Sadira Rodrigues – Curator/Director

Sadira Rodrigues is an educator, curator, writer and administrator. From social-profit enterprises such as artist-run-centres and public galleries, to museums, grant funding and higher education, she has assembled deep knowledge of the arts and culture sector in Canada and beyond. Her past institutional experience includes Dean of Continuing Studies at Emily Carr University, Public Programs at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and a Regional Facilitator for the Canada Council for the Arts.

Candace Elder – Assistant Director

Candace Elder is a values-driven, collaborative facilitator and arts advocate. Through her work at the National Music Centre, the Banff Centre and in leading mentorship programs and creative residencies, Candace is committed to the cultivation of communities where artists and organizations feel supported and empowered to carry out their creative vision. Meaning-making is central to Candace’s process, observing and exploring how we understand ourselves and our relationship to the world. As a Certified Ontological Coach with a Master of Arts in Arts Leadership, Candace provides unique and highly attuned guidance to individuals and organizations seeking to build meaningful connections while creating compelling and transformative experiences.

Keely Halward – Assistant Curator

Keely is a straight, cisgendered woman, settler, daughter, sister, stepmother, mother, spouse, auntie, singer-songwriter, event organizer, outdoor enthusiast, equity advocate, food-lover, and gardener honoured to be living, working and playing in the traditional territories of the shíshálh and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nations.

A photo of Megan Dewar in the garden at the Arts Centre

Megan Dewar – Curatorial Assistant

Meg (she/her) is a white disabled femme living and working on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Shíshálh territories. Meg is passionate about the arts, community organizing, food sovereignty, and disability justice. With a background in academia and the NGO sector, she has developed a mosaic art practice which centers repurposing materials that would otherwise be wasted. Motivated by a belief in the importance of the creative process and the intersection of access and art; Meg has been pursuing education in the therapeutic arts, participating in artist residencies and exhibitions, and is currently excited to welcome you into the gallery at the Sunshine Coast Arts Council and immersing herself further into the arts!

photo of London Allcock in the garden outside the arts centre

London Allcock – Gallery and Events Assistant

London Allcock was born and raised here on the coast and lived here her entire life, with a passion for the rich artisan community here. She joined the Sunshine Coast Arts Council staff in hopes to broaden and strengthen her connections with people who share similar interests and love for the traditional arts.

A photo of Iris Cameron in the garden at the Arts Centre

Iris Cameron – Curatorial Assistant (Summer)

Iris Cameron is a graduate of the Writing and Publishing program at Okanagan College, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia. Although she’s especially passionate about literary pursuits, she’s always loved art in all forms, and as a lifelong resident of the Sunshine Coast she’s thrilled to be able to be a part of supporting the local arts here.

Daniel Nakasone – Bookkeeper

Daniel Nakasone was born in Peru and came to Canada in 2013. Still lost, he keeps figuring out what to do on the Sunshine Coast.

Ali Casey – The Gathering Place

Ali Casey is an artist and educator, with over 7 years of teaching experience. Ali has experience teaching painting, drawing, ceramics, macrame and weaving to a variety of ages, from toddlers to elders. She is very happy to be working on the Sunshine Coast with her family and community.

Paul Clancy – Photographer

“Retired photographer and pet sitter if I have the time.”

Linda May Henri – Design and Communications Assistant

Linda May (she/her) is a recent graduate from the University of Victoria where she pursued a degree in Visual Arts. She is an emerging artist that mainly paints and draws, usually painting absurd fruit and vegetable scenes. She is very grateful to have had the opportunity to work at the SCAC and connect and learn from the local art community.

Emily Picard – Design & Communications Assistant

Emily Picard (she/her) is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, with a degree in visual arts and music. She is a multimedia artist, who loves to explore many mediums, both 3D and 2D.  Raised on the Sunshine Coast, she is excited to be working in an environment that helps promote and facilitate art within the local community she grew up in.

Scarlett MacPherson – Curatorial Assistant

Scarlett MacPherson (she/her) is a student at Simon Fraser University where she is completing her degree in Psychology. She hopes to one day contribute to the literature on Northern Canadian communities and their mental health and well-being. Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, she is grateful and honoured to have this opportunity to work and engage with her local community.

Eric Miller – Manager

Eric has played many roles in the arts world since taking to the stage as the Pied Piper in Grade 4. As a theatre artist who learned to write grants, he joined Traveling Jewish Theatre in San Francisco before co-founding The Only Animal Theatre in Vancouver. Since 2011 Eric has been working at the intersection of community, creativity, and positive social change as a director, producer, and arts administrator. He comes to SCAC after working with Community Arts Council of Vancouver, and is very happy to be supporting the vibrant Coast arts scene.

Seth Martin – Curatorial Assistant

Seth moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2017, and enjoys all things nature here. He is a recent high school graduate hoping to grow his knowledge of the arts and branch out to the local art community more.