Minister Frulla Announces Three Appointments to the Canada Council for the Arts
OTTAWA, June 7, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced the appointments of Amir Ali Alibhai of Burnaby, British Columbia; Manon Blanchette of Montréal, Quebec; and Esther S. Ondrack, of Spruce Grove, Alberta, as part-time members of the Canada Council for the Arts."The Canada Council for the Arts fosters artistic creativity and innovation in Canada. It provides an avenue of expression for diverse artists in various disciplines," said Minister Frulla. "I am pleased that these three professionals will have an opportunity to use their extensive experience for the benefit of the Canada Council and the artists it supports."
Amir Ali Alibhai is a visual artist, independent curator and writer, who has been Arts Programmer at the Roundhouse Community Centre since it opened its doors in 1997. Before that, he worked for several years as an educator and guest curator at the Richmond Art Gallery and was Assistant Curator at the Surrey Art Gallery from 1995 to 1997. Mr. Amir Ali Alibhai earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of British Columbia in 1989. His professional practice led him back to university to complete a master's degree in curriculum studies in 2000; his thesis was on cross-cultural collaboration.
Manon Blanchette has been involved in the arts for almost three decades. She began her career as an exhibit guide at the Montréal Museum of Contemporary Art in 1976. From 1984 to 1985, she taught arts at the University of Quebec in Chicoutimi. From 1991 to 1992, she served as Cultural Counsellor at the Canadian Embassy in Paris. She has also been Director of Public Services at the Montréal Museum of Contemporary Art. Ms. Blanchette holds a master's in art history and a doctorate in arts studies. She wrote her doctoral thesis on the videographic work of Bill Viola.
Esther S. Ondrack has extensive management experience in the Petroleum industry. Currently associated with Chieftain Financial Ltd., Ms. Ondrack began her career at Canadian Chieftain Petroleums and was later employed at Chieftain Development Co. In 1981, she became Director of Chieftain Development and served in this capacity until the company was sold to Alberta Energy Company Ltd. She then participated in the formation of Chieftain International, a public company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production. She served as Director of this company until it was sold to an American company in 2001. Ms. Ondrack holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta and sits on the boards of directors of several organizations, including the Alberta Performing Arts Stabilization Fund and the Edmonton Symphony Society.
The Canada Council for the Arts fosters and promotes the study, enjoyment and production of works in the arts by providing assistance to individual artists and arts organizations through a peer assessment process, it also administers the Public Lending Right program of payments to authors; co-ordinates the development of UNESCO activities in Canada, and co-ordinates Canadian participation in UNESCO activities abroad.
Information:
Jean-Philippe Côté
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
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