Participants - Vancouver Meeting (May / June 2015)
Alissa Firth-Eagland, Curator, Musagetes
Alissa Firth-Eagland is a curator and writer. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design (Honours), participated in a Curatorial Work Study at the Banff Centre, and formalized her training at École du Magasin (Grenoble, FR). From 2007 to 2009 she was Director/Curator of Western Front Media Arts (Vancouver, CA). She has curated projects for the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art in collaboration with Fado Performance Inc. (Toronto, CA), La Fonderie Darling (Montréal, CA), Helen Pitt Gallery (Vancouver, CA), No Soul For Sale Festival at Tate Modern (London, UK), Nordic Institute for Contemporary Art (Helsinki, FI) and Vtape (Toronto, CA), among others.
Alissa Firth-Eagland is a curator and writer. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design (Honours), participated in a Curatorial Work Study at the Banff Centre, and formalized her training at École du Magasin (Grenoble, FR). From 2007 to 2009 she was Director/Curator of Western Front Media Arts (Vancouver, CA). She has curated projects for the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art in collaboration with Fado Performance Inc. (Toronto, CA), La Fonderie Darling (Montréal, CA), Helen Pitt Gallery (Vancouver, CA), No Soul For Sale Festival at Tate Modern (London, UK), Nordic Institute for Contemporary Art (Helsinki, FI) and Vtape (Toronto, CA), among others.
Am Johal, Director, SFU's Vancity Office of Community Engagement
Am Johal works at SFU's Vancity Office of Community Engagement in the SFU Woodward's Cultural Unit. He has previously worked on the Vancouver Agreement in urban economic and social development. He was the co-founder of UBC's Humanities 101 program and was Chair of the Impact on Communities Coalition. He has been an advisor to two provincial cabinet ministers representing Transportation and Highways and Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers. He sits on various boards and committees including the Steering Committee of SFU's Centre for Dialogue, is an Associate with SFU's Institute for Humanities, Vancouver City Planning Commission, and is co-chair of the Vancity Community Foundation. His first book, released in 2015, is 'Ecological Metapolitics: Badiou and the Anthropocene.'
Am Johal works at SFU's Vancity Office of Community Engagement in the SFU Woodward's Cultural Unit. He has previously worked on the Vancouver Agreement in urban economic and social development. He was the co-founder of UBC's Humanities 101 program and was Chair of the Impact on Communities Coalition. He has been an advisor to two provincial cabinet ministers representing Transportation and Highways and Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers. He sits on various boards and committees including the Steering Committee of SFU's Centre for Dialogue, is an Associate with SFU's Institute for Humanities, Vancouver City Planning Commission, and is co-chair of the Vancity Community Foundation. His first book, released in 2015, is 'Ecological Metapolitics: Badiou and the Anthropocene.'
Ami Muranetz, Associate, One Earth
Ami Muranetz is an entrepreneur, writer, and consultant in the space of transformative business practices and holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Design from The University of British Columbia. Her companies Vision Quest, The Passion Project, and soon to be launched Bloom Collection all focus on using holistic business models for positive social and environmental transformation. Her role as Brand Relations Director for the international festival organization The Bloom Series uses festival platforms as the means to model sustainable community development.
Ami Muranetz is an entrepreneur, writer, and consultant in the space of transformative business practices and holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Design from The University of British Columbia. Her companies Vision Quest, The Passion Project, and soon to be launched Bloom Collection all focus on using holistic business models for positive social and environmental transformation. Her role as Brand Relations Director for the international festival organization The Bloom Series uses festival platforms as the means to model sustainable community development.
Andrew Robinson, Senior Social Consultant, ERM
Andrew is a senior social consultant at ERM, a global environmental consulting company, and works in the field of social impact management planning and aboriginal consultation. He holds over 15 years’ experience cross-cutting the private, public and non-profit sectors in North America, Europe and Africa, including with the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. He also has 6 years of communications expertise in broadcast media, outreach and stakeholder engagement strategies, group facilitation, presentations, filming and writing. |
Cédric Jamet, Centre D'Écologie Urbaine de Montréal
Cédric is a human systems consultant and social artist with a keen interest in cities, living systems and human beings. Based in Montreal, he has been involved in many citizen-driven projects, passionately exploring the relationship between the urban imaginary, active citizenship, and the co-creation of sustainable cities. Most recently, he was part of the core team that started 100in1day in Montreal, and took an active role in the organization of both editions. Cédric is currently pursuing an M.A. in Human Systems Intervention from Concordia University.
Cédric is a human systems consultant and social artist with a keen interest in cities, living systems and human beings. Based in Montreal, he has been involved in many citizen-driven projects, passionately exploring the relationship between the urban imaginary, active citizenship, and the co-creation of sustainable cities. Most recently, he was part of the core team that started 100in1day in Montreal, and took an active role in the organization of both editions. Cédric is currently pursuing an M.A. in Human Systems Intervention from Concordia University.
