London Arts Council announces
new Executive Director
“With a deep commitment to arts and cultural leadership for our city Eunju is an outstanding choice for the LAC’s new Executive Director.” says Allyson Vanstone, Board President, London Arts Council.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
LONDON, August 12th, 2021- London Arts Council announces new Executive Director.
“Please join the London Arts Council Board of Directors in welcoming Eunju Yi as our new Executive Director.” shares Allyson Vanstone, Board President, London Arts Council. “The LAC Board considered applicants from a national search for its new leader. Eunju, who has been a dedicated team member of the LAC since 2013, was selected for her leadership qualities, her passion for the arts and clear vision for the future of the LAC.”
Over the years, Eunju has actively sought out professional opportunities to develop her expertise, most recently leading the Building Allyship Initiative to confront systemic racism and inequities, bringing the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion to all LAC programs and services. “With a deep commitment to arts and cultural leadership for our city Eunju is an outstanding choice for the LAC’s new Executive Director.” says Allyson Vanstone, Board President, London Arts Council.
Born in South Korea, Eunju secured an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (2006) and Teachers Certificate in Film and Theatre from Kyungsung University, Busan, South Korea. She taught Film and Theatre Arts at Busan Visual Arts High School and immigrated in 2009 to Canada. Her passion led her to arts administration, graduating in 2012, from Western University’s Arts Management Post Degree Program. While deeply immersed in developing opportunities for London’s arts sector, Eunju shared her own interdisciplinary art creation Invitation to Korean Mountain during Culture Days 2018 performed at Museum London. She also taught in LAC’s Culture City Youth Program before assuming her most recent role as Administrator, Finance and Research.
“Working at the London Arts Council for many years in various areas has helped me to develop a deep appreciation and understanding about the LAC’s role, responsibilities, and operations as well as the local arts sector.” shares Eunju. “Our sector is comprised of many talented arts professionals, organizations, and businesses. It is a significant contributor to both economic generation and social good.”
In 2020, Eunju Yi was selected to join a Canada-wide cohort of twenty arts professionals in Talent to Lead, an initiative of the Cultural Human Resources Council in Ottawa to develop Canada’s cultural leaders. Eunju’s efforts to expand her knowledge and network in Canada’s leadership landscape is a significant asset for the London Arts Council.
Building upon her local, national, and international experience Eunju understands the complexities of leadership in today’s world. Social justice movements, the recent discovery of unidentified graves at residential schools, and the racially motivated crime upon a London Muslim family call for significant changes, including within the local arts sector.
“COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted the local arts sector. Pre-existing challenges and issues are amplified due to required safety restrictions in our sector. Each arts organization’s situation is unique and complex.” shares Eunju. “As Executive Director, I will continue the work of the London Arts Council supporting a diverse, inclusive, and prosperous community through the arts while nurturing and re-strengthening the sector during and after this time of uncertainty.”
Eunju Yi will officially assume the role on September 7th, 2021. To connect with Eunju please visit: Mandate, Team, & Board | London Arts Council.
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Media Contact:
Allyson Vanstone, Board President, London Arts Council
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About London Arts Council:
London Arts Council (LAC) programs in education, public art, and arts investment provide opportunities for professional artists to create and deliver artworks as well as, direct support for arts organizations in London, Ontario.
The LAC is the second largest arts council in the province of Ontario. A strong voice for arts in the province London Arts Council continues to promote London, Ontario as a destination for arts development and experience. The organization works with its community partners to promote opportunities for our city and investment in the local arts community.
To learn more about the work of the London Arts Council, please visit our website at www.londonarts.ca or follow us on Twitter and Facebook
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