TORONTO.- The Art Gallery of Ontario is pleased to announce several new p art nerships, adding to the already impressive corporate support for the Gallery's future programming.

American Express has joined the AGO in a three-year partnership as the Signature Partner of the Contemporary Collection Program, supporting planned AGO activities to engage visitors with contemporary art, including special lectures and tours.

"American Express has a long standing commitment to supporting arts and culture across Canada ," said Denise Pickett, President and CEO, American Express Canada. "We are thrilled to be part of the next chapter of the AGO and can't wait to see all of the exciting new works in the Contemporary Collection."

Aeroplan has joined the AGO in a three-year p art nership as the Signature P art ner of the Photography Collection Program, supporting planned AGO activities to engage visitors with photography, including special lectures and tours.

"Last year, Aeroplan and the AGO established The Grange Prize to recognize the work of Canadian and international contemporary photographers," said Rupert Duchesne, President and CEO, Groupe Aeroplan Inc. "We are proud to extend our support at this exciting time as the Gallery presents a remarkable collection of photography from around the world."

CTV Inc. has joined with the AGO as the Gallery's Media Partner during the opening, supporting the Gallery with a commercial and promotional campaign on CTV Toronto, Ottawa and Southwestern Ontario, as well as specialty channels including MuchMusic, Discovery and Bravo!

"CTV is proud to partner with the AGO as they undergo this historic transformation," says Paul Sparkes, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, CTVglobemedia. "We look forward to sharing in this landmark unveiling of Canada 's newest cultural hub for expression and creativity."

In addition to the generous support of these corporate partners, several companies have become preferred suppliers for the new Gallery, including Pioneer Electronics Canada, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Vincor, Sleeman, SABMiller, Nestlé Waters and Devlin eBusiness Architects.

These companies are the latest corporate p art ners to show their support for the Gallery, joining BMO Financial Group, which has entered into a three-year p art nership as Lead Inaugural P art ner of the AGO's grand opening on November 14 and Signature P art ner of the Canadian Collection Program.

"The corporate commitment we have received has been remarkable," says Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO director and CEO. "The companies believe in the AGO's vision of a truly unique art experience and have shown considerable leadership and support with these p art nerships."

The launch of the transformed AGO has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Culture, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.

The Transformation AGO project is further supported by the generous commitments of hundreds of donors, building on the late Ken Thomson's unprecedented gift of art and funding, the vital support of the provincial and federal governments, and an innovative expansion by architect Frank Gehry. As one of the most distinguished art museums in North America , the transformed AGO will set the highest standards for accessibility to all facets of the artistic experience. It will provide unparalleled access to art display, programming, conservation, storage, creation and research. Visible walkways, extensive use of glass, and views of the city and Grange Park will connect the city to the Gallery.