BC Arts Council Executive Director Jeremy Long will retire from the BC Public Service early in the New Year, Council Chair Jane Danzo announced Monday..

“Jeremy Long has served the people of British Columbia for more than 20 years,” Danzo said. “He has been eligible for retirement for the past two years, but chose to stay on to help oversee the completion of the Council’s strategic planning process. He has left us with a strong foundation, and we will continue to build on it for years to come.”

Long joined the Province’s arts and culture division in 1988 and has been involved with the BC Arts Council since its inception, in 1996. He has served as Council Executive Director for the past three years.

Long has a lifelong commitment to the arts, having served as Canada Council theatre officer, General Manager of Vancouver’s Tamahnous theatre collective, and Executive Director of the Vancouver East Cultural Centre.

“Dedicated public servants like Jeremy Long are the backbone of this province,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger. “We value his years of service and commitment to the arts, and appreciate his efforts to ensure that there was a strong strategic plan in place. I join all of Jeremy’s colleagues in wishing him the best for his retirement.”

Gillian Wood, current Associate Director, will take over as Acting Executive Director effective November 16, while a permanent replacement is selected.

The BC Arts Council is an independent agency of the Province of British Columbia. The Council provides funding, support services, advocacy and leadership to artists and arts organizations across the province.