New Directors Elected at 2022 Annual General Meeting

The Boards of Directors of Toronto Arts Council (TAC) and Toronto Arts Foundation gathered at their joint annual general meeting on June 24, 2022.

TORONTO, July 6, 2022 –  The Boards of Directors of Toronto Arts Council (TAC) and Toronto Arts Foundation gathered at their joint annual general meeting on June 24, 2022 to celebrate accomplishments, welcome new members and express their gratitude to outgoing Directors. 


TORONTO ARTS COUNCIL

Dina Graser, outgoing Toronto Arts Council Chair noted her appreciation for the work of the board and staff, and highlighted TAC’s important partnership with the City of Toronto, stating that “TAC wouldn’t be here without the City’s financial investment.” Dina commented on the organization’s great responsibility to be accountable, support innovative and creative work and make arts programming accessible in all areas of the city, as well as its high impact and increased reach to equity priority groups. Dina recognized the achievements of Claire Hopkinson, Director & CEO, while thanking outgoing Directors Kelvin BrowneCharles Falzon and Maayan Ziv for their important work, and welcoming new Chair, Celia Smith, who has served on TAC’s board for two years as an at-large member. 

Of her appointment, Celia Smith states:

“Having served on Toronto Arts Council’s board of directors for the past two years, I’m thrilled to assume the role of Chair. Through its vital programs and services, Toronto Arts Council is integral in sustaining and building our city’s vibrant arts sector. I look forward to working with the board to further advance the organization’s vision so that artists and arts organizations are supported, and all audiences have access to the wonders of the arts.” – Celia Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Luminato Festival Toronto and Chair, Toronto Arts Council

Jason Ryle, TAC President, shared a letter which was read by Dina Graser. In it, he noted a renewed optimism as events return live and people gather in person. Jason particularly thanked Claire for her leadership, and extended his gratitude to Dina for her support. 

Toronto Arts Council’s Board of Directors welcomed incoming members: Zahra Ebrahim, co-founder and CEO, Monumental, Robin Sokoloski, Director of Organizational Development, Mass Culture and Tania Senewiratne, Associate Dean, Visual and Performing Arts, Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design, Sheridan College. 

Access the full list of Toronto Arts Council’s Board of Directors here. 


TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION

In her remarks, Susan Wortzman, outgoing Interim Toronto Arts Foundation Chair, noted the organization’s remarkable accomplishments while continuing to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. During the past year, the Foundation hosted another successful virtual Mayor’s Evening for the Arts raising crucial funds to support its initiatives; brought arts events to audiences throughout the city both in person and online through Arts in the Parks; and launched the inaugural Indigenous Artist Award with the support of the K.M. Hunter Foundation. Susan highlighted the work of departing Directors Hasan Makansi and Gillian Smith, expressing the boards’ thanks for their work, and welcomed new Chair, Dr. Sara Diamond. Susan will continue serving on the board of Toronto Arts Foundation as Secretary. 

Of her appointment, Dr. Sara Diamond states: 

“I am honoured to assume the Chair of Toronto Arts Foundation, an organization that is a fundamental pillar of Toronto’s powerful arts and culture communities. I believe in the Foundation’s vision – a diverse and vibrant city where every neighbourhood is enriched by the power of the arts and their cultural, social, and economic impacts and will do all that I can to ensure that vision is a reality.” – Dr. Sara Diamond, President Emerita, OCAD University, C.M., Ord. ON, ICD.D, RCA, and Chair, Toronto Arts Foundation

Toronto Arts Foundation’s Board of Directors welcomed incoming members: Danielle LaBossiere Parr, Managing Principal, Navigator and Surranna Sandy, Chief Executive Officer, Skills for Change. 

Access the full list of Toronto Arts Foundation’s Board of Directors here. 

Claire Hopkinson, Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation, concluded the meeting by thanking all members for their service. As this was Claire’s last AGM before her departure in December, she took time to reflect on the organizations’ progress and significance, stating: “We have been flexible and nimble, providing timely, much needed support, through Council grants and special Foundation initiatives.” Claire continued, “I’m proud to have laid the groundwork for these two separate but intertwined organizations: they both function at such a high level while supporting a warm and encouraging work culture.” 

TAC and the Foundation also presented their 2021 annual reports which are now available online.

Access Toronto Arts Council's 2021 Annual Report

Access Toronto Arts Foundation's 2021 Annual Report 

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About Toronto Arts Council
Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is the City of Toronto’s funding body for artists and arts organizations. Since 1974, TAC has offered innovative and responsive programs, enabling artists and arts organizations to explore, create and thrive. With funding of over $25 million annually, TAC grants lead to exhibitions, performances, readings and workshops seen each year by over 5 million people across the city. TAC is proud to play a leadership role in fostering Toronto’s dynamic and diverse arts scene. www.torontoartscouncil.org

About Toronto Arts Foundation
Toronto Arts Foundation is a charitable organization that sparks creative connections, spotlights artistic excellence, and supports vibrant cultural growth throughout our diverse city, through private sector investment. To learn more or to make a donation, visit torontoartsfoundation.org.

Contact information
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Gladki, Communications Manager at sarah@torontoarts.org or 416-392-6802 x 217