Retirements of OAC’s Billyann Balay and MoMo’s Pamela Boyd

After spending twenty-one years with the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), Billyann Balay has retired from her position as director of granting programs. Balay’s presence at OAC began as associate dance officer, then, for many years, dance officer and, finally, as director . “I have been privileged to serve the arts community through my work at OAC for so many years. I’m proud that throughout both good times and bad, OAC has always been a champion of the arts and the needs of artists and arts organizations everywhere in Ontario,” said Balay. Stepping into her position is Carolyn Vesely, former visual arts officer.

In Calgary, Pamela Boyd, founder of MoMo Mixed Ability Dance Theatre, will also be retiring at the end of this season. MoMo’s mandate is to bring together professional artists and prospective artists, with and without disability, to explore movement, voice, theatre, dance and improvisational disciplines. This year the company is celebrating its tenth anniversary. “With pride and satisfaction I leave a strong company, full of lively and talented artists, to Mark Ikeda” said Boyd in the company’s May newsletter. Ikeda, the new artistic director, is a graduate of the University of Calgary whose creative practice explores original performance through storytelling and movement.