About Creative Champions Network

Creative Champions Network (CCN) provides opportunities for Toronto’s 2,000+ arts board members and executive leadership to come together, share experiences, and learn from leading experts about the art of good governance, fundraising, marketing – and more.  Our Leadership Sessions & Speaker Series and online Resources offer extensive information and guidance on the roles, responsibilities, challenges and rewards of serving on an arts board or as the leader of an arts organization.

Toronto Arts Foundation believes that the arts community’s leaders are a powerful force: building strong and sustainable organizations, finding creative solutions to problems facing companies large and small, encouraging private philanthropy, promoting the joys and value of the arts, and advancing policies that allow the arts to flourish. Under the guidance of Michelle Yeung, Lead, Creative Champions Network, CCN is building a cohesive and collaborative network that encourages shared learning, board skills development, discussion and collaboration – harnessing the potential of its membership for the benefit of Toronto’s artists and creative sector.  

Our vision is of a Toronto where everyone has the opportunity to be joyfully engaged with the arts; where artists and cultural organizations are thriving; and where artists, managers and boards are mutually committed to enriching individuals and communities through the arts.

Our mission is to empower the arts community’s most important and passionate volunteers and leaders by bringing members of arts boards and arts leadership together to learn, connect and become powerful champions of the arts.

Our goal is to build a sustainable and dynamic network, brought together through targeted events and communications, and to strengthen the arts ecology by creating stronger boards and leaders that are better prepared to provide meaningful guidance to the organizations they serve.

About Michelle Yeung

Michelle Yeung is the current Lead of Creative Champions Network. She is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (BFA) and York University (BA) and is a graduate candidate of Dalhousie University (MBA Leadership). She has also successfully completed programs through Boston University (Fundraising) and Ivey Business School (Leadership) and maintains her Certified Fund Raising Executive designation.

Over her career she has held positions at Dance Arts Institute, Tafelmusik, Factory Theatre, Canadian Stage, Sony Centre and more. Michelle’s involvement in the community is also extensive. She been a guest speaker and presenter for post-secondary arts programs, and at various conferences and events. She has also hosted and mentored many students through program placements in arts administration. Further, Michelle serves as Managing Director of Mass Culture, a committee advisor to the Humber College’s Art and Cultural Management program, and is an arts consultant with The Arts Firm.

how to join

Membership in the Creative Champions Network is free and includes:

• Invitations to workshops and special events: explore our upcoming sessions
• An array of useful resources provided at each workshop as well as the chance to network and meet fellow board members and arts workers.
• Access to our online resources page and e-communications

Are you a volunteer board member, arts worker or leader in a Toronto arts organization? Sign up to Creative Champions Network today to receive notifications about upcoming events and exciting news.

questions?

For more information about the Creative Champions Network please contact:

Michelle Yeung, Lead, Creative Champions Network