Cheryl Hicks, Special Advisor on Sustainability, Global Network on Sustainable Lifestyles
Cheryl is an experienced business and sustainability professional specialized in the areas of Sustainable Consumption & Production (SCP), Sustainable Finance and the Transition to the Green Economy. Cheryl has worked with multinational corporations, financial institutions and funds, governments, UN organizations, and emerging market initiatives on innovative approaches to sustainable investing, corporate sustainability business strategies, stakeholder engagement, and multi-stakeholder collaborations. Cheryl Hicks is the team leader for sustainable lifestyles at the UNEP/Wuppertal Institute Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption & Production (CSCP) and Project Director for the SPREAD Sustainable Lifestyles 2050 EU FP7 European Social Platform project, which is developing a vision and roadmap for more sustainable lifestyle models of the future.
Cheryl is an experienced business and sustainability professional specialized in the areas of Sustainable Consumption & Production (SCP), Sustainable Finance and the Transition to the Green Economy. Cheryl has worked with multinational corporations, financial institutions and funds, governments, UN organizations, and emerging market initiatives on innovative approaches to sustainable investing, corporate sustainability business strategies, stakeholder engagement, and multi-stakeholder collaborations. Cheryl Hicks is the team leader for sustainable lifestyles at the UNEP/Wuppertal Institute Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption & Production (CSCP) and Project Director for the SPREAD Sustainable Lifestyles 2050 EU FP7 European Social Platform project, which is developing a vision and roadmap for more sustainable lifestyle models of the future.
Chris Creighton-Kelly, Artist, Writer, Cultural Critic
Chris Creighton-Kelly is an interdisciplinary artist, writer and cultural critic. He was born in the UK of South Asian/British heritage. His artworks have been presented across Canada, in India, Europe and U.S.A. For 25 years, he wrote Culture Talks, a popular column. Chris works as an arts policy consultant, specializing in cultural/ racial equity and interdisciplinary art using technology. He works for community groups and cultural institutions, including Canada Council and Banff Centre. His work with racial equity is internationally recognized. Chris appreciates his audiences a lot.
Chris Creighton-Kelly is an interdisciplinary artist, writer and cultural critic. He was born in the UK of South Asian/British heritage. His artworks have been presented across Canada, in India, Europe and U.S.A. For 25 years, he wrote Culture Talks, a popular column. Chris works as an arts policy consultant, specializing in cultural/ racial equity and interdisciplinary art using technology. He works for community groups and cultural institutions, including Canada Council and Banff Centre. His work with racial equity is internationally recognized. Chris appreciates his audiences a lot.
Christine Clark, Graphic Designer / Data Visualizer, University of Lethbridge
Christine Clark is a graphic designer and data visualizer residing in Calgary, Alberta. She recently completed her Masters in New Media at the University of Lethbridge where her research focused on the design of public interest information visualizations with considerations of bias, apathy, and data-literacy. Often collaborating with scientists, artists, research groups, and non-profits, Christine’s creative practice caters to projects and initiatives that are striving to make positive social, environmental, and/or cultural contributions.
Christine Clark is a graphic designer and data visualizer residing in Calgary, Alberta. She recently completed her Masters in New Media at the University of Lethbridge where her research focused on the design of public interest information visualizations with considerations of bias, apathy, and data-literacy. Often collaborating with scientists, artists, research groups, and non-profits, Christine’s creative practice caters to projects and initiatives that are striving to make positive social, environmental, and/or cultural contributions.
Christophe Gouache, Design Consultant, Strategic Design Scenarios
Christopher Gouache is Project Manager at Strategic Design Scenarios, Christophe studied industrial product design and responsible innovation and received his Masters from The École de Design Nantes Atlantique, Nantes, France. His main focus are on social innovation, public policy innovation, foresight, sustainable ways of living and co-design processes.
Christopher Gouache is Project Manager at Strategic Design Scenarios, Christophe studied industrial product design and responsible innovation and received his Masters from The École de Design Nantes Atlantique, Nantes, France. His main focus are on social innovation, public policy innovation, foresight, sustainable ways of living and co-design processes.
Cristóbal Martinez, Artist, Postcommodity
Cristóbal Martínez is a scholar in rhetoric/linguistics, and a member of the indigenous artist collective Postcommodity. In threading his art and scholarship together, Martínez engages communities in inquiry and deliberation on pressing issues such as socio-economic inequities, indigenous self-determination and sovereignty, building public memory, and digital media and learning. By engaging with communities to address these and other public issues, his work intends to offer alternative visions of public life that are intercultural, grounded in joint inquiry, and bent toward generative discovery.
Cristóbal Martínez is a scholar in rhetoric/linguistics, and a member of the indigenous artist collective Postcommodity. In threading his art and scholarship together, Martínez engages communities in inquiry and deliberation on pressing issues such as socio-economic inequities, indigenous self-determination and sovereignty, building public memory, and digital media and learning. By engaging with communities to address these and other public issues, his work intends to offer alternative visions of public life that are intercultural, grounded in joint inquiry, and bent toward generative discovery.
