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Contact Our Team

The ArtStarts team is driven by the fact that the arts are essential. We are committed to serving communities across British Columbia, continuously improving our programs and offerings, and exploring what is possible when young people engage in arts-based learning.

ArtStarts in Schools
808 Richards Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V6B 3A7 (map)

Phone: 604-336-0626
Toll-free: 1-855-292-7826
Fax: 604-683-0501

Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4:30pm
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Watch Navida's talk at PechaKucha Night Vancouver.
Navida Nuraney

Navida Nuraney

Executive Director
604-336-0626 ext 107
navida@artstarts.com

Ask me about: The diversity of my professional and academic experiences have aligned in my leadership role at ArtStarts. 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.

Lia Dicicco

Lia Dicicco

Director of Finance and Administration
604-336-0626 ext 104
lia@artstarts.com

Ask me about:
  • Financial administration
  • Our charity's information
  • District billing service
  • Invoices and payments
I am proud to have been a part of the ArtStarts team for over seven years, and I am dedicated to providing leadership to the organization to fulfill our mission. I believe all young people should have equal opportunity for artistic experiences and I am proud that we promote art and creativity among BC's young people living in rural, urban or remote communities. I am fortunate to combine my 15 years of experience in business management, including work for not-for-profits, with 10 years of committee work with BC schools to support a cause that I believe in.
Sandy Manj

Sandy Manj

Communications Manager
604-336-0626 ext 109
sandy@artstarts.com

Ask me about:
Rekha Pavanantharajah

Rekha Pavanantharajah

Program Manager
604-336-0626 ext 103
rekha@artstarts.com

Ask me about: 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.
Christie Lim

Christie Lim

Gallery Manager
604-336-0626 ext 105
christie@artstarts.com

Ask me about: The arts have played an essential role in my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was involved in visual art, dance and music. These opportunities were extremely valuable to me because they built my confidence, I learned how to collaborate and, most importantly, I was allowed to truly be myself. I view the arts as a powerful channel for expression, exploration and connection to yourself and those around you. Supporting the arts in young people’s lives is vital to shaping a thriving community. I am honoured to be part of an organization dedicated to celebrating the value of creativity.
Elfred Matining

Elfred Matining

Program Manager
604-336-0626 ext 106
elfred@artstarts.com

Ask me about: I believe that nurturing creativity in young people is one of the most important duties of a society. I love seeing art in practice. When I was 12 and a new immigrant to Canada, my school sent me to partake on an art residency with sculptor Joe Fafard. That time spent was a truly creative and formative catalyst in my life. It allowed me to extend my ideas of what art is and does, and for the first time said out loud, "I want be an artist when I grow up". I love being a part of an organization that on a regular basis engages young people on the values of the arts.
Emily Beam

Emily Beam

Grants Manager
604-336-0626 ext 110
emily@artstarts.com

Ask me about: Growing up I was actively involved in performing arts. It helped me learn who I was, what I was capable of, how to process my surroundings and how to express myself as an individual. As an adult, my role has migrated to that of audience member, supporter and weekend crafter. I am so fortunate to be part of the ArtStarts team and know that my work is supporting creativity and learning in young people across BC. I bring to ArtStarts years of experience granting and lending to non-profit organizations.
Erica Lazo-Diaz

Erica Lazo-Diaz

Program Coordinator
604-336-0626 ext 102
erica@artstarts.com

Ask me about: I believe art is so important because it cultivates cross-cultural connections and it has the ability to connect people across borders deepening our understanding of the world around us. Providing young people access to the arts means they have opportunities to explore, discover, learn and develop new ideas, opening the door to a wealth of potential. I hold a BA in International Studies (Comparative World Politics, Culture and Society) and in the past I’ve participated in various film and theatre programs that have had a lasting impact on me. Today I continue to express myself creatively through writing. I am incredibly fortunate to be joining an amazing team at ArtStarts where the value of arts in education is emphasized every day.
Krista Cameron

Krista Cameron

Administrative Coordinator
604-336-0626 ext 108
krista@artstarts.com

Ask me about: From all my experiences in the not-for-profit sector, it is evident how instrumental the arts are creating a sense of inclusion and community. I am constantly inspired by the infinite number of possibilities created through the arts. Give a paint brush to a child and the opportunity for creative expression becomes tenfold. Children are the future of these societal connections; by infusing education with art we are nurturing stronger communities. I have an artistic background in classical ballet and contemporary dance and currently keep my creative juices active through painting and exploring all forms of dance! I am currently taking my MEd in Art for Social Change at SFU and have a BA in Human Geography. I am thrilled to be a part of ArtStarts because it means being a part of team who are passionate about the value of art in young people's lives.
Kay Slater

Kay Slater

Gallery Coordinator and Installer
kay@artstarts.com

Ask me about: I am proud to be a multidisciplinary artist in Vancouver. Each art space brings new challenges for me to consider the best solutions for the artwork and the audience. I’m proud to join ArtStarts where their core values, diversity and accessibility, overlap with mine. The organization and community inspire me. People of all ages and abilities can engage with the arts! In my fine art practice I explore value, perception, time, the act of playing and the discarded. I love language and the art of communication. J'ai hâte de vous recevoir une fin de semaine lorsque je suis au bureau.
Tom Fijal

Tom Fijal

ArtStarts Showcase Production Manager
tomfixx@whidbey.com

Tom Fijal is a freelance Production Manager who has been working in the arts and entertainment industry for over 25 years. After touring North America and beyond with theatre and dance productions, and marvellous musical artists Fred Penner, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Al Simmons and others, Tom settled in Vancouver where he works locally and regionally, producing events large and small. From 200-seat clubs to arenas and outdoor concerts for 40,000, he brings to the task an enthusiasm for making experiences special, and strives to facilitate the best possible relationship between artist and audience. Tom has produced the ArtStarts Showcase since 1996, and touts it as one of his favourite events.
Siobhan Rich

Siobhan Rich

Communications Manager
Away on maternity leave until August 2018

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 — and it also just makes life sweeter. As an avid crafter/maker, I am always dreaming up new projects, keen to experiment with different materials and techniques. I feel fortunate 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 publishing, marketing and design, I am excited to apply my skills to spread the word about ArtStarts and the amazing programs and resources we continue to build.

Our Volunteers

Our Volunteers

We are lucky to have amazing volunteers at ArtStarts! Meet a Community Art Star is a regular interview series showcasing ArtStarts' amazing group of volunteers who are passionate, enthusiastic arts champions. Learn more about volunteering with ArtStarts.
Our Board

Our Board

We are proud of our Board of Directors who are all passionate advocates for the importance of arts in education. We appreciate their dedication to this cause and to forwarding ArtStarts' mission and vision. Learn more about how you can get involved.
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