Scott Miller Berry

2015 Margo Bindhardt and Rita Davies Award Recipient

Scott Miller Berry has been working with artist-run, community based and/or not-for-profit arts collectives and organizations for 20 years. He is Managing Director of Workman Arts and was Director of the Images Festival from 2005-2015. Scott holds an MA from the New School for Social Research and maintains an independent filmmaking and programming practice.

Photo of Scott Miller-Berry by Denise Grant Photography

 

What is artistic excellence?

Pushing boundaries, taking risks, being fearless.

 

Why are the arts important?

Arts + culture change the way we see the world and our place/s in it.

 

What are your words of wisdom for aspiring arts leaders?

Lead don't follow. Take risks. Be accountable to yourself and others.

 

Where do you live in the city?

Jane & Dundas

 

What is your favourite Toronto neighbourhood?

Kensington Market

 

Where can we find you when you’re not working?

At the Gladstone Hotel, whether at an art opening, dancing or screening films monthly at our series Early Monthly Segments.

 

What was your reaction after learning that you’re a finalist for the Margo Bindhardt and Rita Davies Award?

You've got to be kidding me! I was humbled and shocked. I'm so honoured to be chosen by my peers as a finalist for a Toronto Arts Foundation Award!!

 

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love leading and working directly with a team. I love collaboration and artist run culture is inherently collaborative!

 

Describe your style of work.

Egalitarian. Supportive. Fun.

 

What keeps you going?

Opportunities to improve my own skills and make working conditions for artists even more fruitful in Toronto and beyond.

 

What are your goals?

So many...

 

How do you feel you contribute to the city?

I contribute to Toronto by raising the profile of artist film + video, through my work at Images, via our international tours, our publication projects and my board service and/or organizing projects such as The 8 Fest Small Gauge Film Festival and Early Monthly Segments.