Dagmar Timmer, Managing Director, Strategic Initiatives, One Earth
Dagmar Timmer is a facilitator, researcher, policy analyst, and activist for One Earth with a passion for dialogue and translating ideas into action. She co-hosts the award-winning The Sustainable Region TV show, and trains mid-career professionals in sustainable community development. She has extensive international experience working in sustainability, including coordinating a global network on rainforest conservation. Dagmar holds an MA in Political Science. Click here for more
Dagmar Timmer is a facilitator, researcher, policy analyst, and activist for One Earth with a passion for dialogue and translating ideas into action. She co-hosts the award-winning The Sustainable Region TV show, and trains mid-career professionals in sustainable community development. She has extensive international experience working in sustainability, including coordinating a global network on rainforest conservation. Dagmar holds an MA in Political Science. Click here for more
David Maggs, Artistic Director, Gros Morne Arts Centre; Postdoctoral Fellow, UBC
David Maggs carries on an active career in both the arts and academia. As an artist he continues to perform as a pianist, has written several works for the stage, regularly collaborates on interdisciplinary art projects, and serves as the artistic director of Gros Morne Summer Music, a four-month interdisciplinary arts festival in Eastern Canada. In 2015 he is launching Liminus, a summer gathering of some fifty interdisciplinary change scholars dedicated to the intersections between the arts, sustainability, technology, health, and the natural world. As an academic, David’s focus is on forging a more robust engagement between the arts and sustainability. His doctoral thesis Artists of the Floating World: Art-sustainability relations in the late days of Modernity helped form the basis of Sustainability in the Imaginary World, a three-year multidisciplinary sustainability research initiative. David is a SSHRC post-doctoral fellow at UBC’s Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability, working with John Robinson.
David Maggs carries on an active career in both the arts and academia. As an artist he continues to perform as a pianist, has written several works for the stage, regularly collaborates on interdisciplinary art projects, and serves as the artistic director of Gros Morne Summer Music, a four-month interdisciplinary arts festival in Eastern Canada. In 2015 he is launching Liminus, a summer gathering of some fifty interdisciplinary change scholars dedicated to the intersections between the arts, sustainability, technology, health, and the natural world. As an academic, David’s focus is on forging a more robust engagement between the arts and sustainability. His doctoral thesis Artists of the Floating World: Art-sustainability relations in the late days of Modernity helped form the basis of Sustainability in the Imaginary World, a three-year multidisciplinary sustainability research initiative. David is a SSHRC post-doctoral fellow at UBC’s Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability, working with John Robinson.
Denton Fredrickson, Assistant Professor in Art (Sculpture and Media Arts), University of Lethbridge
The seductive lure of both old and new wonders, fantastic inventions, and absurd theories are familiar territories for Denton. He investigates their histories and representations in popular culture through media archaeology, experimental data visualization, collaboration, and the practice of making. His recent interest in the intermingling of traditional, material-based processes with electronics and digital fabrication has led him to explore how speculative fiction can become awkwardly nestled within the psychology of the everyday.
The seductive lure of both old and new wonders, fantastic inventions, and absurd theories are familiar territories for Denton. He investigates their histories and representations in popular culture through media archaeology, experimental data visualization, collaboration, and the practice of making. His recent interest in the intermingling of traditional, material-based processes with electronics and digital fabrication has led him to explore how speculative fiction can become awkwardly nestled within the psychology of the everyday.
Erica Priggen, Executive Producer, Free Range Studios
Erica is the executive producer and director of Free Range’s Entertainment Department where she oversees the creation and production of all of the company's video campaigns. She creates everything from short-form broadcast pieces to multi-episodic content and longer form interactive video projects. She is the producer of The Story of Stuff series, as well as the Alliance for Climate Education assembly program, among other viral hits. Her work has cumulative views totaling over 35 million to date. She collaborates with her husband on performative art installations and creatively consults whenever and however she can, in service to transformative art and media works.
Erica is the executive producer and director of Free Range’s Entertainment Department where she oversees the creation and production of all of the company's video campaigns. She creates everything from short-form broadcast pieces to multi-episodic content and longer form interactive video projects. She is the producer of The Story of Stuff series, as well as the Alliance for Climate Education assembly program, among other viral hits. Her work has cumulative views totaling over 35 million to date. She collaborates with her husband on performative art installations and creatively consults whenever and however she can, in service to transformative art and media works.
Erika Gregory, President / CEO, Collective Invention
Director of the N Square, Erika is responsible for catalyzing innovation in the nuclear security and non-proliferation arena. Part R&D lab, part venture fund, N Square brings a cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach that reflects Erika's 20+ years of experience building companies and leading innovation programs for clients in philanthropy, education, government and the private sector in the US, Asia, and Europe. A graduate of the Juilliard School of Drama and a master facilitator of group process, Erika has made her career working at the intersection of the arts, future studies, business, and social justice. She co-founded two companies: Collective Invention and The Idea Factory.
