Contact us
ArtStarts in Schools
808 Richards Street
Vancouver, BC, V6B 3A7
(map)
tel: 604-336-0626
toll-free: 1-855-292-7826
fax: 604-683-0501
email: creativity@artstarts.com
Office hours: 9am - 5pm, Mon-Fri
Gallery hours: 9am - 5pm, Tue-Fri
Navida Nuraney
Executive Director
604.336.0626, ext 107
navida@artstarts.com
The diversity of my professional and academic experiences have aligned in my leadership role at Art Starts. The combination of my MBA from the Sauder School of Business and previous academic training in digital arts, architecture and social sciences, manifests in a fusion of both the art and business genes. I value the opportunity to impact the careers and professional growth of my team – together we have fostered a creative work environment that encourages us to practice what we promote. The arts truly are an essential part of life and ultimately help us better understand the world and better understand ourselves.
Rekha Pavanantharajah
Office Manager + Program Coordinator
604.336.0626 ext 103
rekha@artstarts.com
My role at ArtStarts is dynamic and continues to grow. Coming from a background in Sociology, I whole heartedly understand the role that the arts play in our society and the significance of being exposed to the arts at an early age. ArtStarts is an organization that mobilizes theory into practice. I love working with ArtStarts because I still continue to feel the excitement and commitment I had on my very first day.
Sarah Kim
Booking + Touring Manager
604.336.0626 ext 102
sarah@artstarts.com
As a participant in choirs and recorder club, an avid listener to the radio, and as a piano virtuoso with the Royal Conservatory of Music, my passion for music was cultivated at a young age. However, it was the artistic and cultural performances I witnessed at school that broadened my perspectives regarding creativity and diversity. Little did I know that many years later, I would be involved in the process of presenting arts and culture to schools, inspiring and engaging young people across BC. I am honored to be a part of the ArtStarts team, a hub where creativity, vision and awesomeness abound!
Keiko Lee-Hem
Residencies + Exhibitions Manager
604.336.0626 ext 105
keiko@artstarts.com
Having benefited from an art-full upbringing, and recognizing the ability that the arts have to bring us into the moment, deepen understanding and create meaningful connections, I am thrilled to now support the connecting of young people in classrooms across the province with the arts through artist residencies. I love working closely with artists, teachers and students alike, as well as bringing the ArtStarts Gallery to life with young people’s artwork. With a BFA from Emily Carr University of Art and Design and a past life in graphic design and communication, I am able to bring my first hand experience of life in the arts to my role at ArtStarts.
Terri Anne Wilson
Arts Integration Manager
604.336.0626 ext 106
terrianne@artstarts.com
I have been working in Vancouver’s film, television and theatre community, including acting for the stage and camera, writing, art directing, assistant directing, directing and producing. I have also been an educator, facilitator and coach for various workshops and classes. With post graduate degrees from the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia, (history, film studies and education), I am currently a Master of Arts in Arts Education candidate. Having guided and mentored many students of the arts for more than 15 years, I have watched many of them achieve notable success. I am proud to work with and support ArtStarts and consider it a great privilege to be in a position that partners with people as they journey towards discovering their full creative potential.
Siobhan Rich
Marketing + Communications Manager
604.336.0626 ext 109
siobhan@artstarts.com
ArtStarts' aim to promote art and creativity in young people is something that resonates deeply with me. Countless studies show the benefits of embracing creativity—it also just makes life sweeter. As an avid crafter, I am always dreaming up new projects and keen to experiment with different materials and techniques. I feel lucky to be a part of an organization that ignites and fosters a passion for the arts, and privileged to work with such a vibrant, engaged team. With a background in the publishing industry and experience in marketing and design, I am excited to employ my skills to spread the word about ArtStarts and the amazing programs we continue to build.
Lia Dicicco
Financial Coordinator
604.336.0626 ext 104
lia@artstarts.com
With over 15 years of business experience and a Business Management diploma from SFU I bring core values of integrity and strategic thinking to the organization. What I love about working with ArtStarts is being part of an organization dedicated to children and youth. It gives me great pride to know that our organization provides opportunities for young people to engage in artistic experiences in urban, rural and remote communities across the province regardless of socio-economic status.
Juliana Bedoya
Program Assistant + Volunteer Coordinator
604.336.0626 ext 108
juliana@artstarts.com
I value my role in coordinating the organization’s volunteer team as this is an essential component of the not-for-profit model. As a visual artist I am committed to giving a voice to the visions and ideas of communities I interact with. As an art educator I have a keen interest in community art projects that affect social change. I am passionate about ArtStarts’ mission and programs and believe the arts help young people develop not only their own artistic skills and cultural understanding, but also encourages the development of creative problem solving that can be applied to other aspects of life.
François Grenier
Gallery Assistant
604.336.0626 ext 108
francois@artstarts.com
Aside from the sheer enjoyment of it, exposing a developing brain to the arts is beneficial to building not only a better thinking brain, but also in promoting better mental health. As a trained and experienced musician, I understand the positive influence art has both intellectually and socially as well as value the role it plays in promoting critical thinking. ArtStarts’ mission is tantamount to contributing to the formation of healthier, more creative, intelligent and responsive individuals. Working here is fulfilling to my very soul.
Tom Fijal
ArtStarts Showcase Production Manager
tomfixx@whidbey.com
Photography by Juan Martinezguerra
