Winnipeg Arts Council Announces New Executive Director

The Winnipeg Arts Council Board of Directors is pleased to announce Dominic Lloyd as its next Executive Director, succeeding Carol A. Phillips, who retired in 2024.

Dominic is a lifelong arts worker who joined the Winnipeg Arts Council in 2010 to manage Winnipeg’s year as Cultural Capital of Canada before transitioning into the role of Program & Arts Development Manager. In that role, he oversaw WAC’s grant programs, providing guidance to individuals and organizations seeking support for artistic creation.

“I am honoured to take on this new role in an organization I love and respect so much already. The arts are what brought me to Winnipeg over 20 years ago and they are a fundamental part of what makes this place what it is. The importance of the support that WAC provides in the community cannot be understated and now, more than ever, it’s important to ensure the sustainability and accessibility of the arts in our city. I look forward to my new role with this incredible team as we work to make that happen.” – Dominic Lloyd

Beyond grant programs, Dominic has contributed to public programming and research, launching initiatives such as the Poet Laureate program and the Indigenous Arts Leaders Fellowship. He managed large-scale programs of events like the Year of Urban Ideas (2014) and City of Song, celebrating Winnipeg’s 150^th birthday in 2024. Dominic has also played a key role in publications Ticket to the Future and Culture to the Core, and has been an advocate for the arts in all their forms across Winnipeg.

Dominic began his career in the Yukon, working in community theatre and with organizations including the Yukon International Storytelling Festival and The Dawson City Music Festival, where he served as Artistic Director from 1998 to 2004. He moved to Winnipeg to become Artistic Director of the West End Cultural Centre, leading award-winning programs and helping oversee a $4 million, 18-month rebuilding project.

“The Board of Directors is excited to have Dominic take on the role of Executive Director at the Winnipeg Arts Council. His deep connection to and knowledge of the arts in our city provides a strong foundation for success in his new role. His commitment to helping sustain and grow the arts in Winnipeg was demonstrated consistently throughout the recruitment process. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the WAC team. I would like to extend my thanks to the members of the Search Committee for their wisdom and commitment throughout the search process.” – Andrew McLaren, WAC Board Chair.

The WAC Board would like to express its sincere thanks to Operations Manager Tanya Christensen for her leadership as Interim Executive Director for the past five months, and to Natalie Bell Consulting for facilitating and providing advice throughout the search process. Dominic will begin his new role on March 3, 2025.