank you for sharing with us the importance of listening to others and trusting ourselves.