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The Greater Vancouver Alliance for Arts and Culture will be welcoming a new leader this September, as Heather Redfern takes over the position of executive director from outgoing incumbent, Lori Baxter.

After a national search, Ms. Redfern was selected for her extensive experience in arts administration, theatre and festival production, as well as her passion for the cultural sector. She has spent most of the last three decades working in, and for, the arts.

“I have been an advocate for the arts throughout my professional life, and look forward to working with the Alliance’s members, board and staff to provide excellent services and a strong, collective voice for Greater Vancouver’s cultural community,” says Ms. Redfern.

“We are very pleased that Heather is joining us,” says Alliance board president Hazel Currie. “She will be an excellent addition to the Alliance.”

Ms. Redfern most recently served as artistic producer for Catalyst Theatre in Edmonton, and as board chair of the Magnetic North Theatre Festival, of which she was a founding member. She has also served on a variety of volunteer boards and arts service organizations, including the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and the Edmonton Arts Council. She has lectured on advocacy at Grant MacEwan College and in 2000, Ms. Redfern won the City of Edmonton, Business and the Arts Award for Excellence in Arts Management. Ms. Redfern is a native of Vancouver, and has mentored several Vancouver theatre groups through the Canada Council’s Flying Squad program.

Ms. Redfern replaces Lori Baxter, who served as executive director for 10 years. Ms. Baxter has taken a position with the non-profit society 2010 LegaciesNow, working as part of a team that will manage the recently announced Arts Now program. Ms. Redfern will take the helm at the Alliance on September 13.

Last Updated: Monday, August 09, 2004