Cultural Leadership

Geneviève Cimon is a respected leader, producer, collaborator, and mentor in the creative sector, bringing over 25 years of executive experience to her role as Director of Cultural Leadership at the Banff Centre. She has worked with Canada’s largest performing arts centres, public and private funders, and visionary community leaders—both in her long-standing role as Senior Director of Learning and Community Engagement at the National Arts Centre and more recently as a consultant with the Canada Council for the Arts, Azrieli Foundation, Propeller Dance, and MASC. 

Her experience spans artistic programming and production, national and international touring, artist training programs, catalytic partnerships in rural and remote communities, strategic planning, executive coaching, human resources, capital project development, needs assessments, feasibility studies, and grant-making—all aimed at increasing positive social impact. 

Geneviève holds an MBA in Executive Leadership from McGill/HEC, where she focused her research on innovation through cross-sectoral partnerships. She is an avid volunteer and advocate for greater access to health care and arts engagement. She recently served as Chair of Ottawa’s Centretown Community Health Centre and currently sits on the Advisory Board of the Global Leaders Institute’s Arts Innovation MBA, mentoring emerging leaders worldwide. She is also an External Research Fellow at Carleton University’s Research Centre for Music, Sound, and Society. 

Outside of work, Geneviève enjoys playing tennis (even if not very well), classical Spanish piano repertoire, cross-country skiing, gardening, and proudly cheering on one son who is passionate about firefighting and another who shines on the basketball court. She and her partner, a biologist, love spending time outdoors with their dog, Buckwheat.

Genevieve Farrell is an arts administrator, curator, and artist with a background in visual arts and cultural studies. She has worked with organizations across Canada, including the Alberta Foundation for the Arts’ Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX), The Esplanade Art & Heritage Centre, The School of Art Gallery at the University of Manitoba, FLUX Gallery, and the ALDO Group in Montreal. Her experience spans exhibition development, publications, archival projects, educational programming, and community events—all aimed at deepening public engagement with the arts. 

She is currently the Program Manager of Cultural Leadership at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, where she supports the design and delivery of programs that foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the cultural sector. Guided by values of cross-cultural exchange, intergenerational learning, and making space for diverse voices, Genevieve is committed to building more inclusive and imaginative cultural ecosystems. 

Outside of work, Genevieve spends her time working in drawing, printmaking and clay. She also enjoys reading and cooking, and spending time with family and friends.