Meet the Council

Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council Members’ Biographies

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Paul Gallant, Chair — Chéticamp, is the executive director of Le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp, président of the Fédération Culturelle Acadienne de la Nouvelle Écosse and an artistic director and playwright. His most recent work, Le Grand Cercle, which he directed and co-wrote with Scott MacMillan, has enjoyed great acclaim.

Joella Foulds, Vice-Chair — Boulardarie, is co-founder and artistic director of the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton. Her background as a broadcast journalist at CBC and a musician with Rita MacNeil's band led to work in artist and event management. Joella has served on boards of numerous arts and professional organizations and is Co-Chair of the joint Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council (NSACPC) /Tourism Partnership Council (TPC) cultural tourism committee.

Jim Morrow, Secretary — Windsor, began his theatre career as a performer with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia in 1978 after finishing his studies at Acadia University. He is currently the company's artistic director and resident designer. His plays have earned numerous awards and his contribution to Nova Scotia’s culture was recognized by his being selected for the Portia White Prize in 2004.

Jenni Blackmore — Head of Chezzetcook, is an award-winning author (Moondance International Film Festival) and illustrator who paints murals and regularly exhibits her paintings. She has extensive experience in the arts as they relate to education, both as an arts administrator and practicing artist/writer in schools.

Dianne Coish — Dartmouth, is the executive director of the Culture Division of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. A long time provincial employee, Dianne is responsible for ensuring the Council has the support it needs to do its job. Prior to joining government Dianne was a broadcast-turned-print journalist.

Shelley Fashan — Lake Echo, was born in the small community of Cherry Brook, just outside Halifax. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to arts and cultural development, particularly in the African Nova Scotian community. Shelley is a founding member of the African Nova Scotian Music Association and the Nova Scotia Mass Choir and a former board member of the NS Arts Council and the East Coast Music Association.

Donald Ferguson - Glace Bay, currently is general manager of the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, a role which has brought him to the forefront of Cape Breton's arts and culture sector. In addition to his management experience, Donald has served on various boards and organizations where he shared his vision for developing a sustainable arts and culture industry in Cape Breton.

Wanda George — Medford, currently is an associate professor at Mount Saint Vincent University where she teaches in the Tourism Management program. In completing her PhD in Rural Planning and Development at University of Guelph, she examined the commodification of rural culture for tourism development. Her ongoing research involves investigations into the interconnections between rural community, local culture, tourism and sustainability.

Terry Kelly — Halifax, is an accomplished musician, keynote speaker and athlete, who uses his own life experiences to motivate others. Terry is a member of the Order of Canada; is the recipient of the prestigious King Clancy Award, has received honourary doctorates in Fine Arts and in Civil Laws and has seven East Coast Music Awards. He also was the 2006 Crystal Tourism Ambassador Award winner

Wayne MacGillivary — Pictou, has been Chair of the deCoste Centre in Pictou for more than twenty-five years. He is co-founder and co-chair of the Hector Festival and Chair of the Pictou Waterfront Development Committee. Now retired, formerly he was human resources coordinator for the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board.

Kim Reinhardt — Ketch Harbour, is the chief curator at Pier 21, Canada's Immigration Museum in Halifax. Kim has taught historical and critical theory courses in film and Canadian art, and has significant experience organizing educational conferences and cultural events. As a former curator for the Multicultural Arts Resource Centre and Gallery, she assisted newcomers to Canada to become recognized as established artists.

Linda Ross — Sable River, is an freelance photographer who specializes in aerial images. She has worked with real estate and project developers and has produced postcards highlighting the beauty of the Nova Scotia coastal life. Her work is on exhibit in many countries and has been featured in several books and publications. Previously she has been involved in the Nova Scotia Festival of the Arts, is past chair of the Community Business Development Corporation in Shelburne County and spent many years on provincial tourism boards.

Laurie Swim — Blue Rocks, has been a professional visual artist working primarily in fibre for more than 30 years, returning home to Nova Scotia four years ago. Working with volunteers in both Ontario and Nova Scotia, she has led the creation of large-scale works based on social themes. Her work is represented in the Nova Scotia Art Bank, The Museum of Arts and Design, New York City, the City of Toronto Permanent Art Collection, as well as by numerous private collections. She is the recipient of a Chalmers Fellowship Award (2003) and a Canada Council Research Grant in Contemporary Craft.(2007) She is the author of three books; most recently, Rags to Riches: The Quilt as Art/. (2007)

Peggy Tibbo-Cameron — Halifax, is the Senior Policy Advisor of the Culture Division with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. Prior to joining the Culture Division, Peggy was the lead staff member in the Tourism division during the visioning, development, and implementation of the Tourism Partnership Council. She has more than 20 years of experience in both the private and public sector.

** Council currently has one vacancy