It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Shannon Lee, who joined ArtsBuild Ontario as the Meanwhile Spaces Coordinator in November 2024.
Shannon was determined, genuine, funny, and eager. They asked thoughtful questions and always showed compassion. Shannon was a gentle person, and this is one of many reasons they were able to spearhead the Meanwhile Spaces Project so successfully; artists opened up to them, and Shannon was always a kind advocate and found ways to make our arts spaces more accessible and accepting. The passion they brought for the local arts community greatly strengthened the program and influenced how they transformed spaces into places for community and connection. Their warmth and authenticity were felt by everyone who had the privilege of collaborating with them.
Beyond their work with ArtsBuild Ontario, Shannon was an active and respected member of the local music community. They were a gifted singer, writer, musician, and sound technician whose creativity and passion inspired everyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with them. ArtsBuild had the privilege of seeing Shannon perform with their band House Cat as a team outing, and were blown away by the powerful voice that came out of this gentle person.
The impact of Shannon’s time with us will continue to resonate through the artists, tenants, staff, and partners they worked alongside, and through the relationships that they built across this community.
Our hearts go out to their family, friends, and the many people whose lives they touched. We are working with community partners to support a gathering for the local arts community in Shannon’s honour at an appropriate time, and will share details once they are available.
Shannon’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the costs of her funeral, with any surplus being donated to CAMH.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/shannon-regan-youngeun-lee
