The ED Report, September 2020

Dear friends and colleagues,

August 2020 marked four years of my tenure at the BC Alliance. Although it’s only been an instant, so much has happened since the start of COVID-19, it feels like I’ve been here forever. Regardless, I am truly grateful for all the support I have received from our community, our staff and our board of directors, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

Many who know me know that for many years, I have been critical of the board governance model in our not-for-profit sector. It’s time for change. It’s time to find a better way of governing arts organizations, so that the authority of the board is decentralized, and artistic and executive directors are given the support they need to get the job done. After all, they are hired because of their expertise.

I’m happy to report that for the first time in my 40-year career of working in the arts, I now have a board who is actively exploring new ways of governing. Together, we are developing a new vision centred on the values of social justice, equity and inclusion, anti-racism, decolonization and Indigenization. We are deepening our understanding of how a colonial mindset has limited our perception and understanding of “art,” and we have learned that the work of decolonization is personal and ongoing.

Sean Bickerton, the BC director of the Canadian Music Centre, recently replaced Winnie Tam as our board president. Both of them, as well as past president Jessica Schneider, have demonstrated that they are committed to finding a better way.

Although the future is uncertain, we have a chance to change things for the better by raising our voices against the injustice and inequities that have permeated our sector for decades. I am excited to work with our board, because I believe that together, we will be the change that we are seeking. 

Brenda Leadlay
Executive Director
BC Alliance for Arts + Culture