How performing arts training is important for young people and society today

Erin Gavaghan is the Managing Director of the Canadian Heritage Arts Society, who own and operate the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria BC.

She has worked across various artforms of the cultural industries, including contemporary art, dance, theatre, comedy, cabaret, and music. She is passionate about creating and supporting innovative and inclusive artistic projects that challenge stereotypes and inspire social change. Her experience is supported by a master's degree in art policy and management from Birkbeck College, UK.

Erin was previously Executive Director and joint CEO of Clean Break in London UK, sharing leadership of a team of passionate professionals who work in theatre to transform the lives of women at risk and with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Living in the UK since graduating from UVIC in 1999, her previous employment there included Siobhan Davies Dance, a leading contemporary dance company working in gallery and museum spaces across the UK and Europe; Soho Theatre, a cutting-edge new writing theatre, comedy and cabaret venue; the Royal Albert Hall and Natural History Museum.