Board of Governors

Kathleen Sharpe

Toronto, ON

Kathleen Sharpe has more than 25 years of experience as a senior manager and administrator in government and the cultural sector. She has been Director of the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) since its inception in 1999. The Fund, a unique program established to support cultural tourism attractions through a combination of grants and loans, has committed over $20million to over 160 organizations around the province. Prior to OCAF, Kathleen was Director of the Culture Division of the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, a post she held from 1991 until amalgamation of the municipality into the City of Toronto. Kathleen’s leadership led to the adoption of its first comprehensive cultural policy, Metro’s Culture Plan, in 1994. She managed the transition of cultural programs and staff of 150 during the changeover from Metro to the new amalgamated City of Toronto.  Kathleen has also held management positions at the Ontario College of Arts and Design and The Banff Centre.  Kathleen has been the volunteer President of Toronto Artscape Inc., focused on non-profit real estate and arts infrastructure development.