Kathy Sinclair to step down as head of Kamloops Arts Council

Nov 26, 2018 | 10:52 AM

KAMLOOPS — After nearly seven years, the head of the Kamloops Arts Council is stepping down.

Kamloops city councillor Kathy Sinclair says it was a tough decision to make, but being elected to a four-year term as city councillor helped push her to make the decision.

“I spent the last year doing both city council and arts council, and while I love everything that I do it just was increasingly clear that I couldn’t do it all anymore,” she says. “Knowing that I’ll be in for another four years — and I was also appointed to the board of the Thompson Nicola Regional District, so that was even more added to my council workload — it just became clear that I can’t do all the things. As much as I love working with the Kamloops Arts Council, the organization really deserves to have a lead staff person who has the time and availability to give 150 per cent.”

The search is on for a new executive director, and Sinclair says she plans on sticking around through the transition. Despite leaving this role behind, she’s excited to represent the local arts community in a different respect.

“I’m excited to be able to represent the arts in a new capacity on council,” she says. “It’s definitely been a challenge just even in making that decision, but the more the reality sets in about leaving, it’s increasingly challenging just thinking about letting go. But I’m also really excited about seeing who comes in and I think in non-profits it can be long hours and a lot of work but every person kind of brings it to the next level so I’m excited to see what happens next.”

Sinclair will be part of the hiring process for a new executive director, and says she plans on being a part of the Kamloops Arts Council in the future, even if it is as a volunteer.