The Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) is a unique organization focused on growing, celebrating, advocating for and connecting the creative sector by offering a range of programs, services and resources. We are a key partner in delivering the City of Brampton's ambitious vision for the arts, culture and creative industries as articulated in the City's strategic vision and Culture Master Plan. Our focus is to incubate, grow, celebrate, advocate for and connect the sector through an innovative and forward-thinking range of programs, services and resources that we have offered since 2021.
BAO Vision: A thriving, confident, and valued creative scene and cultural ecology is the heart of our prosperous mosaic city.
BAO Mission: To incubate, advance, connect and advocate for Brampton's arts, culture and creative industries.
BAO Values: Passion and Ambition, Diversity and Inclusiveness, Service, Community and Collaboration, Excellence and Innovation, Optimism.
We are focused on providing programs and services in collaboration with inter and cross-sectoral partners in the areas of:
- Funding, finance and investment.
- Leadership, advocacy and innovation.
- Sector development and growth.
Why You Might Be Our Next Board Chair
Leading our volunteer board in support of Brampton's local arts and culture community is an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact and shape the vibrant mosaic of our region. As Chair you can help shape the direction of the organization and have a profound, tangible impact on the creative economy while contributing your skills and passion to foster creativity, enrich lives, and enhance the cultural landscape. Collaborating with like-minded individuals and building your own connections, this is a chance to put your experience to work as a catalyst for positive change in Brampton's arts and culture scene. Join us in celebrating diversity, promoting expression, and ensuring that our community continues to thrive through the transformative power of the arts.
The Board Chair provides leadership and direction to the Board of Directors, ensuring the organization fulfills its mission and goals. The Chair works closely with the Executive Director, Board members, and key staff and stakeholders to set strategic priorities and oversee the ongoing implementation of BAO's Strategic Plan. Duties include ongoing administrative approvals and authorizations, leading monthly virtual board meetings, and ensuring that the Board operates cohesively and effectively. The Chair serves as a key spokesperson for the organization, attending events, building relationships with external partners and representing the organization in public and private forums wherever possible. The Chair is responsible for overseeing the necessary financial, legal and governance processes of the Board. They support the Executive Director in their role, working closely with them in providing guidance and oversight as needed. The Chair is pivotal in ensuring the Board functions at its highest capacity, making informed decisions to drive the organization forward and ensuring long-term sustainability and impact for Brampton's arts, culture and creative industries.
We are specifically seeking individuals who bring extensive arts and culture leadership expertise, experience working with a Board of Directors, and a dedication to supporting the arts in Brampton. Individuals will need relevant experience, qualifications and interest in some or all the following areas:
Brampton Community
- Extensive Nonprofit Governance and Board experience
- Connected and involved in the Brampton community and Peel region.
- Strong passion for the arts and interest in building the arts sector in Brampton and region.
- Civic leadership locally or beyond
- Arts & Creative Industries sector experience
- Entrepreneurial / Start-up experience
- Government / Public sector experience
- Fundraising and Sponsorship experience
A familiarity with the larger creative community in Brampton and the GTA, and previous board experience are considered a significant asset. We strongly encourage the applications of local practicing artists and creatives and entrepreneurs, and individuals across ethno-cultural backgrounds and experiences in the arts, cultural and creative industry sector.
Time Commitment/Expectations and Support
The Brampton Arts Organization Board of Directors is an engaged group, with each member expected to attend monthly virtual meetings proactively participate at BAO events and Board work between meetings and commit to serving a three-year term. In this leadership role, You can expect to volunteer approximately 4-5 hours per month as part of your role, while additionally attending BAO events and programs- including occasional speaking commitments to the Committee of Council (typically on a Wednesday morning).
We recognize that is a significant commitment and will work with selected members to address scheduling concerns related to cultural/religious observances, health or access needs. BAO staff provide significant administrative support to the Board of Directors on a variety of tasks as part of a collaborative, team effort across BAO. In addition, BAO works closely with various external consultants and organizations that provide legal, financial and human resources support to the organization and Chair.
Ongoing Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Work at BAO
The Brampton Arts Organization is committed to fostering a diverse, and inclusive and accessible environment where everyone's voices are valued and talents are showcased and supported. Please visit our webpage here to learn more about our ongoing efforts in equity, inclusion and accessibility work including the initiatives, programs and policies we have put into motion including details on our learning and unlearning, related events information on our evolving community guidelines and partnerships.
Application and Selection Process
The selection panel will prioritize applicants who self-identify in their application as belonging to one (or more) of the following groups: (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, 2SLGBTQIAP). We strongly encourage applications from these communities and will accommodate applicants with a disability during our process per the Ontario Human Rights Code guidelines and other applicable legislation.
This process is part of a commitment to anti-oppressive practices, equity and inclusion at the newly formed Brampton Arts Organization within our organization and across our upcoming programs, services, and offerings. As a member of the Board, attendance at various workshops and information sessions including Anti-Oppression and Accessibility training will be a mandatory requirement.
How to Apply
In addition to your CV/résumé or statement of experience and any applicable web or video links please email a brief (one page maximum) statement explaining why you are interested in the Chair position and address the following questions or areas for comment:
- Why do you feel you are best suited for this Chair role with the Brampton Arts Organization?
- Where do you hope to see the Brampton Arts Organization and the local arts and culture sector in 5 years?
- Tell us about which communities you have experience working in or building relations with, and which you feel are not being served as well in Brampton as they could be.
Should you wish to self identify as a member of an Equity Priority group as detailed earlier in the application, please do so.
The nominations and selection committee includes the current Board Chair, Executive Director, a senior staff member from the Culture department at the City of Brampton and a Council representative. Virtual interviews in the 4-6 weeks following the application deadline. Only candidates selected for an interview and to move forward in the next phase of the process will be contacted.
Selection Criteria
All applicants will be evaluated in relationship to the following selection criteria:
- Leadership Experience: Proven track record in leading teams or organizations, ideally within the nonprofit sector.
- Commitment: Strong commitment to the mission and values of the Brampton Arts Organization and the creative community across our city.
- Fundraising Ability: Demonstrated experience in fundraising and resource development.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and guide the organization towards achieving its goals.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Board Experience: Prior experience serving on a board, preferably as a chair or in a significant leadership role.
- Time Availability: Sufficient time to dedicate to the varying responsibilities of the board chair position.
Application Accessibility Support
Applicants who require additional resources, assistance, considerations or additional time to apply are welcome to request as such. Please request this assistance at least one week in advance of the submission deadline. To do so, or for additional information, please contact kiran@bramptonartsorg.ca.
