Kelly Jerrott is a leader in the arts and cultural sector in Canada, with more than 30 years of experience at the local, provincial and national level. She has contributed to the promotion of the value of arts and culture, arts education, organizational leadership and development, the development of positive organizational cultures, driven by a passion and interest in the arts. Kelly holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, in Victoria, British Columbia, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Physical Education from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Kelly is currently the Executive Director with Craft Nova Scotia, and is also active with the Craft Alliance Atlantic, and the Canadian Craft Federation. Inspiring future cultural leaders, Kelly serves as a Sessional Instructor with MacEwan University, in the Arts and Culture Management Program. She has served at the national level as Past President, and President of the Creative City Network of Canada, shaping and supporting the development of arts and culture nationally and internationally. She also engages and empowers others, through her ongoing work in the sector, and speaking engagements at the local, national and international levels, sharing her knowledge and experience in cultural planning and development, cultural policy, community building, and strategic planning through the adaptive change process.
Kelly Jerrott served almost ten years with the City of St. Albert, Alberta, most recently as the Director of Community Services, which included the portfolios of Culture, Community and Social Development, Emergency Social Services, and Indigenous Relations. Her responsibilities included management and operations of the City’s cultural facilities, including The Arden Theatre, visual arts studios, museum, gallery and heritage properties. Kelly was instrumental in the development of the City’s Cultural Master Plan, Heritage Management Plan, and Heritage Conservation Program. She was also responsible for moving forward numerous public art installations, heritage restorations and capital projects, such as Kâkesimokamik-the Healing Garden, and the Art Gallery of St. Albert adaptive reuse restoration. Her responsibilities also included the direct delivery of a wide variety of festivals, events and programs to engage and support the community.
Kelly has previously served as the Executive Director of Edmonton’s Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Executive Director of Music Alberta, and General Manager of the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. Her past volunteer service includes serving on the board of the Western Canadian Music Alliance, host committee for the JUNOs, and WCMAs, and participating as a jury member for a variety of provincial and national organizations.
Kelly Jerrott is a passionate leader working to develop the cultural sector, and the role it plays in creating sustainable, healthy communities. She is very excited to be back at home in Nova Scotia, and play an active role in development and growth of the arts, culture and heritage.