KBRS is pleased to have assisted in the appointment of Blanche Israël as the next CEO of the East Coast Music Association.
The following is an excerpt from their recent announcement.
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(Halifax, NS) - The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is proud to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Blanche Israël, a Moroccan French Canadian cultural strategist and professional musician who has called Dartmouth, Nova Scotia home since 2019. She begins her new role on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Israël has had various roles in the arts sector and brings a unique blend of experience to the position. As a consultant for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, she developed a comprehensive Cultural Export Analysis, and for the Halifax Regional Municipality, she consulted on the Performing and Visual Arts Venues Needs Assessment. In addition, her work with Music Nova Scotia as a Board Member and her touring and recording experience with JUNO Award-winning artist Jeremy Dutcher, has provided Israël with a broad perspective and understanding of the music industry.
Israël’s skills in strategic finance, partnerships, and understanding of legal requirements in arts organizations are further highlighted by her successful operation of proscenium Services. Through this venture, she generated over $10 million in public and private revenue and supported a wide range of artists and organizations.
Israël is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Arts Management program, holding an Honours Bachelor of Arts. She has been recognized with numerous awards and bursaries, including the CultureNEXT Bursary from the Canadian Arts Summit and the Orpheus Prize in Humanities from the University of Toronto.
“We are thrilled to welcome Blanche to the East Coast Music Association. Her diverse background and deep understanding of the Atlantic Canadian cultural landscape makes her an ideal leader for our organization,” says Debbie Mullins, Chair of the ECMA Board and elected representative from Cape Breton. “We are confident that Blanche’s innovative approach and passion for music will greatly contribute to the growth and success of our music community.”
“I am deeply honored to lead the East Coast Music Association as its new CEO. This role combines my love for music and my commitment to cultural strategy in a region that has been my home and inspiration,” says Israël. “I look forward to working with our amazing artists and stakeholders to elevate Atlantic Canadian music and showcase our rich cultural tapestry to the world.”
Under Israël’s leadership, the East Coast Music Association is set to embark on a journey of renewed growth and innovation, strengthening its position as a key player in the Atlantic Canadian music scene.
ECMA would like to extend its gratitude to the search committee for their time spent working with KBRS Executive Search on this critical hire for the organization.
About ECMA
The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is a regional collaboration of people in the music industry of Atlantic Canada that fosters, develops, and celebrates East Coast music and its artists locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The ECMA annually produces the ECMAs, one of the top music industry events in Canada, which includes an Award Show, a Festival, an Industry Conference, and the International Export Buyers Program.
