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2026 Mayor's New Year's Honour List recipients (City of London) MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Happy New Year!   As we begin 2026, I am deeply grateful to our staff and board for their dedication over the past year. Their efforts have positioned us for continued success. Together, we will build on this momentum and seize new opportunities to strengthen London’s arts sector. I am optimistic about the programs, initiatives, and strategic goals ahead. This year, we will build on our foundations by launching new partnerships and initiatives that create lasting impact.   As we begin a new year, I want to thank our donors, sponsors, funders, and key partners for their continued belief in the London Arts Council’s mission and their generous support. Special thanks to the City of London (Neighbourhood and Community Wide Services: Culture Services and Dundas Place), Canada Life, Ontario Arts Council, London Community Foundation, Paul Seed Fund, LBMX, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Government of Ontario, Government of Canada, Westminster College Foundation, Covent Garden Market, Thames Valley District School Board, Downtown London, and Fanshawe College. Your partnership and support make a meaningful difference in our community every day.   I am also grateful to the artists, creators, and arts organizations who continue to inspire and motivate our community through their work. Their creativity nurtures, enlightens, and connects us all. It is an honour to support their artistic journeys and witness their growth.   The London Arts Council will continue to uphold the universal values of humanity and creativity in our operations and services. We believe creativity advances humanity by supporting diverse artistic expression and participation, which are fundamental human rights as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.   On behalf of the London Arts Council, I sincerely thank you for your ongoing support of the local arts sector. I wish you a new year filled with meaningful growth and inspiring connections.   Warm regards,   Eunju Yi Executive Director   Thank you to our operational partners for your ongoing support. Your funding and partnership provide crucial support for LAC  in maintaining and growing capacity for ongoing development, implementation, and delivery of professional artistic programs and services for our community and the local arts sector. We extend our gratitude to our strategic programming partners whose generosity helps us support the local arts community and artists with meaningful programs and opportunities. ANNOUNCEMENT We are thrilled to be the recipients of an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed Grant  and would like to express our gratitude to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario.   The OTF Seed Grant will go towards our soon-to-be-launched Artists in Practice Workshop Series , a targeted initiative designed to support emerging and mid-career visual artists in London and surrounding First Nations communities, including Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and Munsee Delaware Nation.   The workshop series was developed in response to direct feedback from local artists, and the program strengthens pathways to specialized, culturally relevant professional development opportunities. Participating artists will be equipped with the practical tools and knowledge needed to build sustainable careers in the arts today. PUBLIC ART PROJECTS Michael Czupryna  is a lens-based artist working in London, Ontario, creating images inspired by nature. A recent awakening has drawn his attention to the forest, in particular, trees and water. This perspective has been developed through lived health experiences, the pandemic, and learning that trees contribute directly to human well being, while also forming a seemingly intelligent ecosystem.   The exhibit at RBC Place Gallery runs January – May, 2026. PROGRAMS AND LEARNING AECE (Arts Education Classroom Experience)   Our team is currently planning AECE programming which will be delivered in March/April. The Arts Education Classroom Experience program gives London-based teachers and professional artists the opportunity to collaboratively develop and co-deliver arts projects in elementary schools in the London region. NEW Upcoming Program – Artists in Practice Workshop Series   Artists in Practice Workshop Series is a targeted initiative designed to support emerging and mid-career visual artists in London and surrounding First Nations communities, including Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and Munsee Delaware Nation. This program is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Seed Grant . The London Arts Council would like to thank OTF for their continued program support.   Stay tuned for more details coming soon. Bob's Yer Funkle Band performing at Holly Jolly Market on Dec. 13, 2025 ARTS ACTIVATIONS 2026 is here and with it brings more live music to enjoy! Find out who's performing in our community and support local talent.   OPPORTUNITIES CAIP for Arts Organizations   Applications for 2026 CAIP funding are now open for Arts Organizations applying to the Development Acceleration Stream (DAS) and Annual Operating Stream (AOS). Applicants can book a consultation with an LAC team member by contacting investment@londonarts.ca   The City of London’s Community Arts Investment Program is administered by the London Arts Council through a Purchase of Service Agreement with the City of London. Deadline: Friday, February 20 at 4:30pm Coming Soon – CAIP for Individuals & Collectives   Applications for 2026 CAIP funding for Individuals and Collectives will be open on February 20. Applicants can book a consultation with an LAC team member by contacting investment@londonarts.ca   The City of London’s Community Arts Investment Program is administered by the London Arts Council through a Purchase of Service Agreement with the City of London. SPOTLIGHT (l-r) Brenda Zadorsky, Mayor Josh Morgan (City of London) Congratulations, Brenda Zadorsky! 🎉 As one of the recommending community organizations through the public assessment process for the Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List  we are thrilled for Brenda Zadorsky, the recipient of the 2026 Arts Category, which recognizes contributions to fostering and/or the production of human creativity. group photo taken at the Ontario Arts Council community recognition series event in London on Dec. 13, 2025 (JReel Visuals) Celebrating arts in Ontario! Closing out 2025, we had the chance to celebrate and connect through the Ontario Arts Council community recognition series event! A warm congratulations to all OAC grant recipients and many thanks to everyone who made this event possible.

