Welcoming 2023 STEPS Board Members
As a national charitable organization committed to fostering inclusive public spaces and public art practices, STEPS Public Art is thrilled to expand our Board of Directors this year to a cohort of ten Directors, under the leadership of newly elected Board Chair Jo Flatt.
Since incorporating in 2014, our Board has grown to include diverse and dedicated community members, whose vast skill sets, knowledge and experiences have enabled the organization to advance its mission. From multidisciplinary arts, cultural planning and placemaking to business development, law and finance, our 2023 Directors bring with them the knowledge, strategic foresight, intimate familiarity with Canada’s geographically and socially diverse communities, and the creative energy to advance our strategic goals.
We are honoured to continue to engage four returning Directors:
- Jo Flatt, Allied REIT (Ontario): 2023 Board Chair, Director since 2020
- Rich Appiah, Appiah Law (Ontario): Former Board Chair, Director since 2016
- Craig Hudson, LumiQ (Ontario): Board Treasurer since 2020
- Robyn Small, TD (Ontario): Director since 2020
Former Board Chair and returning Director Rich Appiah shared that “serving on STEPS’ Board over the last seven years has been an inspiring experience. I’ve seen the organization flourish as a result of the unwavering commitment of its Executive Director, staff and volunteers. All the while, STEPS has engaged community stakeholders to create more inclusive and beautiful public spaces.”
“The Board is really passionate about the organization. I look forward to doing more great work together to support STEPS’ ongoing growth and development.”
We were overwhelmed by the response that we received to a summer 2022 call for Board members, and are very excited to welcome the following new Directors who began their term in January 2023:
- Ammar Mahimwalla, Wiser Projects (British Columbia)
- Candace Hooks, Centre for Creative Arts (Alberta)
- Cara McArthur, Interdisciplinary Artist and Consultant (Ontario)
- Carl Brundtland, Corus Entertainment (Ontario)
- Miriam Kramer, OCAD University (Ontario)
- Yusra Khan, Yusra Khan Law (Ontario)
While we welcome so many new faces to STEPS Board, we also want to extend our gratitude for the meaningful contributions of past Directors:
- Adam Molson, Daniels Corporation (2022 Board Chair, Director 2016-2022)
- Alex Apostolopoulos, Regimen Labs Inc (Director 2018-2022)
- Annabel Vaughan, ERA Architects (Director 2014-2016)
- Dave Kranenburg, Kendal Hills Farm (2014-2016 Board Chair)
- Mojan Jianfar, City of Toronto (Director 2018-2022)
Outgoing Board member Mojan Jianfar reflects, “It has been an absolute pleasure to be on the STEPS board, watching the organization grow and expand its mission, range of programming and impact on the sector and community. STEPS has developed as a leader in its field and continues to push the boundaries with innovative public art programming that makes an impact.”
We invite you to learn more about our Board of Directors and continued champions of STEPS!
Artist credit: Mo Thunder
Photo credit: Mila Bright Zlatanovic
Who is STEPS Public Art?
If you are new to STEPS, we are a national non-profit public art organization, registered charity and social enterprise that empowers artists and communities to transform public spaces into vibrant places through one-of-a-kind public art plans, installations, and engagement strategies.
We envision a world where artists and communities co-create meaningful, welcoming, and vibrant public spaces. The STEPS Team is composed of passionate and creative problem solvers from coast to coast who truly care about their communities. If you have worked on a project with STEPS, attended an event or workshop, or contacted our email or phone, chances are you have interacted with a staff member across our interdisciplinary team! We would also like to acknowledge and thank past staff and placement students who have contributed to the continued growth of the organization.
Learn about the different public art services and programs we offer (such as public art management, creative placemaking, cultural planning and more). Our social enterprise work supports our charitable arts programs, community workshops, and paid artist mentorships to bring bright public artwork to neighbourhoods across Canada and make public art opportunities more accessible.
Interested in how you can get involved or collaborate with STEPS? Follow us on social media (@STEPSPublicArt) and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest announcements and opportunities.