Director of the N Square, Erika is responsible for catalyzing innovation in the nuclear security and non-proliferation arena. Part R&D lab, part venture fund, N Square brings a cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach that reflects Erika's 20+ years of experience building companies and leading innovation programs for clients in philanthropy, education, government and the private sector in the US, Asia, and Europe. A graduate of the Juilliard School of Drama and a master facilitator of group process, Erika has made her career working at the intersection of the arts, future studies, business, and social justice. She co-founded two companies: Collective Invention and The Idea Factory.
France Trépanier, Visual Artist, Curator, Researcher
France Trépanier is a visual artist, curator and researcher of Kanien’kéha:ka and French ancestry. Her practice is informed by relational aesthetic and strategies of collaboration. She is currently the Aboriginal curator in residence at Open Space in Victoria BC. France co-authored with Chris Creighton-Kelly Understanding Aboriginal Art in Canada Today: a Knowledge and Literature Review for the Canada Council for the Arts. France is co-chair of the Indigenous Program Council at the Banff Centre and co-chair of the Aboriginal Curatorial Collective.
France Trépanier is a visual artist, curator and researcher of Kanien’kéha:ka and French ancestry. Her practice is informed by relational aesthetic and strategies of collaboration. She is currently the Aboriginal curator in residence at Open Space in Victoria BC. France co-authored with Chris Creighton-Kelly Understanding Aboriginal Art in Canada Today: a Knowledge and Literature Review for the Canada Council for the Arts. France is co-chair of the Indigenous Program Council at the Banff Centre and co-chair of the Aboriginal Curatorial Collective.
François Jegou, Owner, Strategic Design Scenarios
François Jegou is currently a consultant in strategic design at Solutioning Design, François Jégou has a degree in industrial design at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle, Les Ateliers, Paris. Since 1990 he runs consultant activities based in Paris and Brussels and promote the Solutioning network. He is active in various fields such as sustainable design, interaction design, cognitive ergonomics, accessibility of PSS to elderly people, improvement of compliance and security of pharmaceutical products, innovation in food products.
François Jegou is currently a consultant in strategic design at Solutioning Design, François Jégou has a degree in industrial design at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle, Les Ateliers, Paris. Since 1990 he runs consultant activities based in Paris and Brussels and promote the Solutioning network. He is active in various fields such as sustainable design, interaction design, cognitive ergonomics, accessibility of PSS to elderly people, improvement of compliance and security of pharmaceutical products, innovation in food products.
Jenny Hoang, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Collective Invention
Jenny Hoang focuses on marketing and design strategy at Collective Invention. Her background in advertising began with legal research and trademarks, and transitioned to business development, creative strategy and consumer insights. She has worked with for-profit businesses from start-up stage to Fortune 500 companies, non-profits and social businesses. Click here for more.
Jenny Hoang focuses on marketing and design strategy at Collective Invention. Her background in advertising began with legal research and trademarks, and transitioned to business development, creative strategy and consumer insights. She has worked with for-profit businesses from start-up stage to Fortune 500 companies, non-profits and social businesses. Click here for more.
Joe Tankersley, Storyteller / Futurist; Senior Show Writer, Walt Disney Imagineering
Joseph Tankersley is a storyteller, futurist and creator of immersive experiences. For over 25 years he has helped organizations create compelling messages about their goals and visions for the future. He has worked with national and international corporations, NGO’s and governments. Joe employs a wide range of media tools; from oral storytelling to feature films and fully immersive physical environments to help communicate these messages of better tomorrows. Click here for more.
Joseph Tankersley is a storyteller, futurist and creator of immersive experiences. For over 25 years he has helped organizations create compelling messages about their goals and visions for the future. He has worked with national and international corporations, NGO’s and governments. Joe employs a wide range of media tools; from oral storytelling to feature films and fully immersive physical environments to help communicate these messages of better tomorrows. Click here for more.
John Robinson, Associate Provost, Sustainability; Professor, Geography and Institute for Resource, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia (UBC)
John Robinson is Associate Provost, Sustainability, responsible for leading the integration of academic and operational sustainability on the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. Dr. Robinson’s own research focuses on the intersection of climate change mitigation, adaptation and sustainability; the use of visualization, modeling, and citizen engagement to explore sustainable futures; sustainable buildings and urban design; creating partnerships for sustainability with none-academic partners; and, generally, the intersection of sustainability, social and technological change, behaviour change, and community engagement processes.
John Robinson is Associate Provost, Sustainability, responsible for leading the integration of academic and operational sustainability on the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. Dr. Robinson’s own research focuses on the intersection of climate change mitigation, adaptation and sustainability; the use of visualization, modeling, and citizen engagement to explore sustainable futures; sustainable buildings and urban design; creating partnerships for sustainability with none-academic partners; and, generally, the intersection of sustainability, social and technological change, behaviour change, and community engagement processes.
