Toronto
Nancy Jain was appointed to OAC’s board of directors in May 2025. Based in Toronto, Nancy believes that art and culture are vital to a thriving business community. With over 25 years of experience spanning multiple continents, her career uniquely integrates business strategy with a passion for cultural and community engagement.
Nancy co-founded a real estate development firm specializing in retrofit projects to repurpose buildings and create dynamic, sustainable hubs for local creative entrepreneurs. Most recently, she launched subsidized studios and a gallery in Toronto East, SUNRISEStudios|GALLERY106.
As an Adjunct Professor at OCAD University, she co-developed the Interdisciplinary Business Studio and created a pioneering entrepreneurial design management course for senior and master students. She also played a key role in developing an international curatorial residency program informed by her Master of Arts dissertation,
The Art of The Residency.
Nancy has served on the boards of arts organizations including Soulpepper Theatre, The Power Plant and OCAD U’s Imagination Catalyst Advisory – a business incubator for artist-led start-ups. She holds degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto, a Master of Business Administration from INSEAD (France) and a Master of Arts in Contemporary Art from Sotheby’s Institute of Art (University of Manchester, U.K.).
What excites you most about supporting the arts in Ontario?
“Democratizing art, making art accessible to all in Ontario just makes sense. Art brings immense economic value to the province, connects diverse communities and helps bridge cultural understanding for a more vibrant and economically resilient Ontario.”