About Us: Where It All Began

Inspired by insights from visual artists across Canada, and extensive research by Canadian arts organizations, ArtBridgeCanada is now forming its foundational base.

ArtBridgeCanada began as a response to the Creative Pathways Survey, where a select group of visual artists shared their stories of challenges, isolation, and hopes for the future. Realizing how geographic and resource gaps impact artists from coast to coast, our founders decided to act. Today, we’re a conceptual model seeking financial and community support to become a fully operational platform.

• Mission: To bridge Canada’s creative landscape by creating new pathways for visual artists to connect, collaborate, and flourish.
  
  
• Long-Term Dream: A dynamic, inclusive arts community where all Canadian artists receive the recognition, support, and resources they need.

ArtBridgeCanada is a start-up initiative and a federally incorporated non-profit. We're focused on:

• Securing seed funding
  
  
• Building strategic partnerships
  
  
• Developing pilot programs for mentorship and online engagement
  
  

Dr. Brian Usher is a visionary leader and co-founder of ArtBridgeCanada, with a deep-rooted passion for fostering creative expression in communities. Drawing on his extensive academic background - culminating in a Ph.D. - and years of innovative research and collaboration, Dr. Usher brings a fresh perspective to arts-based initiatives. Through his commitment to interdisciplinary partnerships, he strives to build inclusive opportunities for artists and audiences alike, ensuring that the transformative power of the arts is accessible to everyone.

Debra Usher is a renowned publisher, aesthetic intelligence expert, and co-founder of ArtBridgeCanada. With an illustrious career that includes founding and serving as Editor in Chief of ARABELLA magazine, she has devoted herself to championing Canadian artists and fostering deeper connections between creators and the public. Debra’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering advocacy for the arts will help shape ArtBridgeCanada’s mission to nurture diverse talent, broaden artistic access, and inspire communities nationwide.

Meet the ArtBridgeCanada Advisory Council

As of May 29, 2025
We want to thank the following Advisory Council Members for volunteering to play this important role in shaping ArtBridgeCanada’s strategic direction, programs, and partnerships. We look to Advisory Council members to provide guidance, share expertise, and support the organization’s mission of helping Canadian visual artists build sustainable, dynamic careers. Council Members are listed by province. We look to expand this list to cover all regions across Canada. Interested? See information and links below to learn more or apply.
GRANT BERG, Grande Pairirie - Grant's Bio
JASEN ROBILLARD, Calgary - Jasen's Bio
RAY SWIRSKY, Calgary, AB - Ray's Bio
DEBBY MERKEL, Kelowna - Debby's Bio
KATHLEEN ELLEN THERIAULT, Pender Island - Kathleen's Bio
STEVE BAIN, Vancouver - Steve's Bio
LINDA TAME, Brandon - Linda's Bio
ALLIE SHEARD, Mississauga - Allie's Bio
ANNE WINKWORTH, Thunder Bay - Anne's Bio
ANNETTE COURTEMANCHE, Toronto - Annette's Bio
CAROL-ANN MICHAELSON - Carol-Ann's Bio
CAROLYN BOYD, Barrie - Carolyn's Bio
CATHY IRELAND, Brighton - Cathy's Bio
CHER PRUYS, Devlin - Cher's Bio
COLIN MORRIS, Kingston - Colin's Bio
HILARY SLATER, Tiny - Hilary's Bio
JOANNE POLUCH, Guelph - Joanne's Bio
JOHN ZALESKI, Welland - John's Bio
JOYCE EFFINGER, Corbeil - Joyce's Bio
LORY MACDONALD, Nottawa - Lory's Bio
MARY GARTLAN, Orillia - Mary's Bio
PHIL CHADWICK, Lyndhurst - Phil's Bio
PAUL GILBERT, Chelsea- Paul's Bio
RICHARD AUSTIN, Chelsea- Richard's Bio
ROBERT SÉGUIN, Montréal - Robert's Bio
DEBRA USHER, Woodstock- Debra's Bio
HELEN SHIDELER, Quispamsis- Helen's Bio
GEOFF MUSSEAU, Port aux Basques- Geoff's Bio
CHRISTOPHER GRIFFIN - Christopher's Bio
JUANITA GLENN, Charlottetown- Juannita's Bio
KATHY MARLENE BAILEY, PEI - Kathy's Bio
SANDRINE PIEGAY, France- Sandrine's Bio
ZARI AZIMI, Istanbul, Turkey- Zari's Bio

• Be part of a groundbreaking effort to connect, mentor, and champion Canadian visual artists on a national scale.
• Gain leadership experience and help shape a young, dynamic non-profit from the ground up.
• Forge lasting relationships with artists, arts professionals, community leaders, and funders.
• Enjoy the fulfillment of actively supporting the arts’ contribution to vibrant, thriving communities.

Got Ideas? Get Involved HERE
Help us build a sustainable future for Canadian visual art.