A message from Li Li, ELAN Board President

Over the last two years, the pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. With the many restrictions and shutdowns, artists are struggling. In Quebec, English-language artists have the added challenge of navigating language barriers, being a minority in a majority French-speaking province.

Against this backdrop, ELAN went through rounds of personnel changes, like many organizations across different sectors. We found ourselves unexpectedly looking for a new Executive Director and we are very pleased that Vanessa Herrick decided to apply for the position.

Throughout the interview process, Vanessa demonstrated her willingness to collaborate, calling on her wide-ranging career which has included work on several continents, in a variety of cultural and linguistic contexts. Here at home, as the executive director of Seniors Action Quebec, Vanessa understood the many mental-health challenges that our seniors throughout the province have faced.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are key organizational values for ELAN. The inclusion committee worked with the succession committee throughout the hiring process; as a result, for the first time, ELAN will implement an inclusion clause as part of our employment contract. We are grateful that Vanessa is so open, and willing to take on the challenge of growing with us. We are looking forward to working with Vanessa to elevate English-language artists in Quebec together,  as we meet the many challenges that lie ahead.

Li Li

ELAN Board President