Kade Twist, Artist, Postcommodity
Kade L. Twist is an interdisciplinary artist working with video, sound, interactive media, text and installation environments. Twist's work combines re-imagined tribal stories with geopolitical narratives to examine the unresolved tensions between market-driven systems, consumerism and American Indian cultural self-determination. Mr. Twist is one of the co-founders of Postcommodity, an interdisciplinary artist collective. With his individual work and the collective Postcommodity, Twist has exhibited work nationally and internationally. In addition to his art practice, Twist is also a public affairs consultant specializing in American Indian health care, technology and community development.
Kade L. Twist is an interdisciplinary artist working with video, sound, interactive media, text and installation environments. Twist's work combines re-imagined tribal stories with geopolitical narratives to examine the unresolved tensions between market-driven systems, consumerism and American Indian cultural self-determination. Mr. Twist is one of the co-founders of Postcommodity, an interdisciplinary artist collective. With his individual work and the collective Postcommodity, Twist has exhibited work nationally and internationally. In addition to his art practice, Twist is also a public affairs consultant specializing in American Indian health care, technology and community development.
Ken Lyotier, United We Can
Ken Lyotier lives in Vancouver’s inner city. He is best known as the founder of United We Can, a recycling depot created in 1994. This project employs over 100 people, and has returned over $50 million to the city’s most vulnerable residents through refunds on empties.
Ken Lyotier lives in Vancouver’s inner city. He is best known as the founder of United We Can, a recycling depot created in 1994. This project employs over 100 people, and has returned over $50 million to the city’s most vulnerable residents through refunds on empties.
Leanne Elias, Associate Professor of New Media in the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lethbridge.
Leanne’s interests lie in finding relationships, either in people, data or ideas. Her background in art and design have led her to projects such as Recent projects include NewMediaIntersections, an exploration of interdisciplinary artistic work, and Ecotone, a collaboration with ranchers, scientists and artists. Leanne and colleague Denton Fredrickson have recently founded a data visualization lab at the University of Lethbridge that is focused exclusively on agricultural data that explores sustainability.
Leanne’s interests lie in finding relationships, either in people, data or ideas. Her background in art and design have led her to projects such as Recent projects include NewMediaIntersections, an exploration of interdisciplinary artistic work, and Ecotone, a collaboration with ranchers, scientists and artists. Leanne and colleague Denton Fredrickson have recently founded a data visualization lab at the University of Lethbridge that is focused exclusively on agricultural data that explores sustainability.
Lindsey Ridgway, Office Manager, One Earth
Lindsey holds degrees in International Studies and Contemporary Dance from Simon Fraser University. She has worked in global conflict research with the Human Security Report Project and on various art for social change initiatives including the Chataqua Project as part of the International Centre of Art for Social Change. In 2012, Lindsey began a mentorship program with Karen Jamieson Dance where she continues to facilitate community-engaged dance workshops in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver with the Carnegie Dance Troupe. Today, Lindsey continues her training in Movement Psychotherapy which she began in 2013.
Lindsey holds degrees in International Studies and Contemporary Dance from Simon Fraser University. She has worked in global conflict research with the Human Security Report Project and on various art for social change initiatives including the Chataqua Project as part of the International Centre of Art for Social Change. In 2012, Lindsey began a mentorship program with Karen Jamieson Dance where she continues to facilitate community-engaged dance workshops in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver with the Carnegie Dance Troupe. Today, Lindsey continues her training in Movement Psychotherapy which she began in 2013.
Marten Sims, Designer, Consultant, Facilitator, Researcher and Educator
Marten helps change-makers achieve social impact, sustainability and environmental goals by telling stories about their complex problems in simple, visual ways. Armed with a Masters degree, a British accent and the uncontrollable need to enter himself into grueling races, he runs trans-disciplinary studio Beyond, is President and Facilitator of the Vancouver Design Nerds, served for 14 months on Vancouver's Mayor's Engaged City Task Force, and teaches design, civic engagement and facilitation courses at Simon Fraser University and Emily Carr University.
Marten helps change-makers achieve social impact, sustainability and environmental goals by telling stories about their complex problems in simple, visual ways. Armed with a Masters degree, a British accent and the uncontrollable need to enter himself into grueling races, he runs trans-disciplinary studio Beyond, is President and Facilitator of the Vancouver Design Nerds, served for 14 months on Vancouver's Mayor's Engaged City Task Force, and teaches design, civic engagement and facilitation courses at Simon Fraser University and Emily Carr University.
Michael Robinson, Artist
Michael Robinson is an artist living in Vancouver. Following a BA in Philosophy and Fine Art, Michael received an MFA from Chelsea College of Art and Design. His work concerns how postmodern theories of place and identity have altered conceptions of the city by portraying it as a fragmented and de-essentialized social process, and in turn, transformed the theoretical function of representation in general and the practice of street art in particular.
