Celebrate Culture Everyday

Lakeshore Arts is:
• A group of residents committed to improving the availability of a full range of arts,
culture and heritage activities within our neighbourhood, encouraging people of all ages
to participate
• A programmer, working in partnership with artists and arts groups to present programming
in the community
• A senior arts partner in the Lakeshore playing a stewardship role in implementing the
South Etobicoke Community Cultural Plan, as funded by the former Metro Toronto

Lakeshore Arts exists to:
• Enhance the quality of life for people who live, work and visit the Lakeshore, through the
integration of arts, culture and heritage into all aspects of community life
• Improve the availability of arts and culture in the Lakeshore Community with art shows,
literary events, workshops, festivals, theatre, music and dance performances
• Provide educational, training and development opportunities for youth and adults in
arts, culture
• Develop and foster community spirit in the Lakeshore and beyond

Executive Director – Susan Nagy

Responsible for artistic direction and vision of the organization since January 2000. Her bio is listed under Board Members as she also holds the role of Executive Secretary to the Board of Directors.


Programming and Gallery Director – Kathleen Burke
Responsible for the artistic direction of specific programs and the gallery exhibitions.
Kathleen graduated from Humber College's Post Graduate Arts Administration and Cultural Management Program. Her background includes teaching ESL to visual artists overseas and 10 years in the Social Housing Sector focusing on expressive arts development for adults dealing with issues of addiction and mental health. She is a long time resident of the community with a passionate belief in creating healthy communities through community arts. She served on the Board of Lakeshore Arts for 6 years and was a pivotal member of the team that opened the doors of the Assembly Hall, held the position of Gallery Coordinator helping to create their policies and guidelines. Kathleen's passion and experience in the community arts field is beneficial in the capacity building of the organization through revenue generation and fundraising activities, database development, marketing and communications initiatives. She has created many advantageous relationships with the corporate and public sectors. She has developed the criteria and guidelines for the gallery space with consultation and input from local artists and community residents.

Youth Coordinator – Melissa McGrath
Responsible for guiding the artistic direction of the youth programming.
Melissa graduated from Concordia with a BFA in Major Studio Arts and received her MFA
at The University of Victoria. Her volunteer work with street youth in B.C., mural program at LAMP in Toronto and teaching credits make her the perfect candidate to engage and inspire the youth of our community. She has grown YAM over a 3 year period from 12 to 56 attendees, 20 who are consistent members. Melissa encourages the youth to develop their own initiatives and provides them with a healthy mix of guidance and leadership to ensure they meet their goals and fulfill their potential. Melissa initiated a mentorship program for 2009-10. YAM grows volunteers participants into volunteer assistants (youth that take on greater responsibilities) to a paid position of Youth Assistant. This person works very closely with Melissa in developing the programming, designing calls for artists, sits in on interviews, and runs the sessions with the youth. This has become a respected position and one many of the kids strive for. Outreach is an essential component of this position and Melissa has build a strong network with other government agencies, local schools and community service providers – these relationships strengthen our programs through partnerships.

Youth Associate – Farah Jeeva
Grade 12 student at Richview Collegiate, Farah has been actively involved with YAM since grade 9. As a youth associate her role is to assist the Youth Coordinator in the planning and facilitation of the YAM meetings and workshops. Farah also takes a lead role in the programming committee, a group of YAM members who brainstorm and implement new ideas for their peers.