EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining CFAT as Executive Director! For the first time, I feel like all the different spheres of my life – game design, digital arts practice, and arts administration – have found a home at CFAT. I've been part of the CFAT community since moving to Nova Scotia in 2021, first as a member and later as a VR mentor. I was drawn to CFAT by its long legacy of supporting artists with resources in addition to professional opportunities.

I'm coming to CFAT after more than five years with the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina, Saskatchewan, where I spearheaded digital programs, including digital art education, art game exhibitions, and a residency program in Minecraft. After three years of development, I launched the Gallery's Digital Exhibition Toolkit and Art Installation Launcher (DETAIL) – an open-source resource designed to help galleries everywhere better support the digital arts.

I have deep affection for artist-run culture, which gave me my first opportunities to work in virtual reality and develop custom software. The support of artist-run centres can have tremendous impact. In my own practice, work that started in small experimental spaces grew to projects supported by institutions like Rhizome, the New Museum, the Venice Architecture Biennale, and galleries across Canada and Europe. Having navigated my share of technical disasters and last-minute troubleshooting, my approach to arts administration is all about supporting artists through the rollercoaster of media art creation. I can't wait to see what CFAT members are up to!

I'm looking forward to meeting more of the Halifax arts community. You can find me in the CFAT office, connect over social media, or send me an email to talk about your idea

PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR

It is so special to be a part of the CFAT team and contributing to programs that enrich the experimental media arts scene here in Kjipuktuk/Halifax! My own approach to media arts involves iterative translations between textile, sculpture, video, and audio, rooted in my experiences of queerness and transness. I believe in expanding the possibilities of the media arts field by facilitating spaces that invite creatives to research, experiment, and exchange ideas.

I am a transdisciplinary artist and facilitator with a Bachelor of Design from Toronto Metropolitan (2017) and an MFA in Studio Arts, Fibres and Material Practices from Concordia University (2026). I have shown work at artist-run-centres, galleries, and festivals including articule, Fonderie Darling, FOFA Gallery, and Nocturne Festival, with support from the Canada Council for the Arts as well as the Jorisch Family Residency Award and the Elspeth McConnell Fine Arts Internship Award. You can check out some of my work here: https://www.abihodson.com/

PRODUCTION AND MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COORDINATOR

I’m pleased to be part of the CFAT team as the new Production and Membership Services Coordinator.I’ve been involved with the Centre ever since receiving my Media Arts Scholarship in 2005, after which I was invited to return as a scholarship mentor and workshop instructor. I joined the board in 2011 for two years, helping oversee the creation of the current space.

I’m an independent filmmaker and content creator, having graduated from Humber College in 1999. I worked for many years in post-production, mostly as a video editor. Starting in 2009 I produced and directed short films and documentaries. I’ve also run camps and workshops for AFCOOP and the ViewFinders: International Film Festival for Youth.

CO-OP STUDENT