Shirley Thomson, a passionate advocate for the arts

Canada Council, 11 August 2010,Canada

The Canada Council for the Arts is deeply saddened by the death of Shirley Thomson.   

Shirley Thomson, Director of the Council from 1998-2002, was an indefatigable, passionate and formidable advocate for the arts. She made a significant contribution to the arts in Canada throughout her career, and provided stimulating leadership to the organizations she directed, including the McCord Museum in Montreal, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts and the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board. She offered an inspiring vision of the important role that the arts play in the lives of all Canadians – a vision she brought to life throughout her impressive and influential career.

Shirley was driven by a boundless intellectual curiosity. She was deeply interested in the work of contemporary artists and youth in general. Despite a redoubtable presence, she could and did connect with people of all ages, rank and professions. Well known and respected internationally and in Canada, she was also a fervent supporter of the arts scene in Ottawa. 

In the Canada Council Art Bank publication Art at Work, Shirley wrote: “The power of culture is like the power of the sea: it is vast, turbulent, and unpredictable in its effects. Its currents set the air moving and shape lives lived half a continent away.” 

Shirley will long be remembered with affection and respect by her colleagues at the Council and all those inspired by her extraordinary leadership. 

On behalf of the Canada Council, I extend my deepest sympathies to Shirley’s family and friends. 

Robert Sirman
Director and CEO
Canada Council for the Arts

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