ArtsBuild Ontario’s Board of Directors announces that Alex Glass will be stepping down as Executive Director effective July 25, 2025. Alex has accepted a new position as Cultural Planning Officer with the City of Brampton, beginning in mid-August.
Alex joined ABO in 2015 as Marketing and Communications Coordinator and went on to serve as Program Manager before becoming Executive Director in 2020. Over the past 10 years, she has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of the organization.
During her time at ABO, Alex led the expansion of national and provincial programs, including the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network, SpaceFinder, and the Learn It | Build It | Manage It workshop series. She also supported projects focused on accessibility, cultural infrastructure, and community-led space development.
As Executive Director, she oversaw the development of ABO’s 2022–25 Strategic Plan and led key initiatives such as:
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The operations of 44 Gaukel Creative Workspace in Kitchener, with 32 tenants and over 170 short-term renters
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The Indigenous Creative Spaces Project, culminating in Paddling Upstream with dialogue from over 180 Indigenous voices
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The Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) for Arts Spaces initiative with 21 partners and a micro-credential to be developed with Toronto Metropolitan University
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The Meanwhile Spaces Pilot in Waterloo Region, launched with support from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, City of Waterloo and Why Not Theatre
Alex’s transition has been planned in consultation with the Board. Recruitment for a new Executive Director will begin shortly, and Alex will remain in an advisory role to support a smooth transition.
“It’s been a privilege to grow with ArtsBuild Ontario over the past 10 years,” said Alex Glass. “ABO has always stood for strengthening the spaces where arts and culture happen, and I’m proud to have helped further that work across the province and beyond. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned into my new role with the City of Brampton’s Cultural Services Division and continue supporting cultural policy and infrastructure in a new way for the arts community.”
“On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Alex for her leadership and deep commitment to ArtsBuild Ontario,” said Bryn Jones, Board President. “She has guided the organization through a period of significant change and growth, during an especially difficult time for the arts sector. Thanks to her efforts, ABO is well-positioned to continue supporting the cultural community. We wish her every success in her next chapter.”
ABO remains committed to its mission of supporting creative spaces across Ontario, and we look forward to continuing this work in collaboration with our community and partners as we move into this next phase of the organization’s work.
