Director and CEO

Michelle Chawla is the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Council for the Arts, a role she began on June 26, 2023, for a five-year term.

Michelle has worked at the Council since 1995. Most recently, she was the Director General of Strategy, Public Affairs and Arts Engagement, responsible for the executive leadership and direction of a wide range of functions, including communications, strategic planning, research, international coordination and cultural diplomacy. She was also previously Secretary-General for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

Over the course of her career, Michelle has gained extensive leadership experience in arts and culture policy, program development, equity, corporate governance, government and stakeholder relations, and transformation initiatives.

As Director and CEO, Michelle is guided by the values of openness, respect and trust. Her focus is on building and strengthening relationships and finding every opportunity to champion the crucial role of the arts in society. Under Michelle’s leadership, the Council is working in close collaboration with arts organizations, artists and other stakeholders, playing a central role in building a more sustainable future for the arts in Canada.

From a Punjabi and Quebecois background, Michelle is a member of the Sikh community. She is fluently bilingual, and she is passionate about ensuring that a diversity of voices are valued, heard and respected through arts and culture.