Executive Director,
Tracie Ward
Tracie Ward has been the Executive Director at the Rotary Centre for the Arts since June 2005. At the time of Tracie's arrival, the building had been open for 3 years. Since 2005, Tracie has played a significant role in stabilizing the utilization of the facility and developing accessible youth and community programming.
With more than 20 years of arts management experience, Tracie Ward has an extensive background in programming, management, fundraising and development expertise for non-profit organizations. Tracie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Art and a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Regina. And has completed an intensive Management Development for Arts Administrator program as well she has completed the course work to become a Certified Project Manager.
Prior to moving to Kelowna, Tracie worked as the Manager of Cultural & Historical Services in Okotoks, AB where she developed artistic and educational programming, provided organizational oversight, developed and led comprehensive fundraising programs and developed cultural facilities including a performing arts centre, museum and archives.
In 2004 Tracie played the lead role in raising funds to purchase a church in Okotoks and convert it into a performing arts centre. During the completion of the project, Tracie acted as fundraiser and prime contractor. Her responsibilities included coordinating the donated services of more than 20 trades and professional services and scheduling volunteer labour for the entire project.
Prior to her position in Okotoks, Tracie spent three years as the Manager of Marketing and Public Programming for the Works Art & Design Festival, a prestigious visual arts festival in Edmonton, AB, now in its 25th year. Tracie's role was instrumental in the creation of a student art exhibition in partnership with Edmonton Public Schools. Currently, more than a decade after its initial establishment, the annual program remains a growing success.
Tracie is also a producing artist who works primarily with glass and recycled materials. Her work combines fusing, slumping, casting and pâte de verre techniques. Always up for a challenge, Tracie likes to work with difficult mediums. "I am interested in how glass was once primarily sand, and if pushed too far, it becomes sand once again. The challenge is just how far you can push the material until it no longer exists."
As the Executive Director at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Tracie focuses on ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all segments of the community and visitors to Kelowna. Commenting on this initiative Tracie said, "Art is for everyone. We need to encourage people of all ages and social standing to participate in the arts to ensure we have future creators and audiences. The arts allow all of us to access the world through a unique window that opens our minds to many alternative perspectives."
tward@rotarycentreforthearts.com | 250-717-5304 ext. 109
