Sonya Poweska, Executive Director of Guelph Arts Council, has returned from maternity leave. After a year away, Sonya is eager to get back to work, “I’m excited for all the new changes; the new website is finally up in action and looks great! I’m also really excited to work with the new staff and to talk with our members again, and the upcoming fundraising initiative.”
With over 15 years of experience working in the arts, Sonya Poweska has a passion for promoting and developing the cultural sector both locally and nationally. Over the years, Poweska has worked as a curator, an events and program manager, a fundraiser, and as an executive director. Her work has taken her across Ontario including to Ottawa, Kingston, London, Mississauga, and Guelph. Sonya came to Guelph Arts Council in January of 2012 after working for the Mississauga Arts Council.
Throughout her career, Poweska has sought to deepen public understanding of the importance of the arts as both cultural and economic areas of development. This continues to be the focus of her work as an artist, curator, and arts administrator. “My favourite part about being an Executive Director is working with the community and advocating for the arts; making people realize culture is important to community vitality, economic development and tourism,” states Poweska.
This September we also say goodbye to our wonderful summer student, Noelle Lalonde. Noelle was hired in June through the Canada Summer Jobs program and has been busy this summer working as our Communications Coordinator. As the Communications Coordinator, Noelle has been managing our Twitter and Facebook pages and maintaining guelpharts.ca. She has also been interviewing GAC members and volunteers for our biweekly Arts Blasts, as well as writing and publishing the articles. Noelle is headed back to school in Toronto this fall, where she studies Drawing and Painting at OCAD University. We wish you all the best with your studies!
