Carol Beaton

Following a career in education, Carol made a decision of the heart and followed her passion for the craft sector taking on the responsibilities of executive director of the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design in 1999.

Having served on the Boards of artsCapeBreton, Nova Scotia Cultural Network and several advisory boards related to arts and culture, Carol enhanced her knowledge and honed her skills in craft sector development.

Until her retirement in 2013, Carol had the privilege of overseeing the ongoing growth and development of the Cape Breton craft sector and its impact on the economic development of the Island. With federal, provincial and municipal partners, Carol worked to facilitate the development of the Centre’s programs and services, the growth of the business capacity and market reach of craft producers as well as overseeing the building of a new home for the Centre representing a significant addition to the Island’s cultural infrastructure.

Recently Carol served on the Boards of Craft Alliance, Alliance métiers d’arts, Destination Cape Breton Association and Celtic Heart of North America Cooperative, broadening her perspective on both the opportunities and challenges  related to the cultural sector.

Carol is energized and excited about the future of the creative industries in our province and their positive impact as engines of economic growth.