Cultural Futures Canada is proud to announce the appointment of four inaugural Board of Directors. This group of dedicated and visionary leaders will guide our work as we strengthen cultural life in rural, remote, and underrepresented communities across Canada.
Our new Board brings together experience in museums, heritage, placemaking, community festivals, and Indigenous culture and heritage, as well as deep lived experience from across the country. With representation from Western Canada (AB, BC, YK) and Eastern Canada (ON, QC), we are now seeking to expand perspectives by welcoming new voices from Central Canada (SK, MB) and Atlantic Canada (PEI, NS, NL, CB).
We are especially committed to strengthening the diversity of voices at our table, including francophone voices as well as Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and heritages. This commitment reflects our belief that cultural leadership must reflect the communities it serves.
Our Board Members
Please join us in welcoming:
Anne Ewen — Chair. Anne Ewen is a cultural leader, curator, and consultant with a distinguished career in Canada’s arts and heritage sector. Recently retired as Director and Chief Curator of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, she has curated more than 200 exhibitions nationwide and advised museums, galleries, and municipalities on governance, collections management, and long-term planning. Recognized with multiple awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, Anne continues to champion cultural excellence and heritage preservation in her role as Chair of Cultural Futures Canada’s Board of Directors.
Janice Smith — Vice-Chair. Janice Smith is a museum professional with over 30 years of experience in curatorial practice, exhibitions, and digital engagement. As Vice-President and COO of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, she led major bilingual education programs and landmark digital projects such as the Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience. Through her consultancy, J. Smith Museum Consultant, Janice has advanced cultural initiatives across Canada and internationally, including in Jamaica. Dedicated to equity and Indigenous self-determination, she brings deep expertise in inclusive programming, partnerships, and digital innovation to her role as Vice-Chair.
Jeremy Elbourne — Secretary-Treasurer. Jeremy Elbourne has been Executive Director of artsPlace Canmore since 2015, leading its transformation into a vibrant cultural hub for the Bow Valley. With over 25 years in arts leadership, including senior roles at the Canadian Opera Company and in Toronto’s theatre sector, he brings expertise in administration, marketing, and organizational growth. Holding an MBA in Arts & Media Administration from York University, Jeremy is passionate about the role of the arts in fostering creativity, community engagement, and inclusion, which he now contributes as Secretary-Treasurer of the Board.
Samantha Summers — Director-at-Large. Samantha Summers is a cultural consultant, researcher, and educator with experience spanning major institutions, grassroots organizations, and nonprofits nationwide. She has held senior roles at the Royal Ontario Museum, the Toronto International Film Festival, and Kids Help Phone, and has supported organizations across Canada with fundraising, governance, and strategy. A published researcher and lecturer in museum studies at the University of Toronto, Samantha is committed to advancing equity, reconciliation, and accessibility in cultural policy and practice. She brings this passion and expertise to her role as a founding Director-at-Large.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to embark on this journey with such a committed team of leaders. Together, we are building a future where Canada’s cultural sector thrives as a dynamic force for inclusivity, sustainability, and connection.
This is only the beginning, and we look forward to sharing our first year of milestones, learnings, and impact with you.
👉 Learn more about our Board members and the expertise they bring: Meet the Board
