Oxygen Art Centre has named Julia Prudhomme as the new Executive Director, effective August 19, 2019. Prudhomme, who lived in the Kootenays back in 2013-14, has contributed to small town art galleries and artist-run centres in numerous capacities for over ten years.

She was Curator at the Campbell River Public Art Gallery for three years where she developed community-based programming that balanced educational courses, events, exhibits and artist talks, many in conjunction with internationally renowned artists, including Samuel Roy-Bois and Sonny Assu. Her artistic practice is often collaborative, working in video and installation, zine and mixtapes, much of which has been presented across North America and Europe.

She is currently in her third year as a PhD Candidate in the Communications, New Media and Cultural Studies program at McMaster University. Prudhomme holds a Masters in Fine Arts from University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Brock University. She is particularly interested how contemporary art exhibitions investigate histories and possibilities of feminist curatorial practice.

“I am excited to assume the role of Executive Director. Oxygen Art Centre is an integral space for artists and arts engagement.”

Prudhomme comes to Nelson to assume her new role at an opportune moment for Oxygen Art Centre given Genevieve Robertson, the outgoing Executive Director, successfully obtained multi-year funding from Canada Council for the Arts to significantly increase organizational capacity for years to come.

“It is thrilling to be continuing the work that is ongoing in the community. I look forward to supporting and expanding on these labours.”