Dancer Transition Resource Centre Chair Monique Rabideau and Executive Director Amanda Hancox announced today that Kristian Clarke will become the DTRC Executive Director on March 18, 2019.
Mr. Clarke brings to the DTRC his many years of experience leading not-for-profit arts organizations. He was the Executive Director of Canadian Artists Representation/le front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC Ontario) for nearly a decade, and previously was its Membership Coordinator. Most recently, he has been working with performing artists as Senior Projects Manager at Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. While there, he took a leading role in creating and developing the Not in OUR Space! anti-harassment campaign for live performance artists working under Equity contracts. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Leeds, a post-graduate degree in Cultural Management from Humber College and is working part-time on his PhD in Cultural Studies at Queen’s University.
“My career has been focused on helping individual artists improve their circumstances in society and working to convince decision-makers about the vital role that artists play in the world”, noted Mr. Clarke. “It has been extremely gratifying learning from my respected colleagues at Equity and CARFAC as well as the numerous organizations that I have served and continue to serve as a board member for. I hope to take that accumulated experience and, in partnership with the DTRC Board and staff, build upon the significant foundation that Amanda has laid.”
“I am thrilled with the choice of Kristian as the DTRC’s new Executive Director. He has a deep understanding of the organization’s core values and the vital role it plays in the dance community. With his wealth of experience in the arts and culture sector, and his compassion and concern for artists, Kristian is well positioned to lead the DTRC to new heights”, said Ms. Hancox.
“We are grateful to Amanda for everything she has done to enhance the DTRC’s long-standing reputation as a caring and collaborative organization and for leaving it in a very strong position,” said Ms. Rabideau. “We welcome Kristian to the organization and know the DTRC will benefit from his unique perspective, and proven leadership and strategic skills. The Board and staff are working to ensure the DTRC remains relevant in the rapidly changing Canadian dance environment by evolving to meet the growing needs of dancers.”