Michael Robinson is an artist living in Vancouver. Following a BA in Philosophy and Fine Art, Michael received an MFA from Chelsea College of Art and Design. His work concerns how postmodern theories of place and identity have altered conceptions of the city by portraying it as a fragmented and de-essentialized social process, and in turn, transformed the theoretical function of representation in general and the practice of street art in particular.
Nicole Anne Boyer, Managing Director, Adaptive Edge
Nicole-Anne Boyer is a Senior Associate with One Earth and Managing Director of Adaptive Edge, a firm specializing in futures thinking, strategy and innovation. As a futurist and facilitator, she is passionate about helping leaders create “better futures.” Her focus is on catalyzing positive “disruptive innovations” — i.e. fundamentally new models, mindsets and metrics for what’s possible and needed in the world. Click here for more.
Nicole-Anne Boyer is a Senior Associate with One Earth and Managing Director of Adaptive Edge, a firm specializing in futures thinking, strategy and innovation. As a futurist and facilitator, she is passionate about helping leaders create “better futures.” Her focus is on catalyzing positive “disruptive innovations” — i.e. fundamentally new models, mindsets and metrics for what’s possible and needed in the world. Click here for more.
Ross Curtner, Co-Founder, Adjacent Possibilities
Ross is a facilitator, curator and purveyor of purposeful play. Putting these passions to work he’s lead strategic planning retreats for cleantech investment groups, created leadership workshops with community food organizations, consulted for government and recently, founded Adjacent Possibilities. An alumni of MaRS’ Studio Y Fellowship, he previously worked at The Stop and Community Food Centres Canada. When he’s not scheming of creative ways to address big issues, you can find Ross exploring Toronto’s forests with the PINE Project. @RossCurtner
Ross is a facilitator, curator and purveyor of purposeful play. Putting these passions to work he’s lead strategic planning retreats for cleantech investment groups, created leadership workshops with community food organizations, consulted for government and recently, founded Adjacent Possibilities. An alumni of MaRS’ Studio Y Fellowship, he previously worked at The Stop and Community Food Centres Canada. When he’s not scheming of creative ways to address big issues, you can find Ross exploring Toronto’s forests with the PINE Project. @RossCurtner
Roy Bendor, Researcher, University of British Columbia
Roy Bendor is a critical media scholar with an interest in digital technologies. He teaches at Simon Fraser University’s School of Communication, and is a member of Vancouver’s Civic Renewal Lab. In his current position as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia, Roy is examining the ways in which interaction design can help shift the place sustainability occupies in the social imaginary. Find out more about him here.
Roy Bendor is a critical media scholar with an interest in digital technologies. He teaches at Simon Fraser University’s School of Communication, and is a member of Vancouver’s Civic Renewal Lab. In his current position as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia, Roy is examining the ways in which interaction design can help shift the place sustainability occupies in the social imaginary. Find out more about him here.
Scott Baker, Co-Founder, Adjacent Possibilities
Scott Baker was raised on wind-licked west-coast of Vancouver Island and has since been working at the intersection of climate policy and civic engagement with the Canadian and European Green Parties, Leadnow, and Tides Canada. Currently Scott is a StudioY Fellow at MaRS Discovery District and the co-founder of Adjacent Possibilities.
Scott Baker was raised on wind-licked west-coast of Vancouver Island and has since been working at the intersection of climate policy and civic engagement with the Canadian and European Green Parties, Leadnow, and Tides Canada. Currently Scott is a StudioY Fellow at MaRS Discovery District and the co-founder of Adjacent Possibilities.
Shawn Van Sluys, Executive Director, Musagetes
Shawn Van Sluys is the Executive Director of Musagetes. In 2007 he became the first Executive Director of the Canadian Art Museum Directors’ Organization, a national arts-service organization that represents 85 museum directors. He joined Musagetes as its first Executive Director in January 2009. Shawn studied art history and critical theory at the University of Lethbridge before taking his first position as the Public Relations Manager at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery. He is the Vice-President of the Guelph Jazz Festival and the Vice-President of the Ammirato Culture House in Lecce, Italy.
Shawn Van Sluys is the Executive Director of Musagetes. In 2007 he became the first Executive Director of the Canadian Art Museum Directors’ Organization, a national arts-service organization that represents 85 museum directors. He joined Musagetes as its first Executive Director in January 2009. Shawn studied art history and critical theory at the University of Lethbridge before taking his first position as the Public Relations Manager at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery. He is the Vice-President of the Guelph Jazz Festival and the Vice-President of the Ammirato Culture House in Lecce, Italy.
Sid Fells, UBC Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Steve Loft, Coordinator, Aboriginal Arts Office, Canada Council for the Arts
Steven Loft is a Mohawk curator and writer. Currently Coordinator, Aboriginal Arts Office with the Canada Council for the Arts, Loft has held positions with major art s organizations across Canada. In 2010 he was named Trudeau National Visiting Fellow at Ryerson University. Loft has curated exhibitions nationally and internationally and written and lectured widely. He is the co-editor of Transference, Technology, Tradition: Aboriginal Media and New Media Art (2005) and Coded Territories: Indigenous Pathways in New Media (2013).
