Director and CEO

Michelle Chawla has led the Canada Council for the Arts as Director and CEO since June 2023.

Under Michelle’s leadership, the organization ensures that almost 90% of its annual government funding goes directly to the arts sector. This includes support to over 3,500 artists and over 1,900 arts organizations in more than 2,000 communities across the country, whose work strengthens the economy, fosters unity and a sense of belonging, and inspires new perspectives.  

With nearly thirty years in the field of public arts and culture funding, Michelle has extensive leadership expertise in public policy, inter-governmental relations, governance, corporate communications, and major transformation initiatives.

Prior to her appointment, 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, partnerships, international coordination, and cultural diplomacy. She was also previously Secretary-General for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

Michelle is fluently bilingual and comes from a Québécois and Punjabi background.

She is deeply committed to making sure the arts are a vibrant part of Canadians’ lives in communities big and small, from coast to coast to coast.