Emma Quin
The Textile Museum of Canada announces the appointment of its new Executive Director, Emma Quin, effective May 1, 2017.
Currently CEO of Craft Ontario, Emma Quin has 25 years of experience with the province’s only arts service organization devoted to craftspeople across all disciplines. As CEO, she is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s operations including financial management, marketing, exhibition development, retail profitability and revenue generation, as well as member programs.
“Emma possesses a truly creative and inspired intellect along with a practical business mind,” Dr. Adrienne Hood, Chair, TMC Board of Trustees said. “Her warm, outgoing personality combined with her well-honed executive capabilities, will ensure strong leadership at the staff level and will also excite members across our various constituencies. That the TMC has attracted such a talent confirms our reputation as a major player in the world of both historical and contemporary arts. The entire Board welcomes Emma as our new Executive Director and we look forward to an exciting future for the museum with the energy and enthusiasm that Emma brings to her new position.”
Quin said she is excited to continue building the momentum of the TMC as a leading cultural institution, not only in Toronto, but also nationally and internationally.
“The TMC is a highly-respected institution with a significant collection and a strong commitment to the exploration of our world through textile art, artists, and ideas of our time,” said Quin. “Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, the Museum is also at a pivotal point in its development. It is renowned for its exhibitions and educational programs, and I share the Board’s commitment and vision for the institution’s growth and development, which are there to be leveraged. For me this is a very exciting opportunity and the reason why I chose to accept this new leadership position.”
“Emma brings with her a wealth of leadership experience, strategy and vision,” said Dr. Hood. “She is a great team builder and at Craft Ontario and in other roles, she has created a culture of ‘cooperative enthusiasm,’ which has enabled shared goals to be aligned among all stakeholders. She acknowledges the dynamic role of the Textile Museum of Canada within the broad artistic and cultural community and is looking forward to further enhancing our profile.”
The Board of Trustees would like to thank our Interim Co-Directors Sarah Quinton (Curatorial) and Pat Neal (Operations) for the outstanding job of managing the TMC over the past 9 months, while at the same time continuing their important work as Chief Curator and Director of Operations. Both are excited to begin working with our new director.
Thanks to our executive search consultants, Janet Wright & Associates for confidently and creatively guiding our search process to this exciting appointment.
About Emma Quin
Emma possesses an intimate knowledge and appreciation of contemporary craft, an innate pragmatism, and an indefatigable spirit. She maintains a wealth of valuable relationships with members, volunteers and patrons, and as CEO of Craft Ontario has ensured the financial health and revitalized engagement of that organization within the craft community. In 2014 she led Craft Ontario through a significant rebranding project that aimed to enhance the organization's visibility both with membership and the broader public, and in 2015 she moved all aspects of the organization together into a new integrated space in Toronto’s West Queen West neighbourhood.
As a passionate advocate for the craft sector, she facilitates and leads many national partnerships and collaborations. She spearheaded and managed the movement Citizens of Craft, is an active curator of the Naked Craft Network, an international research project that brings together the best of contemporary Canadian and Scottish craft, and co-chairs the steering committee for the Inaugural Canadian Craft Biennial. In 2009 she played a leading role in the management of Canada`s participation at the Cheongju International Craft Biennale (CICB), South Korea, and in 2008 she successfully launched Studio Magazine, Canada’s only magazine devoted to contemporary craft practice.
In addition to her employment with Craft Ontario, Emma holds numerous committee positions including: Board Member, WorkInCulture; Co-Chair, VDAC Program Advisory Committee for Fleming College’s Haliburton Campus; committee member for Sheridan College Crafts & Design Program Advisory Committee, steering committee member for Artscape Launchpad, and a member of Ontario`s Provincial Arts Service Organization Coalition.
Source: textilemuseum.ca.