Jan Ballard founded Ballard Fine Art over 20 years ago and today it is a leading public and private art consultation firm with some of the largest and most complex public art projects in Canada. Our projects aspire to the best in contemporary art practice with conceptually rigorous, innovate and compelling public art and interventions that positively contribute to the public realm and engage diverse audiences on a multitude of levels in meaningful ways. Large public art projects have also included successful facilitation and implementation with First Nations and individual indigenous artists, requiring collaborative approaches, nuanced protocol and cultural sensitivities required for a successful art process.

Jan has management and international curatorial experience and expertise in all facets of private and public art. As past Executive Director of a leading commercial gallery in Vancouver and California specializing in modern and contemporary painting and sculpture, Jan’s myriad of high level responsibilities and duties included management of gallery staff (20 plus), art inventory, art commissions and sales, curation and organization of art exhibitions, artist research and writing. As well as developing and maintaining relationships with local, national and international artists, galleries, museums, institutions, and clients. Distinguished exhibitions organized and curated by Jan included working with artists Helen Frankenthaler, Louise Nevelson (Estate), James Hart, Bill Reid (Estate), Kenneth Noland, Denis Oppenheim, and Sorel Etrog.

Jan is committed to contemporary art and discourse with regular attendance and participation at important international and local art and architectural exhibitions, conferences and fairs including the Toronto International Art Fair, Art Basel, Documenta, Venice Biennale and New York Frieze. Jan is a current Board of Director at the Contemporary Art Gallery (CAG) and active on the new facility and fund-raising committees, involving establishing and maintaining relationships with City officials,  stakeholders and patrons. As well, Jan served on the Boards of The Polygon Gallery (Presentation House) and The Centre for Contemporary Asian Art (Centre A) and has participated as jury member for numerous art initiatives and organizations. Active in the local and national art scene, Jan offers education, guidance and mentorship to young art professionals, artists, galleries, museums and nonprofit art institutions as well as support to the vibrant arts and culture scene in Vancouver.

As a Project Manager, Sophia continually strives to create engaging opportunities for artists and creatives and promote enlivened dialogue between stakeholder groups. Sophia manages key deliverables and is involved with all aspects of the public art process.

As an art historian, writer, and curator, Sophia is committed to fostering a sense of curiosity and creativity throughout all her endeavours.  During her time living in Scotland, her efforts were largely dedicated to providing opportunities for early and mid-career artists through her collaborative efforts with artist collectives and burgeoning gallery initiatives.  More locally, Sophia has professional experience amongst both non-profit organizations and commercial gallery spaces, where she developed a keen understanding of the cultural nuances that guide Vancouver’s artistic landscape. With her experience spanning across both the private and public art sectors, Sophia’s practice is guided by an open, playful, and collaborative approach to public art.

Sophia holds a Master’s with Honours in Art History from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Alexis values meaningful and collaborative engagement with art and artists in the public realm. In her role as Project Manager, Alexis brings experience and success in arts planning, programming, management, publishing, and community engagement through work with diverse stakeholder groups and partners, including Civic and private entities, artists, and community members.  As an advocate for the public life of art and the exchange of ideas, Alexis is committed to facilitating accessible, equitable and engaging public art that fosters community connection and placemaking.

Alexis holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelor of Art History from the University of Winnipeg, and a Masters in the History of Art from University College London. Outside of her work with public art and engagement, Alexis enjoys researching and writing about the visual culture of science and medicine.

With a background in architecture and visual art, Sebastian has a keen interest in exploring the relationship between art, design and architecture in the creation of dynamic and meaningful public spaces that foster and encourage community engagement. In his role as a Project Manager, Sebastian combines his expertise in design and planning to collaboratively work with developers, architects, landscape architects, and artists to foster innovate and compelling public art projects and interventions. Sebastian’s goal is to facilitate public art that contributes to the transformation of urban environments and enriches the cultural fabric of communities and neighbourhoods.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Sebastian holds a degree in architecture from Universidad Iberoamericana and a fine arts diploma from Langara College. When not dreaming of ways to reimagine our urban environments, Sebastian can be found mountaineering, rock climbing, snowboarding, and exploring our great outdoors, creating art and taking in music and arts events in and around Vancouver.

Nicole is committed to making contemporary art accessible to a wide audience and encouraging participation and collaboration in the arts. In her role as Public Art Manager, Nicole brings leadership and expertise in art consultation, community programming, digital engagement, marketing, and communications with a keen understanding of best practice in public art.  Through her work in helping to create meaningful and accessible public spaces, Nicole is committed to exploring creative and innovative opportunities for emerging and underrepresented artists to share their stories and inspire connection.

Nicole has held curatorial and management positions at a range of cultural institutions throughout British Columbia, including the Vernon Public Art Gallery, Kelowna Art Gallery, Federation of Canadian Artists, Deer Lake Gallery, and the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Visual Art and a minor in Art History and Visual Culture from the University of British Columbia Okanagan.  When not creating opportunities for artists in public art and facilitating the realization of public art projects, Nicole is actively pursuing her art practice and other creative endeavors.

Alannah brings diverse skills to her role as Public Art Project Manager, combining her experience in business analysis, strategic planning, marketing, art management, and digital technology with her interest in cultural issues and passion for art and interdisciplinary contemporary art practice.  Alannah's research interests consider the intersection of technology, economics, and visual art in contributing to innovative and engaging public spaces that resonate within both the artistic and broader societal spheres.

Alannah earned a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from Concordia University, and a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Photography from Emily Carr University of Art and Design and Master of Fine Art from the Glasgow School of Art.  Outside of work, Alannah is a photographer and enjoys exploring The Pacific Northwest.