Board of Directors

The AFA Board of Directors includes arts champions from across the province, appointed by the Government of Alberta.

Through their mandate established by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Act, 1991, the Board of Directors encourages and supports Alberta’s arts community by:

  • allocating the annual budget
  • approving AFA funding and scholarships
  • approving and monitoring the acquisition, exhibition and preservation of works in the AFA collection
  • developing and implementing the AFA's strategic plan

Code of Conduct

The AFA Board of Directors operate under a Code of Conduct that reflects a commitment to the AFA's values and provides a framework to guide ethical conduct in a way that upholds the integrity and reputation of the agency. Download the AFA Board Code of Conduct (PDF).

Board Compensation Disclosure 

Alberta public sector bodies are now required to post online the names and compensation paid to all board members. View compensation disclosure information for the AFA Board of Directors.

Acting Chair

Paul R. Baay, Calgary

Photo of Paul R. Baay

Paul has more than 25 years of experience as a business leader in the oil and gas sector, with a focus internationally. Further, in addition to his business acumen, Paul also has a passion for art, serving on the Board of the National Gallery of Canada for over 14 years and the Board of the Alberta College of Art and Design (now the Alberta University of the Arts) for 4 years. With his wealth of knowledge and expertise in business and the arts Paul is honoured to serve as the Vice Chair of the Foundation. 

Directors

Melody McKnight, Red Deer

Photo of Melody McKnight

Melody McKnight completed her Masters Degree in Oboe Performance at the University of Calgary in 1996, and has been performing as an orchestra musician and soloist since then. Melody is the former Executive Director of the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, during which time she completed the Rozsa Arts Management Program through the Haskayne School of Business. Melody is currently the Marketing and Research Specialist in Land and Economic Development at the City of Red Deer. She is looking forward to serving artists in Alberta!

Andrea True Joy Fox, Lethbridge/Blood Tribe (Blackfoot)

Photo of Andrea True Joy Fox

Andrea True Joy Fox is Blackfoot from Kainai, Blood Tribe. She has a drama and visual arts education degree, and is an accomplished visual and performance artist. Andrea has worked in education as a teacher, District Principal and consultant throughout Alberta. She is now working on her Individualized Multidisciplinary Master of Arts and her thesis is on the healing memoirs of Indigenous female literary artists. Andrea has facilitated Indigenous councils and led strategic planning for Public Education and in First Nations communities. She is the host and producer of the podcast, “Talks With A Fox Podcast.”