After eight years with the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), Michael Murray, Popular and World Music and Arts Service Organizations Officer is leaving OAC on July 31, 2015. He will become Executive Director of the Toronto Musicians’Association (TMA), Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians/Canadian Federation of Musicians.
During his time at OAC, Michael’s outreach efforts to first-time, new-generation and OAC priority group artists resulted in a significant increase in applications to the Popular Music program. He also helped many music organizations receive ongoing operating support for the first time. Michael worked closely with colleagues at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport on development of the Ontario Music Fund and the Ontario Live Music Strategy. He launched Arts Service Projects and Arts Linkups, new OAC initiatives that promoted information-sharing and collaboration among arts service organizations. Michael collaborated with Manifesto to develop Firekeepers, an Aboriginal hip hop showcase and professional development project.
“We will miss the tremendous energy, initiative and goodwill that Michael brought to his role as Officer,” said Peter Caldwell, Director & CEO. “He will bring leadership and a valuable perspective to his new position with the Toronto Musicians’ Association.”
OAC will undertake a search for a new Popular and World Music Officer. In the meantime, program inquiries can be directed to the contacts below.
Popular and World Music
Jessica Deljouravesh
Cross-Sectoral Associate Officer
647-258-5076, toll-free in Ontario 1-800-387-0058 ext. 5076
jdeljouravesh@arts.on.ca
Jenny Knox
Program Administrator
416-969-7430, toll-free in Ontario 1-800-387-0058 ext. 7430
jknox@arts.on.ca
Arts Service Organizations
Nina Charest
Program Administrator
416-969-7417, toll free in Ontario 1-800-387-0058 ext. 7417
ncharest@arts.on.ca