July 17, 2025

ArtStarts in Schools Announces Departure of Executive Director Jules André-Brown

It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that ArtStarts in Schools announces the departure of
Executive Director Jules André-Brown, who will be leaving the organization at the end of June
2025 to take on a new leadership role.

Jules began with ArtStarts in 2023 through a period of tremendous change and revitalization.
His tenure was marked by advocacy for young people’s access to the arts, clarity of vision, and
a deep commitment to equity, Indigenous reconciliation, and community collaboration.

Under Jules’ leadership, ArtStarts:

● Undertook a significant organizational transformation to stabilize and adapt ArtStarts in
response to pandemic-era challenges and shifts in the funding landscape.

● Secured new partnerships and funding that helped sustain the organization’s artist
programs and grants for artists working in schools.

● Embarked on a thoughtful exit from ArtStarts’ long-time downtown Vancouver space at
808 Richards St., preparing the organization for its next chapter of resilience and
adaptability.

● Strengthened relationships with school districts and rightsholders across the province
supported the development of a pilot program with the First Nations Education Steering
Committee (FNESC), focused on supporting Indigenous artists and educators working
with youth.

Board Chair Dr. Steve Cardwell shared the following:

“Jules has been an extraordinary leader. His ability to bring people together, inspire bold thinking, and respond to complex challenges with care and clarity has left a lasting mark on ArtStarts. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best as he continues to serve BC’s arts and cultural sector in his next role.”

Please join us in thanking Jules André-Brown for his remarkable contributions to ArtStarts in
Schools and in wishing him continued success in his future endeavours. Inquiries may be
directed to board-exec@artstarts.com