The Gallery In response to demand from local artists for exhibition space and to promote and celebrate our talented local artists, the London Arts Council and the City of London Culture Services have collaborated with RBC Place London to pilot The Gallery program at RBC Place London as part of our London Arts Live (LAL) program offerings. The purpose of The Gallery is to promote the work of artists and creators residing in London and surrounding First Nations to display original artworks for exhibition, with sales opportunities, on highly prominent and specially designated wall space within this municipally owned building. For the eighth exhibition, The Gallery featured artworks created by Michael Czupryna , a lens-based artist working in London, Ontario, creating images inspired by nature. A recent awakening has drawn his attention to the forest, in particular, trees and water. This perspective has been developed through lived health experiences, the pandemic, and learning that trees contribute directly to human well being, while also forming a seemingly intelligent ecosystem. “Growing up in London’s suburbs, nature was not a part of my life. I never went hiking or camping. My limited experience was the carefully arranged gardens and the strategically placed trees of the urban environment. During the lockdowns of the pandemic, curiosity led to a nature walk for the first time. The woods felt disorienting, like a kaleidoscope of limbs engulfing me, but later a sense of calm strangely emerged. I had never felt something like this before. I researched ‘forest bathing’ and discovered that trees emit phytoncides that reduce cortisol in humans and help our immune systems fight disease. It was a revelation to learn that trees actively assist me in fighting my ailments. Why would they do this? Writings by Donna Haraway, “Staying with the trouble: Making kin in the chthulucene” have influenced my perspective on these experiences - specifically her concept of seeing nature as our kin, inspiring me to name these portraits “Oddkin." My photographs are taken in environmentally significant areas here in London, Ontario.” - Michael Czupryna An Interview with Michael Czupryna Oddkin by Michael Czupryna (January - May, 2026) Q: You describe yourself as a lens-based artist. How long have you been working in this medium and how has it changed for you during that time? A:  I discovered film photography in the 1980s at Fanshawe College and was immediately struck by how one could manipulate realistic images to express abstract ideas, such as putting two negatives together to create a new reality. There are many elements involved such as light and time that one can control. Film gave way to digital imaging, which I initially found less engaging because I preferred the tactile nature of working with film. Now, however, I can capture imagery with a digital camera that illustrates the concepts I wish to convey.   Q: You mention that you grew up in London, Ontario’s suburbs. How has London shaped your creative output do you think? A:  I grew up in London's east end, where the urban met the industrial landscape and the examples of real nature were the small patches of wild trees and bushes growing behind the fences of corporations that cautioned "no trespassing" to me. This experience created my view of a human-made world of concrete and asphalt with rigid edges and harsh geometry, in contrast to the distant wild nature.   Q: Walk us through the creative process behind this work. How do you go about capturing images like this? A:  Discovering nature walks during the pandemic and ruminating on health issues, I found myself drawn to the water below me, which mirrored the trees and sky, and also acted as a lens exposing the detritus below the water's surface. Blending these elements together, the images capture light and water movement to suggest a kind of "life" to the trees.   Q: You mentioned the writings of Donna Haraway in your artist statement. How do these philosophical texts affect or translate into a visual practice for you? A:  I believe that she is suggesting a way of being that unites humans and the environment in a way that is transformative for our shared ecology. Her concept of "oddkin" proposes new ways of relating across species, reframing the relationship between humans and more-than human ecologies through care, responsibility, and co-existence. Connecting humans with our odd kin.   Q: Why does creativity matter to you? A:  Creativity and Imagination are important because they take us to places that we wouldn't otherwise go. Imagination is the way we conceive of a new reality and creativity is the engine that makes that happen.   Q: What gaps currently exist when it comes to supporting the Arts? What kind of support is needed? A:  More funding and exhibition spaces for emerging artists in London.   