A search is underway to find a new executive director of Lakeshore Arts after long-time member Susan Nagy announced her retirement.

Lakeshore Arts officials say applications are being reviewed and interviews will take place this month to find a successor.

Nagy, who has served Lakeshore Arts and the community for the past 20-years, says she is stepping down on July 31.

“I have been so fortunate to work in the neighbourhood where I live and contribute to its vibrancy and the arts community at large,” she says. “It has been my privilege to collaborate with passionate arts administrators, creative minds and invested stakeholders, many who have become friends.”

She says changes can be challenging.

“I will miss everyone very much, but I am ready and excited to start the next phase of my life,” Nagy reflects. “Leaving is very bittersweet but Lakeshore Arts has a talented and committed team of staff members and an active Board and I leave in confidence.”

She thanked the many volunteers who have helped and supported the program over the years.

“Under Susan’s leadership, Lakeshore Arts has grown in size and strength; from a small grassroots organization to a Local Arts Service Organization that is known as a key player in the community arts sector in the City of Toronto,” according to the group’s website.

They say Lakeshore Arts’ budget in two decades jumped from $27,000 to more than $500,000, enabling them to provide accessible programming for all ages and invest in the cultural framework of the South Etobicoke community.

The organization, which started in the basement of St. Margaret’s Church, is now focusing on stronger community engagement: finding ways to make art more accessible, which was achieved by reframing the storefront as the Community Project Space.

“Susan will leave an indelible mark on the Toronto Arts community,” says current Arts President Marijana Cuvalo. “Her legacy will include her commitment to working collaboratively on projects that highlight the important role that Art plays in building healthy and vibrant communities.”

The program is proud to have launched Shazaam, an in-school arts program that benefited 2,000 children over 12 years, supported by six years of funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation; the co-production of the Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020.