Dear NYA community,
After three incredible years at North York Arts, I am bidding farewell to my role as communications manager at this wonderful organization.
As I reminisce about my time here, I am filled with sweet memories of our amazing programming, the many ways we’ve made a true impact on the art and artists of North York, and the tremendous amount of growth that I’ve had the privilege to not only witness but be a part of.
One of the first programs I attended at NYA was “Let’s Dance” led by Mafa Dance Village in Downsview Park. I was shy to participate at first – but with eager encouragement from the team, instructor, and participants, soon I was learning new dance styles and wondering how I got so lucky that this was my job!
That warmth and good energy propelled me through the rest of my time at NYA, with a full-scale rebrand that has elevated our communications, an Outreach Program designed to expand our reach in all six wards of North York, a brand new festival, Inspire North – curated entirely in-house, five impactful years of the Seniors Animation Project, two beautiful collaborative murals at The Gibson House for Art Connects, and so many more big successes that I’ll carry with me throughout the rest of my career.
I am so grateful for all of the amazing people I’ve had the privilege of working with, for all of the brilliant North York Artists I’ve gotten to know, and for all of the art we’ve created together over the years.
As a North York based artist myself, I won’t be too far away, and I’ll always be cheering for North York Arts wherever I am.
As I prepare for my next steps, I am more than thrilled and so proud to introduce Chantel Parris as the incoming Communications Manager. We have worked together very closely through her work as our Community and Social Media coordinator, and I know she will shine in this new role, continuing to elevate the arts in North York in many ways.
Thank you for everything, and I hope to see you soon at an NYA program!
From all of us at North York Arts, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Anna for her incredible dedication, creativity, and unwavering support of our artists, programs, and community. Anna has been instrumental in shaping the identity of North York Arts—elevating our branding with vision and clarity, nurturing our programs and artists with compassion and thoughtfulness, and bringing innovation, excellence, and care to every aspect of our operations. Her leadership, insight, and commitment have made a profound and lasting impact, and her legacy will continue to guide and inspire us. THANK YOU!