Theatre as an Antidote to Social Division
Gideon Arthurs is the Executive Director of Soulpepper Theatre Company and the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, a role he assumed in 2022. A seasoned arts leader with a strong track record in institutional transformation, Arthurs previously served as the CEO of the National Theatre School of Canada (2014–2022), where he spearheaded major initiatives to modernize the curriculum and enhance diversity, including the rescue and revitalization of the Sears Drama Festival.
Whiffers heard a most impassioned presentation on Soulpepper’s strategy to be as relevant as possible in an increasingly disconnected society. Gideon elaborated about the real societal need for the theatre’s Public Domain initiative and its success in creating a free, open-access cultural hub that is strengthening social connection and civic life in Toronto through participation in the arts.
Biographical backgrounder:
Prior to joining NTS, he led several major projects as General Manager of Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre (2012-2014) and as Executive Director of the Toronto Fringe Festival (2008-2012).
Born and raised in Toronto, he has devoted his entire life to theatre starting with his acting debut as a child at the Théâtre Français de Toronto in 1988! He has served on numerous boards and committees, including as the Chair of the Sankofa Board of Management and the incoming President of the Board of Directors for TAPA ( Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts).
He is a recipient of the 2022 Prix Mosaïque, awarded by L’Union des Artistes in recognition of the school’s work on inclusion. Previously, he served on the Board of Directors of the Conseil des arts de Montréal, including as Chair of the Governance Committee and member of the Development and Diversity Committees; on the Executive Committee of Culture Montréal; as President of La Serre – Arts vivants; as a Steering Committee member for the Canadian Arts Summit; as Chair of the Small Theatre Administrative Facility (now Generator TO); as Vice-President of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts; as a Board Director of the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts; and as Chair of the Paprika Festival, among many other volunteer leadership roles.