Steven Loft is a Mohawk curator and writer. Currently Coordinator, Aboriginal Arts Office with the Canada Council for the Arts, Loft has held positions with major art s organizations across Canada. In 2010 he was named Trudeau National Visiting Fellow at Ryerson University. Loft has curated exhibitions nationally and internationally and written and lectured widely. He is the co-editor of Transference, Technology, Tradition: Aboriginal Media and New Media Art (2005) and Coded Territories: Indigenous Pathways in New Media (2013).
Steve Williams, President, Constructive Public Engagement; PhD student, UBC
Steve works in Constructive Public Engagement and specializes in Corporate Social Responsibility design, evaluation, impact measurement, and data visualization for sustainability. He is a technology strategist designing and facilitating participant-driven public engagement events. He was SAP Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, managing global technology donation and skilled volunteer programs. He has over 20 years experience in the software industry combined with years of deep engagement in the social sector including expertise in transparency, accountability, and strategic communication. Steve holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, an MBA in Management of Technology from Simon Fraser University, a Certificate in Community Economic Development from SFU, a Graduate Diploma in Social Innovation at the University of Waterloo and is just starting his PhD in Resource Management and Environmental Studies at UBC working with John Robinson as thesis supervisor.
Steve works in Constructive Public Engagement and specializes in Corporate Social Responsibility design, evaluation, impact measurement, and data visualization for sustainability. He is a technology strategist designing and facilitating participant-driven public engagement events. He was SAP Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, managing global technology donation and skilled volunteer programs. He has over 20 years experience in the software industry combined with years of deep engagement in the social sector including expertise in transparency, accountability, and strategic communication. Steve holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, an MBA in Management of Technology from Simon Fraser University, a Certificate in Community Economic Development from SFU, a Graduate Diploma in Social Innovation at the University of Waterloo and is just starting his PhD in Resource Management and Environmental Studies at UBC working with John Robinson as thesis supervisor.
Tim Herron, Decision Theatre Manager, UBC CIRS
Todd Lester, Senior Fellow, World Policy Institute
Todd Lanier Lester is an artist, writer and cultural producer. He lives and works in São Paulo, where he is developing Lanchonete.org — a project focused on daily life in the city center — with a group of fellow artists and city dwellers. He has worked in leadership, advocacy and strategic planning roles at Global Arts Corps, Reporters sans frontiers, and Astraea Lesbian Justice Foundation. He founded freeDimensional, a network that helps artists in danger by providing safe haven in participating artist residencies. Todd is a Senior Fellow at the World Policy Institute where he directs the Arts-Policy Nexus; a co-curator for the Arts & Society Team of Cities for People in Canada; and serves on the boards of arts, rights and literary organizations in India, Mexico, Brazil and the US. artist.roundtable (A.RT) is a collaborative methodology that he is co-making among a broad group of artists and non-artists.
Todd Lanier Lester is an artist, writer and cultural producer. He lives and works in São Paulo, where he is developing Lanchonete.org — a project focused on daily life in the city center — with a group of fellow artists and city dwellers. He has worked in leadership, advocacy and strategic planning roles at Global Arts Corps, Reporters sans frontiers, and Astraea Lesbian Justice Foundation. He founded freeDimensional, a network that helps artists in danger by providing safe haven in participating artist residencies. Todd is a Senior Fellow at the World Policy Institute where he directs the Arts-Policy Nexus; a co-curator for the Arts & Society Team of Cities for People in Canada; and serves on the boards of arts, rights and literary organizations in India, Mexico, Brazil and the US. artist.roundtable (A.RT) is a collaborative methodology that he is co-making among a broad group of artists and non-artists.
Vanessa Timmer, Executive Director, One Earth
Vanessa Timmer is a member of the International Advisory Committee for the Future We Want. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of the One Earth aimed at Rethinking the Good Life and transforming unsustainable consumption and production patterns. One Earth is curating the New Economies activities as part of a Canada-wide initiative on urban resilience, Cities for People. Vanessa weaves together sustainability with systems thinking, and believes that envisioning sustainable futures is a powerful draw for social change. Click here for more.
Vanessa Timmer is a member of the International Advisory Committee for the Future We Want. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of the One Earth aimed at Rethinking the Good Life and transforming unsustainable consumption and production patterns. One Earth is curating the New Economies activities as part of a Canada-wide initiative on urban resilience, Cities for People. Vanessa weaves together sustainability with systems thinking, and believes that envisioning sustainable futures is a powerful draw for social change. Click here for more.
Zack Embree, Documentary Filmmaker / Photographer
His current documentary media project, Directly Affected: Where We Live, seeks connect communities impacted by fossil fuel infrastructure with a generative narrative that highlights the social, political and economic possibilities of an era that must respond to the reality of climate change.
