Franco Boni Appointed Artistic and Executive Director of PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

The following is excerpted from a release issued by Murray Paterson Marketing Group, with minor stylistic alterations.

Franco Boni.

Following an extensive national search, PuSh International Performing Arts Festival’s (PuSh) board of directors announce the appointment of Franco Boni as artistic and executive director. Boni will assume the role on June 1, 2019.
 
Boni is a recognized cultural innovator, facilitator, and community builder with a demonstrated track record of artistic credibility and financial acumen. He has served as artistic director of The Theatre Centre in Toronto since 2003, and has been a fixture on Canada’s arts and festival scene for more than two decades.
 
“I’ve long been an admirer, presenter, director, and collaborator at PuSh, and I am thrilled to be joining the organization whose meaningful impact is truly boundless,” says Boni. “I’m looking forward to working with the PuSh board and staff, building on its outstanding reputation and Norman Armour’s numerous achievements. I am also keen to meet with the people of Vancouver to learn what role the festival plays in their lives and what attracts them to PuSh’s vast and varied offerings. Civic engagement is of great importance to me; my curiosity and desire to connect with the Vancouver community comes from a deep appreciation of people, a love of this beautiful city, and an understanding of the power of the arts to connect humanity and effect change.”

“Following an extensive succession planning period and national search, the board takes great pleasure in announcing the appointment of Franco Boni as the PuSh Festival’s artistic and executive director,” says Mira Oreck and Jessica Bouchard, PuSh Festival co-chairs. “The festival is entering a new and exciting chapter, and we’re confident Franco’s wealth of experience, from an artistic, business, and operational standpoint, will help shape and deliver the spirit and ambition of PuSh to new creative heights. We’re eager to introduce Franco to our PuSh patrons, supporters, and the Vancouver arts community at large.”
 
Boni steps into the role this summer following the resignation of founder and artistic and executive director Norman Armour in April 2018. PuSh has since been led by interim executive director Roxanne Duncan and interim artistic director Joyce Rosario.