Announcement

July 7, 2023

Leadership Transition at the Federation of Canadian Artists

The Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) today announced a transition in senior staff. The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Margaret McNeil, a seasoned and experienced leader in the not-for-profit sector and senior associate with The Discovery Group, as interim Executive Director. She will be working closely with the Board of Directors and staff while the Board completes the search process for a new permanent executive director. Margaret’s appointment is made in conjunction with the announcement of the departure of Patrick Meyer.

The FCA ranks among Canada’s oldest and most active Federal arts organizations, and its Board of Directors is committed to ensuring the organization remains vital through continuing to expand its membership and programs, renew its outreach and build on its long history of serving Canadian artists.

The Board of Directors would like to assure members that the FCA and its incredible team are dedicated to continuing to provide the programs and services its members rely upon. While leadership transition is an important change, you can be confident that the FCA’s support of Canadian artists will continue with an experienced interim Executive Director who can lead our talented staff and keep our exhibitions, educational programs and other important initiatives and operations running smoothly.

The FCA Board and staff embrace this opportunity to build upon strong foundations, stimulating transformation to deepen our engagement with members and increase our connection and relevance to artists and communities across Canada.

The Board is grateful for the tremendous contribution of the FCA’s former Executive Director, Patrick Meyer. Patrick joined the organization 10 years ago as the Administrative Manager to support a hands-on operational Board, and made important contributions to professionalizing and expanding capacity and services for an organization previously run primarily by volunteers. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Patrick and everyone who has who has served on the team during his tenure for their hard work, dedication and many contributions to the growth and success of the organization.

The Discovery Group, a Vancouver-based firm of national scope specializing in organizational change, governance, and executive recruitment, is leading the Federation of Canadian Artists’ search for a new Executive Director.

About the Federation of Canadian Artists

The Federation of Canadian Artists was founded in 1941 by some of Canada’s most recognized artists, including Group of Seven luminaries Lawren Harris, Arthur Lismer and A.Y. Jackson. The organization was instrumental in the formation of the Canadian Arts Council and Canada Council. Today, it is Canada’s leading membership-driven visual arts social profit organization, with 14 chapters providing a connected community, exhibition opportunities, education and professional development resources for over 2,800 members, including emerging and professional visual artists who are recognized nationally and internationally. For more information we invite you to visit artists.ca.

FCA members and others who have questions are welcome to contact the Board of Directors at info@artists.ca or by telephone at 1 (604) 681-2744.