Join the Eastside Arts Society Board of Directors

ORGANIZATION:
Eastside Arts Society

DEADLINE:
February 28, 2026

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
The Eastside Arts Society is a registered charity and driving force behind the Eastside Culture Crawl Visual Arts, Design & Crafts Festival, the Eastside Arts Festival and the Eastside Arts District (EAD). Now celebrating its 30th year, EAS delivers dynamic programs and bold initiatives that ensure that ‘Art Happens Here’ on Vancouver’s Eastside – today and for generations to come.

What’s unique about EAS?

● A deep commitment to the artists of Vancouver’s Eastside, with a focus on supporting under-represented and self-represented creatives
● A trusted, established organization known for delivering high-quality, community-driven arts programming
● Signature festivals and events that energize neighbourhoods and connect thousands of artists and audiences each year
● A forward-looking approach, investing in long-term sustainability, space, and opportunities for the next generation of artists

ORGANIZATION WEBSITE:
http://eastsideartssociety.ca/

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION:

The Eastside Arts Society (EAS) is seeking dedicated, community-minded individuals who are ready to apply their skills, experience, and networks to advance our mission of strengthening and transforming the community through visual and performing arts.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to contribute to Vancouver’s vibrant arts and culture sector while helping shape the strategic direction of a growing organization, we would love to hear from you.

We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in law; fund development and philanthropy; accounting, investment strategy, and financial stewardship; real estate, facilities, or asset management (including building development, capital projects, or property stewardship) to help strengthen long-term sustainability and build organizational capacity in support of local artists and cultural initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

What does the EAS Board do?

The Board of Directors provides governance, strategic direction, and oversight for the Eastside Arts Society. The Board sets the organization’s three-year strategic plan, ensures financial stewardship, and safeguards the long-term sustainability of EAS.

The Board is supported by the Executive Committee (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary) and works through standing committees – including the EAD Committee and the Development Committee – to advance key priorities.

Board members are expected to actively contribute by serving on and supporting at least one committee.

The Executive Director (ED) leads the staff team and reports to the Board. The ED and staff are responsible for implementing the strategic plan, delivering programs and initiatives, and managing the day-to-day operations of the organization.

● Determine the mission, vision, and strategic direction of EAS
● Establish clear policies and ensure good governance
● Oversee financial health and sustainability
● Monitor programs and initiatives
● Promote fundraising and development
● Enhance EAS’s public profile
● Evaluate Board performance
● Engage in committee work and fundraising efforts
● Maintain board business confidentiality
● Collaborate with fellow Board members and the ED

TERMS

Board members are elected for two-year terms. If appointed by the Board between Annual General Meetings, they serve until the next AGM (held annually in April/May), at which time they stand for election.

COMMITMENT

● 3–10 hours/month (varies depending on position and fluctuation in workload)
● Attendance at nine board meetings per year, held on the second Tuesday of the month, typically early evening (no meetings in August, November, and January)
● Meetings are primarily held in person

QUALIFICATIONS:

● Enthusiasm for the EAS mission
● Demonstrated skills, experience, or interest in one or more of the following areas:
● Legal or regulatory expertise
● Accounting or finance
● Fundraising or fund development
● Government or public sector relations
● Information technology or digital systems
● Community planning or civic engagement
● Non-profit governance
● Visual or performing arts
● Excellent teamwork, communication, and time management skills
● Comfortable promoting or representing EAS to public, personal, and professional networks
● Volunteers must be at least 19 years of age for this position

BENEFITS

● Apply your leadership expertise to influence strategy, governance, and long-term sustainability
● Help shape impactful arts and cultural programs that strengthen and connect the community
● Collaborate with a passionate, creative, and mission-driven team
● Expand your professional network and relationships across the arts and civic sectors
● Make a lasting difference by championing and advancing the arts in our community

TRAINING & SUPPORT

● Role-specific training with the addition of shared online resources available for review
● Regular meetings with the Board and ED

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining interest in the organization and fit with the role by February 28, 2026 to board@eastsideartssociety.ca. Thank you!

Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

EAS believes that the composition of the board should reflect the diversity of the community it serves. This diversity is fundamental to the health and vitality of our organization and the impact of our work.

We strongly encourage applications from all interested candidates, including individuals from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities in Vancouver, such as Indigenous peoples, people of colour, people from working-class backgrounds, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and people with visible and invisible disabilities.

The Eastside Arts Society operates on the traditional, unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. EAS is grateful to gather on these lands and waters, and we work from a place of respect and responsibility to this gift.