Rita Davies Appointed Chair of the Ontario Arts Council

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has announced that Rita Davies has been appointed Chair of the OAC, following her nomination by the Government of Ontario.

Ms. Davies brings extensive leadership experience in the arts community to the role, having been Executive Director of Culture for the City of Toronto from 1999 through 2012. Prior to that role, she was Executive Director of the Toronto Arts Council from 1984 through 1999. More recently, she launched Cultural Capital, which provides consulting services in cultural planning and policy.

“We are delighted with the appointment of Rita Davies as Chair,” said Peter Caldwell, OAC Director & CEO in a release. “The Chair plays a crucial role at agencies like the Ontario Arts Council. Rita’s extensive and in-depth knowledge of the arts in Ontario, and particularly public funding of the arts, will serve OAC and the arts community very well in the years ahead.”

“I’d like to congratulate Rita on her appointment as Chair,” said Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Over the past few decades, Rita’s efforts to advance the interest of artists and arts organizations in Ontario have led to lasting, tangible change.  The Ontario Arts Council, artists and arts organizations across the province will benefit from the impressive experience, knowledge and passion that she brings to the table.”

“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to lead the Ontario Arts Council, one of the great cultural institutions of this province,” said Rita Davies in the OAC release. “The OAC makes a difference in the lives of communities large and small and adds to our economic prosperity.  I look forward to working with arts organizations across Ontario.”

Music Canada, as well as many other Canadian arts organizations, congratulated both parties on the appointment via social media.

Great news – Congratulations to @rita_davies & @ONArtsCouncil on this terrific appointment! https://t.co/o04fEmTUND

— Music Canada (@Music_Canada) September 9, 2015

Great news! RT @ONArtsCouncil: We are pleased to welcome Rita Davies, Chair of the Ontario Arts Council http://t.co/9ONorHbbwo

— Orchestras Canada (@OrchCanada) September 9, 2015

Congratulations to Rita Davies, appointed Chair @ONArtsCouncil http://t.co/daOgZYnTRN

— Canada Council (@CanadaCouncil) September 9, 2015

Congratulations to @ONArtsCouncil on the appointment of Rita Davies to the position of Chair http://t.co/27ehMoBUT0 pic.twitter.com/7bft6517tE

— LCP (@CanadianPoets) September 9, 2015

Congratulations @Rita_Davies on appointment to @ONArtsCouncil Board Chair! We look forward to working with you.

— Soulpepper Theatre (@Soulpepper) September 9, 2015

Congrats @rita_davies on your new position as Chair of @ONArtsCouncil! http://t.co/d5IWCIpqTG

— Guelph Arts Council (@guelpharts) September 9, 2015