His current documentary media project, Directly Affected: Where We Live, seeks connect communities impacted by fossil fuel infrastructure with a generative narrative that highlights the social, political and economic possibilities of an era that must respond to the reality of climate change.
Other Colleagues
Ryan Doherty, Curator, Southern Alberta Art Gallery
Ryan Doherty joined the staff of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) as curator in 2008 and as Director/Curator in mid-2013. He received his Master of Arts degree from the Centre for Curatorial Studies at Bard College in New York (2007). Doherty completed his undergraduate degree with a focus on curatorial studies at the University of Lethbridge in 1997, and continued working at the U of L Art Gallery curating exhibitions from their extensive collections. In 2000 he was awarded an International Residency Fellowship from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade helping to develop a major traveling exhibition. At SAAG, his curatorial practice has explored the construction of meaning in our information age, variations in the use of the persona, and notions of maintenance, adaptability and institutional reflection. Recently Doherty has served as a juror for two of the country's most important awards for contemporary art, the Sobey Art Award in 2011 and 2012, and the 2013 RBC Canadian Painting Competition.
Ryan Doherty joined the staff of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) as curator in 2008 and as Director/Curator in mid-2013. He received his Master of Arts degree from the Centre for Curatorial Studies at Bard College in New York (2007). Doherty completed his undergraduate degree with a focus on curatorial studies at the University of Lethbridge in 1997, and continued working at the U of L Art Gallery curating exhibitions from their extensive collections. In 2000 he was awarded an International Residency Fellowship from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade helping to develop a major traveling exhibition. At SAAG, his curatorial practice has explored the construction of meaning in our information age, variations in the use of the persona, and notions of maintenance, adaptability and institutional reflection. Recently Doherty has served as a juror for two of the country's most important awards for contemporary art, the Sobey Art Award in 2011 and 2012, and the 2013 RBC Canadian Painting Competition.
Stephen Huddart, President, J. W. McConnell Family Foundation
Stephen Huddart is President and CEO of The J. W. McConnell Family Foundation, which has played a leading role in developing and supporting social innovation and impact investing in Canada as a founding partner and funder of Social Innovation Generation (SiG). Stephen’s career spans several fields and includes leadership positions in the private, public and non-profit sectors. He has led two successful social enterprises, and been a restaurateur, documentary filmmaker, humane educator, geophysical observer, museum curator and natural food store manager.
Stephen Huddart is President and CEO of The J. W. McConnell Family Foundation, which has played a leading role in developing and supporting social innovation and impact investing in Canada as a founding partner and funder of Social Innovation Generation (SiG). Stephen’s career spans several fields and includes leadership positions in the private, public and non-profit sectors. He has led two successful social enterprises, and been a restaurateur, documentary filmmaker, humane educator, geophysical observer, museum curator and natural food store manager.
Stuart Candy, Assistant Professor of Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD University
Stuart Candy is an experience designer, consultant, writer, educator, and activist and Assistant Professor of Strategic Foresight and Innovation at Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University. Until recently, he was a Senior Foresight and Innovation Specialist at the design and engineering firm ARUP, based in San Francisco. Click here for more.
Stuart Candy is an experience designer, consultant, writer, educator, and activist and Assistant Professor of Strategic Foresight and Innovation at Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University. Until recently, he was a Senior Foresight and Innovation Specialist at the design and engineering firm ARUP, based in San Francisco. Click here for more.
Victoria Baster, Professor of Art, University of Lethbridge
Victoria Baster teaches in the Department of Art at the University of Lethbridge where she introduces the Art Now and Architecture & Design Now series of public presentations by invited speakers. She has held curatorial positions in a number of institutions in Alberta, including the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Glenbow Museum in Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery. In addition, she has worked as an independent curator and has contributed to numerous exhibition catalogues. With Gerald Forseth, she was co-curator of the 2002 exhibition, Lethbridge Modern: Aspects of architectural modernism in Lethbridge from 1945-1970 and curator of The Buchanan Connection, part of that exhibition project. Following graduate studies in architecture and design history at the University of East Anglia in England, her research interests have focussed on late 19th-century design and visual culture; mid-20th-century Canadian design; contemporary architecture, urbanism and design; and themed environments.
Victoria Baster teaches in the Department of Art at the University of Lethbridge where she introduces the Art Now and Architecture & Design Now series of public presentations by invited speakers. She has held curatorial positions in a number of institutions in Alberta, including the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Glenbow Museum in Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery. In addition, she has worked as an independent curator and has contributed to numerous exhibition catalogues. With Gerald Forseth, she was co-curator of the 2002 exhibition, Lethbridge Modern: Aspects of architectural modernism in Lethbridge from 1945-1970 and curator of The Buchanan Connection, part of that exhibition project. Following graduate studies in architecture and design history at the University of East Anglia in England, her research interests have focussed on late 19th-century design and visual culture; mid-20th-century Canadian design; contemporary architecture, urbanism and design; and themed environments.