Is art truly essential to our daily lives, or is it merely an indulgence—a luxury, perhaps even irrelevant? A few years ago, I debated this very question on stage at the National Gallery of Canada with Kate Taylor of the Globe & Mail. We argued in favour of art’s essential role, while Marc Mayer, NGC […]
Art is Essential to Daily Life Read More »
This month marks the start of a new chapter in my writing and consulting: I’ve begun a bi-weekly column in the Winnipeg Free Press. Focused on thought leadership in the arts and culture sectors, the column is both a continuation of my lifelong work and a new opportunity to engage with the wider public in
A New Conversation: My Winnipeg Free Press column Read More »
In leadership, we often talk about taking charge, holding vision, or setting direction. These are the hallmarks of the Western model of leadership: top-down, forward-facing, output-driven. But during my time working with Indigenous communities – especially in the North – I encountered a very different way. One that challenged my assumptions and reshaped my understanding
Power of the Circle: What I Learned from the North Read More »
Reputation can be dazzling. It opens doors, earns invitations, and creates an aura of credibility before you’ve said a word. But it’s also shaped by headlines, online chatter, and shifting public moods. It can quickly fade or turn, especially in leadership. Reputation alone is a fragile foundation. What truly sustains leadership is something far more
Leading by Values, Not Reputation Read More »
A couple of years before construction began on the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, something quietly profound happened. The institution’s corporate name was changed — from the Canadian Museum of Human Rights to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. One word, and suddenly the mission was activated. No longer simply about studying or
Art as Advocacy; Not Just Advocacy for Art Read More »
Museum directors are often drawn to the promise of a great collection, an iconic building, or a one-of-a-kind mission. These are all important, of course. But what impels and inspires me today is the challenge of creating something new — something meaningful, impactful, and sustainable. Something that doesn’t just preserve the past, but actively helps
The New Museum: What Does It Look Like? Read More »
