Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council Members’ Biographies 

Joella Foulds, Chair — Boularderie, is co-founder and artistic director of the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton. Her background as a broadcast journalist at CBC and a musician with Rita MacNeil's band led to work in artist and event management. Joella has served on boards of numerous arts and professional organizations.

Jim Morrow, Vice- Chair — Windsor, began his theatre career as a performer with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia in 1978 after finishing his studies at Acadia University. He is currently the company's artistic director and resident designer. His plays have earned numerous awards and his contribution to Nova Scotia’s culture was recognized by his being selected for the Portia White Prize in 2004.

Steven Naylor, Secretary — Halifax, has an extensive background in contemporary creative and electroacoustic music. A founding member of Nova Scotia’s Upstream Ensemble, he is a past-President of the Canadian Electroacoustic Community, and a founding co-director of the Oscillations Festival. Steven completed the PhD in Musical Composition at the University of Birmingham (UK) and teaches part-time at Acadia University. His parallel work in professional media and theatre includes scores for national parks, film and television, radio, and ongoing international theatre touring by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia.

Paul Gallant, Past Chair — Chéticamp, is the executive director of Le Conseil des arts de
Chéticamp, président of the Fédération Culturelle Acadienne de la Nouvelle Écosse and an artistic director and playwright. His work, Le Grand Cercle, which he directed and co-wrote with Scott MacMillan, has enjoyed great acclaim. Paul is also the secretary-tresurer of le Fédération canadienne culturel française.

Gregor Ash — Halifax, is an energetic and active member of the Nova Scotia arts community, having successfully worked in multiple disciplines including book selling, the music industry, design, craft and film. He has worked at the Atlantic Film Festival for 13 years and has served as its executive director since 2000.

Ronald Bourgeois —  Halifax, is an award-winning Acadian singer-songwriter, event manager, writer and television and radio producer with a 35 year career in arts and culture and significant board experience, including President, Nova Scotia Masterworks Awards Foundation.

Paula Davis — Port Hawkesbury, is the marketing and events manager for the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre and an active grass roots coordinator of arts and culture events. She actively develops and promotes an extensive calendar of performing arts, visual arts and development events while serving as a member of ten local and regional arts and cultural committees.

Addy Doucette — Antigonish, has an extensive background managing, directing, producing and teaching theatre. She was the founding artistic producer for Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre and served as director of theatre with St. Francis Xavier University from 1979-2007. Her commitment to the arts has been recognized with the university's 2004 Outreach Award for Service to the Community and the 2008 Theatre Nova Scotia Legacy Award.

George Klass — Wallace, is a business and management consultant and also a freelance photographer. He has an extensive international background in senior roles in diverse fields from the energy and manufacturing sectors to the fashion industry. He has lived on various continents and managed companies in the wind energy, footwear, giftware, craft and jewellery business. George is also past president of The Northumberland Arts Council.

Marcel McKeough — Halifax, is the Interim Executive Director of the Culture Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. He has extensive experience in Nova Scotia's cultural sector and is former Chair of the East Coast Music Association.

Linda Ross — Sable River, is an freelance photographer who specializes in aerial images. She has worked with real estate and project developers and has produced postcards highlighting the beauty of the Nova Scotia coastal life. Her work is on exhibit in many countries and has been featured in several books and publications. Linda is a member of the Nova Scotia Volunteer Community Advisory Council. She has been involved in the Nova Scotia Festival of the Arts, and is past chair of the Community Business Development Corporation in Shelburne County.

Scott Simpson —  Halifax, is an award-winning writer, director and producer of film and television.  Scott regularly teaches workshops in  filmmaking and is a member of the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative. He also runs his own production company, Playmaker Films. 

Devon Strang — Sydney, has performed in and promoted music events for the past decade while performing with ECMA winning acts Slowcoaster and the Tom Fun Orchestra.  Devon has a regular music column in the Cape Breton Post and currently runs Cape Breton's Arts, Entertainment and Events website whatsgoinon.ca.

Peggy Tibbo-Cameron — Halifax, is the Senior Policy Advisor of the Culture Division with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. Prior to joining the Culture Division, Peggy was the lead staff member in the Tourism division during the visioning, development, and implementation of the Tourism Partnership Council. She has more than 20 years of experience in both the private and public sector.