For months, rumors behind the scenes have sent Nathalie Bondil to the National Gallery of Canada (NGC) in Ottawa. If several influential people see this choice with a very good eye, everything indicates that the person concerned will pass her turn.
As we approach the period for considering applications for the position of CEO of the NGC (February 6), I spoke with the former Executive Director of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA). Based in Paris, where she plays a key role at the Arab World Institute, Nathalie Bondil confirmed to me that she will not make any gestures in this direction.
The one who was fired by the MMFA’s Board of Directors in July 2020 continues to maintain several ties with Canada (her daughter is studying in Montreal) and has wonderful memories of her long stay in Montreal. But her responsibilities as director of the museum and exhibitions department at the Arab World Institute (IMA) keep her in France.
“I am very honored to be thought of. It touches me deeply. I love Canada, Quebec and Montreal, that’s not the question. Besides, I realize that I am very Quebecois in the way I work in Paris. But I have a very big overhaul project with the IMA. I have always been someone of cause and commitment, and I will continue to be. »
Indeed, Nathalie Bondil, known for her dynamism and her great ability to make things happen, must unveil this Thursday in Paris an “important project”.
For several months, she has received the support and encouragement of many influential people in the museum world or who revolve around the periphery of the NGC. “I know a lot of people would like me to come back. Maybe one day, we’ll see. For the moment, I have to deliver this project. »
For these people, she is the only one capable of giving a new impetus to this museum hit by a serious crisis. It should be recalled that following the unexpected departure of its Executive Director, Sasha Suda, in June 2022, the NGC found itself with an interim Director, Angela Cassie, whose management style raised a great deal of concern among employees and people from the museum community. The dismissal, last November, of four directors who held key positions sent shock waves.
The application of a transformation plan aimed at promoting inclusion and diversity within the museum is at the heart of this upheaval. In particular, it involves the creation of the Indigenous Ways and Decolonization section.
Nathalie Bondil therefore did not apply to the NGC. She is well aware that professionals who have the profile sought to lead this institution are not commonplace. “I wish the best to the National Gallery of Canada which is in a complicated situation. It’s a fantastic museum with an amazing collection and huge potential. »
It is frankly a pity that Nathalie Bondil does not raise her hand. Interviewed on the show Facts first, last December, she shared her vision of inclusion and decolonization with host Alain Gravel. His point of view is both current and nuanced.
According to her, it is essential to move things forward, particularly in the field of the restitution of works, but we must take the time to do things well.
It’s well known that Nathalie Bondil likes to have a clear vision and masters the art of energizing the troops around her, something that the NGC badly needs right now.
Her term at the MMFA unfortunately came to an abrupt end when she was fired by the Board following allegations of a deteriorating working climate. Note that Nathalie Bondil was not directly affected by this complaint. This led to a $1 million lawsuit from Nathalie Bondil in punitive damages. A confidential amicable agreement was finally signed.
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The selection process for the next DG of the NGC has begun after many months of preparation. The Department of Canadian Heritage website outlines the profile sought. We learn that the annual salary varies between $204,200 and $240,200.
It is specified that “preference may be given to individuals who belong to one of the following groups: women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities and visible minorities”.
For this type of process, there are two types of deadlines for calls for applications: a closing date or an application review date. In this case, we opted for the second formula, which will begin on February 6.
This approach allows “that requests received after this date [soient] deductions and [puissent] be considered until a candidate for the position is nominated”.
I understand by this that the Department of Canadian Heritage wants to put all the chances on its side: if ever the quality of the candidates is not there, we can then continue the search.
However, I have a question: if Pablo Rodriguez, who will be responsible for making the final choice, judges that the applications do not meet his expectations, could he insist more on Nathalie Bondil and try to get her to change idea ?
In any case, this appointment deserves the greatest attention from those responsible for it. And to be vigorously followed by the public and journalists.