Derek Mascarenhas steps in as interim literature officer
Derek Mascarenhas has joined the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) as interim literature officer. He replaces Jack Illingworth, who has been appointed as the next executive director of the Association of Canadian Publishers.
Derek will be managing the English-language literature programs, including Literary Creation Projects (Works for Performance), Literary Creation Projects (Works for Publication), Literary Organizations Projects, Recommender Grants for Writers and Publishing Organizations: Operating.
About Derek Mascarenhas
Derek Mascarenhas has stepped into the role of interim literature officer at the OAC with a strong background in administration as well as distinction as a writer. His linked short story collection, Coconut Dreams (2019), inspired by his growing years in suburbia, was hailed by critics for its distinctive voice.
Derek has served as a jury member for OAC, the Writers’ Trust’s RBC Bronwen Wallace Award, as well as The Writers’ Union Danuta Gleed Literary Award and the Short Prose Competition, and as a mentor and moderator for the Writers’ Union BIPOC Writers Connect. He has mentored numerous writers over the years, including manuscript evaluation as part of the Writers’ Union Mentorship Microgrants.
In addition to his work as a writer, Derek has more than a decade of experience in strategy and research in the telecommunications and technology industries.