The new head of the Ottawa Arts Council is Nicole Milne. She will formally replace Peter Honeywell as executive director on June 24.
Milne’s prime directive will be to guide the council into a higher profile in the Ottawa arts community along with a “greater investment in diversity and inclusivity,” the council said in a news release.
Nicole Milne.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nicole Milne into the role of Executive Director. Not only is she an absolute pleasure to work with, but she brings vibrancy, dedication, enthusiasm, and an unwavering passion for the arts in Ottawa.” said Julia Johnston, chair of the board of directors for the council in a media release.
Milne has more than 20 years of experience in community engagement and arts administration. For a decade she worked in the marketing and communications at the National Arts Centre before joining the Great Canadian Theatre Company as director of marketing and development in 2016. Milne played a key role in helping GCTC achieve a more sustainable financial position.
“I’m delighted to take on the important responsibility of supporting the growth of Ottawa’s vibrant arts scene,” said Milne in the release. “It is a privilege to be part of an organization whose mandate is to ensure arts funding remains a significant priority, while championing the essential role our local artists and arts organizations play in our lives and in our communities. I’m particularly excited to work collaboratively with our community to put a greater focus on inclusivity, accessibility and diversity at the Council.”
Milne was vice-president of the council’s board and was a member of the Young Artist Award and Nomination Committees. Honeywell will retire June 18 following the council’s annual general meeting June 18.
The Ottawa Arts Council was founded in 1982. It has worked to represent the interests of Ottawa artists for the past 35 years.
