As the Community Arts Council of Prince George and District moves into 2026, the organization is entering a new phase of strategic growth focused on cultural infrastructure redevelopment, expanded arts education, and strengthened community partnerships.
The Community Arts Council of Prince George and District has appointed Shelby Richardson as executive director, effective January 15, 2026. With a newly elected board of directors and an updated leadership structure in place, the Council is advancing a long-term vision for Studio 2880 as a sustainable, accessible, and community-responsive arts hub that supports artists and cultural organizations across disciplines.
Richardson brings extensive experience in non-profit management, arts leadership, programming, and cultural infrastructure development, with a career rooted in expanding access to the arts in northern communities. Since joining the Community Arts Council in 2023, she has led the growth of the Performing Arts Series, bringing internationally recognized artists to Prince George and supporting the reactivation of the Prince George Playhouse as a vital civic and cultural venue. Her work has strengthened the council’s role as a regional presenter while increasing access to high-quality professional arts experiences for local audiences.
Richardson also brings a strong background in professional arts training and sector development, founding Prince George’s first professional non-profit dance company, and creating sustained pathways for northern artists to train, create, and present work at a professional level. Since 2020, Richardson has helped bring over $1 million in external investment into northern British Columbia, supporting arts organizations, artists, and small businesses connected to the region’s cultural economy.
Richardson has served on peer assessment panels for both the BC Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts and has guided organizations through the successful acquisition of federal operating funding—an achievement awarded to only 44 newly participating arts organizations nationwide, across all artistic disciplines. Richardson holds a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology with a focus on arts, placemaking, and Indigenous co-creation, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Criticism and Curatorial Practice with training grounded in Indigenous-led methodologies and consultation.
Eli Klasner held the role for several years before stepping down in 2024.
Board President, Margaret Jones-Bricker states: “We are incredibly excited to have Shelby Richardson step up to the role of Executive Director. Shelby brings immense expertise and a collaborative spirit that will significantly contribute to the continued success of our mission”.
Looking ahead, the Community Arts Council’s strategic priorities include the redevelopment of the Studio 2880 facility, ensuring the long-term viability of one of Prince George’s most important community arts spaces. The redevelopment will focus on improving accessibility, functionality, and capacity while continuing to serve the many artists, arts groups, and cultural organizations who rely on the facility for creation, education, and community engagement.
Alongside infrastructure development, the council will place increased emphasis on expanding access to arts education and professional development opportunities across visual, performing, and craft-based practices. Strengthening existing relationships across the community, including with Indigenous artists and partners, will continue to inform this work. The organization is committed to building respectful, long-term relationships grounded in collaboration, reciprocity, and community-led engagement.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the Community Arts Council during this important period of growth,” said Richardson. “With the guidance of a newly elected Board and the dedication of our staff and community partners, I look forward to strengthening the CAC, deepening relationships, and supporting accessible, meaningful arts opportunities for our community.”
In her role as Executive Director, Richardson will work closely with the Board and staff to support these strategic priorities, steward cultural infrastructure development, and strengthen the Community Arts Council’s role as a connector within the local and regional arts ecosystem.