Q: What do you envision now for your future in the Arts here in London? A:  I am very happy to be able to share my perspective on nature and photography in the Gallery at RBC, and hope to find other opportunities in the future. I see unlimited inspiration in the Forest City and will continue, with a renewed perspective, to record the wonders of our natural ecosystems.   Q: What made you most excited about putting yourself out there to work with the London Arts Council and RBC Place London for this exhibition? A:  The opportunity to share newfound knowledge and share the images that were created from that experience. Contact: Website: https://michaelczupryna.com Instagram: @michael.czupryna X: https://x.com/McArts1000 View Oddkin at RBC Place London on the following dates: January Jan. 10 (11:00am - 4:00pm) Jan. 11 (11:00am - 4:00pm) Jan. 15 (11:00am - 2:00pm) Jan. 22 (11:00am - 2:00pm) Jan. 26 (11:00am - 5:00pm) Jan. 27 (10:00am - 2:00pm) Jan. 29 (11:00am - 2:00pm) February Feb. 4 (5:30pm - 8:30pm) Feb. 5 (11:00am - 2:00pm) Feb. 6 (9:00am - 5:00pm) Feb. 7 (5:00pm - 10:00pm) Feb. 18 (9:00am - 5:00pm) Feb. 19 (9:00am - 8:00pm) Feb. 20 (9:00am - 2:00pm) Feb. 26 (11:00am - 9:00pm) Feb. 28 (5:00pm - 9:00pm) March Mar. 2 (10:00am - 4:00pm) Mar. 3 (9:00am - 4:00pm) Mar. 4 (9:00am - 2:00pm) Mar. 5 (11:00am - 2:00pm) Mar. 6 (8:00am - 10:00am) Mar. 12 (9:00am - 2:00pm) Mar. 13 (9:00am - 4:00pm) Mar. 19 (11:00am - 2:00pm) Mar. 26 (11:00am - 2:00pm) ** enter via the main doors on York St.** The objectives of the Gallery program are: to create a beautiful, unique, and cultured atmosphere; provide compelling experiences for local, national, and international visitors; educate the public by presenting a series of diverse artworks created by local professional artists; and provide professional opportunities for local artists, including increased promotion, sales, and career enhancement. For more information about this project or inquiries regarding purchasing artworks, please contact the London Arts Council at info@londonarts.ca

Position and Submission Process Administrator, Operations and Communications Hours: full-time (35 hours/week) Term: permanent Compensation: $40,000 - $45,000 (commensurate with experience) and LAC’s healthcare spending program Application Deadline: Friday, October 3, 2025, 4:00 PM Anticipated Interview Timeline: Monday, Sep 29 – Friday, Oct 10, 2025 Anticipated start date: Monday, October 20, 2025 Note:  Please submit your application through the online application form by Friday, October 3rd, 4:00 PM . No other method of application will be accepted. Only those candidates who are considered for the position will be contacted. General work ho urs are Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; however, this position requires working hours outside of the general office hours and may require working additional hours for certain occasions. Final candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check from the London Police Services. Job Description   Reporting to the Executive Director, the Administrator, Operations and Communications , has two main responsibilities to deliver under the direct guidance and supervision of the Executive Director. Firstly, to support day-to-day operations of the organization . Secondly, to   support, develop, and execute LAC’s communications strategies . The Administrator must be well organized, proactive, strategic , and detail-oriented, able to work independently and decisively to meet multiple deadlines and important operational requirements . The position requires a multifaceted skill set with outstanding interpersonal oral and written communication , as well as public speaking and presentation abilities . The Administrator is a team player who openly collaborates both internally and externally with the ability to generate enthusiasm in key partners .  Requirements and Qualifications LAC’s Administrator, Operations and Communications job opportunity is for an individual with  understanding and appreciation for the arts, creativity, the arts sector, and the role of arts service organizations  (nonprofit, arms-length, and umbrella arts organizations). The individual should have a connection to the arts , be familiar with the artistic community , be positive, adaptable , and flexible, understanding the fluid nature of arts environments , be a team player  working with high-functioning team members and supporting the artistic community , have an organized  and structured approach to their work , and be  eager to learn and grow as a professional arts administrator . Given the historical context of where we are situated, this person should be dedicated to on-going learning and unlearning of Indigenous histories, culture , and the effects of colonialism on Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of the residential schools . The person should also be open-minded  and willing to expand their experience and knowledge to achieve a greater understanding of all equity-deserving communities . Please click the button below to view the full job description: