ArtStarts'
staff is a small team of arts specialists with interests
and backgrounds in various disciplines.
ArtStarts
Board of Directors
(newman@artstarts.com)
Wendy is the founder and Executive Director of ArtStarts
in Schools. During her career in the arts, she has
been an administrator, promoter, tour coordinator
and facility manager. She helped found the renowned
Vancouver East Cultural Centre, where she returned
as Executive Director from 1984 to 1989. She has
worked on cultural facility planning and management
consultation with not-for-profit groups, including
projects for the Vancouver Public Library, Granville
Island, Coal Harbour Arts Centre, Green Thumb Theatre,
Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Dance Centre, The
Roundhouse and The Surrey Centre for the Performing
Arts. She is the recipient of SFU Alumni Association's
Outstanding Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
and "Sponsor of the Year" award from the
artists at the BC Touring Council's annual Pacific
Contact.
Tel: (1.888) 604.878.7144, ext 5
(tara@artstarts.com)
Tara is a graduate of Capilano College's Arts and
Entertainment Management program and has extensive
festival and performance-related experience. She
has worked as tour director for Turner Music and
Events Booking Agency, Artist logistics and immigration
coordinator for the Coastal Blues and Jazz Society
and Festival and operations manager for the New
Forms Media Society where she is currently chair
of the board of directors. At ArtStarts, Tara is
the Booking and Touring Coordinator responsible
for arranging artists' bookings and contracts for
schools and districts throughout the province. She
is also the liaison with Showcase artists and the
advisory committee.
Tel: (1.888) 604.878.7144, ext 3
(lia@artstarts.com)
Lia has over 15 years of business experience and
holds a Business Management diploma from SFU. She
has held a variety of administrative and financial
management positions with organizations such as
Lafarge Construction Materials, Imperial Smelting
and Refining and the BC Safety Authority. At ArtStarts,
she is the Financial Coordinator responsible for
a range of duties including bookkeeping and financial
reports.
Tel: (1.888) 604.878.7144, ext 6
(harriet@artstarts.com)
Harriet has a BA from the University of Western
Ontario and a journalism certificate from Langara
College. She has over 15 years experience as a communications
specialist in the arts and non-profit arenas. She
has worked as an arts publicist, a film and theatre
reviewer, an editor, a copywriter, a webmaster,
and a web writing instructor. At ArtStarts, Harriet
handles print and web communications, media relations,
artist services, the Artists Directory, Arts and
Culture Week, and privacy issues. Harriet is currently
on parental leave.
Tel: (1.888) 604.878.7144, ext 2
(tomfixx@whidbey.com)
Tom has spent over 20 years working with performers
from across North America and abroad. He has coordinated
performances ranging from small schools and community
centres to large outdoor festival sites and arenas.
He has been at various times a presenter, producer
and artist's representative. He holds an Honours
BFA from the University of Manitoba, and currently
divides his time between working with ArtStarts
and several other arts organizations and performing
artists including the Victoria Symphony Society,
Vancouver International Jazz Festival, and a number
of touring artists. He is the Production Manager
for the ArtStarts Showcase.
(intern@artstarts.com)
Rekha currently attends Simon Frasier University
and is en route to complete her BA in Sociology
by the end of the year. Rekha will be responsible
for the front desk as well as assisting with the
ArtStarts on Saturdays series.
Tel: (1.888) 604.878.7144, ext 4
(katie@artstarts.com)
Katie received her BFA in New Media from Ryerson
University after attending schools from Victoria
to Sweden. She has worked with a variety of different
arts and cultural organizations including the Royal
Ontario Museum, Gallery TPW, and InterAccess Electronic
Media Arts Centre. She has experience as an independent
curator, web and graphic designer, and is a practicing
artist. At ArtStarts, she is a Program Coordinator
and manages residencies including the Artists in
Education, Component 2 granting program, gallery
curation, installation and tours, as well as financial
development.
Tel: (1.888) 604.878.7144, ext 7
(chelsea@artstarts.com)
Chelsea holds a BA in Sociology, Anthropology and
Women’s Studies from SFU and is an active
volunteer in the community. Chelsea is responsible
for the ArtStarts front desk and volunteer coordination.
She also assists with event planning, exhibitions,
the Artists in Education district grant, the Cherniavsky
“Mr. Music” grant, Booking and Touring
coordination and general office administration.
Tel: (1.888) 604.878.7144, ext 1
(communications@artstarts.com)
Jessica is currently filling in as Communications
Assistant while Harriet is away on parental leave.
She holds a BA in English Literature and Linguistics
from SFU, and recently completed a Publishing Diploma
at Langara College.
Tel: (1.888) 604.878.7144, ext 2
(ruffruff@artstarts.com)
Soleil, the office mascot, is working towards an
Honours shredding degree from the University of
ArtStarts. She is a joyful presence in the office
and divides her time between door-greeting, toe-nipping,
paper-shredding and food-swiping.
artstarts
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