New Directors Elected at 2023 Annual General Meeting
TORONTO, June 21, 2023 - On Monday, the Boards of Directors of Toronto Arts Council (TAC) and Toronto Arts Foundation gathered at their joint Annual General Meeting to celebrate accomplishments, elect new members and thank outgoing directors for their service. Many staff members were also in attendance.
Toronto Arts Council
In her first AGM as Chair of the board of Toronto Arts Council, Celia Smith remarked that the 2022-2023 fiscal year was “a year of transition as well as accomplishment.” Among the statistics that Celia referenced, she highlighted the number of first time grant recipients, totalling 287 in 2022, as particularly notable for its impact. Celia thanked her fellow directors for their devotion, including outgoing member Ana Serrano, who emphasized the importance of data and research during her time on the board, and helped TAC deepen its relationships with academic institutions. Celia also thanked Jason Ryle who stepped down from the board in 2022 while serving as President. Jason, Celia said, was “always passionate and open about the issues facing artists, and helped make sure that during the height of the pandemic we remained responsive.”
At this meeting, the Board of Directors elected Devyani Saltzman as President. Devyani is a writer and curator who has extensive experience working in the arts sector in Toronto and Canada. She joined TAC’s board in 2021.
“I’m truly thrilled to serve on the board of Toronto Arts Council in this new capacity as President. It’s a critical time for our city, and for our artists and arts organizations. I hope to bring my experience and leadership in cultural institutions and passion for public policy to the role. We need advocacy now more than ever. I intend to champion that in service to our sector and many communities, working in collaboration with my fellow Directors to guide TAC at this pivotal time.”
- Devyani Saltzman
Toronto Arts Council’s Board of Directors also welcomed incoming member Sally Lee, Executive Director, Canadian Independent Screen Fund, and independent consultant.
Access the full list of Toronto Arts Council’s Board of Directors here.
Toronto Arts Foundation
Dr. Sara Diamond, who also participated in the AGM for the first time as Chair of Toronto Arts Foundation, referenced the safe return of in-person events, notably the Toronto Arts Awards Lunch and the Mayor’s Evening for the Arts, as highlights for the organization. Milestone donations of $1M each from The Slaight Family Foundation and the Hal Jackman Foundation to the Toronto Arts Foundation Resiliency Fund, along with many individual donors, stood out as a major accomplishment, as well as the Foundation’s research and advocacy efforts in the lead-up the the 2023 Mayoral By-Election. Sara thanked outgoing board member Terry Nicholson for his generous insight, noting that “his passion and commitment to the belief the arts are a central component to vibrant cities match the Foundation’s work.”
Toronto Arts Foundation’s Board of Directors welcomed incoming member Devyani Saltzman who, as President of the board of TAC, will bring valuable perspectives to the Foundation’s board.
Access the full list of Toronto Arts Foundation’s Board of Directors here.
In her closing remarks, Kelly Langgard, Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation thanked former Director & CEO Claire Hopkinson for her 17 years of success in leading the organizations. Of the staff and board members, Kelly said that “I’m happy to work with people who share the same goal of making Toronto a better place for artists and arts organizations, and a better place for everyone who lives here, by doing the work we do in the arts.” Kelly noted that TAC and the Foundation share complimentary mandates and activities and bring unique value, strength and potential to Toronto. Through upcoming initiatives and partnerships, Kelly said that she’s looking forward to telling the story of the impact and value of the arts to the city.
TAC and the Foundation released their 2022 annual reports which are now available online.
Access Toronto Arts Council's 2022 Annual Report
Access Toronto Arts Foundation's 2022 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 nearly $25 million annually, TAC grants lead to exhibitions, performances, readings and workshops seen each year by over five million people across the city. TAC is proud to play a leadership role in fostering Toronto’s dynamic and diverse arts scene. 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, Senior Manager, Communications at sarah@torontoarts.org or 416-392-6802 x 217