FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 2, 2022
Contact: Nan Keeton
(888) 234.4236 Ext. 203
TORONTO — Arts Consulting Group (ACG), the leading provider of hands-on management consulting services to the arts and culture industry, announced that Jeff Erbach has joined the firm as Associate Vice President to support Executive Search and Leadership Transitions, as well as Planning and Capacity Building areas, of the firm. Based in ACG’s Calgary location, Erbach brings to the company more than 30 years of expertise in cultural diplomacy, change management, and arts education focused on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
Jeff Erbach has held numerous senior roles in municipal government, with the City of Hamilton—as the Manager for Placemaking, Public Art and Projects, and the City of Regina—as the Manager of Community and Cultural Development. During his tenure at the City of Hamilton, Erbach endorsed strategic development of the city’s public art collection and other cultural projects designed to nurture community, support creative endeavors, and foster an inclusive environment. Leading with commitment to the economic, social, and cultural vitality of public spaces, he introduced innovative initiatives that meet the city’s placemaking needs. In his post at the City of Regina, Erbach oversaw the policy and planning efforts, as well as the strategic partnerships associated with cultural development, community engagement, and capacity building. Amongst his many contributions to the vibrancy of Saskatchewan’s capital, he co-designed and implemented the city’s first 10-year cultural plan, supporting local arts and the creative ecosystem.
Previously, Erbach served as Executive Director of the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, one of the largest free admission art galleries in Western Canada. He also worked as Creative Manager for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, enhancing opportunities for Indigenous artists and forming the cultural framework for a public dialogue on Canada's residential school legacy and its remaining impacts. A keen proponent of arts education and community engagement, Erbach has served as a mentor, lecturer, and juror for cultural professionals and organizations through the Alberta Museums Association, Business/Arts, Creative City Network, and the United Nations Commonwealth Programme. He has also served on the Executive Committee for Rotary Club of Grande Prairie and was a board and/or committee member for the Regina and Region Local Immigration Partnership and the Creative City Network.
In making the announcement, ACG Senior Vice President Menon Dwarka said, “While Erbach's work as a multi-disciplinary artist makes him exceptionally qualified to serve the arts and culture sector in a variety of capacities, it is his participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other equity and diversity initiatives that have demonstrated Jeff’s commitment to deep listening and allyship. His location only better serves organizations in Western Canada, and his regional perspective will greatly inform ACG’s client work throughout the continent.”
“The team at Arts Consulting Group is extraordinary, and I’m very eager to contribute to its mission,” said Erbach. “I’m very honoured that my work will be with the Leadership Transitions portfolio, so that I can support a diversity of arts and culture organizations as they seek to attract and retain strong leaders to enrich their communities through their practice. With 30 years of experience in government, the not-for-profit cultural sector, and as a practicing artist, I am looking forward to applying my background in equity and diversity to the sector.”
Formerly a practicing artist and filmmaker himself, Erbach produced a celebrated body of work exploring the themes of gender identity and queer experience. His short and feature films have been presented in numerous festivals and garnered a retrospective at the Canadian Film Institute in Ottawa.
About Arts Consulting Group
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, facilities & program planning, and other capacity building services for the arts and culture industry. Founded in 1997, ACG is a full-service firm that effectively works with a wide range of nonprofit organizations, universities, government agencies, and for-profit entities that operate in the creative industries. The firm takes a contemporary approach to client challenges and opportunities focused on growing institutions, advancing arts and culture, and enhancing communities. ACG senior team members have leadership experience in every type of artistic and cultural discipline and they seamlessly adapt to clients’ rapidly changing strategies, business models, and operating environments. The firm currently has locations in Boston, Calgary, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, Raleigh, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, DC. ACG employees and consultants are embedded in communities throughout North America to invigorate clients so that they can achieve the delicate balance between cultural impacts and business sustainability. For more information, please visit ArtsConsulting.com or contact info@ArtsConsulting.com or (888) 234.4236.