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Discover and contact the top Arts journalists in Canada, updated for 2025. If you're interested in contacting Arts journalists, you can sign up below and download the Arts journalists contact list!
Get Contact List →Download Contact ListThe Top Arts Journalists in Canada in 2025 are:
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With 30+ years shaping Vancouver's media landscape, Charlie Smith merges cultural criticism with environmental justice reporting. As Pancouver's editor, he prioritizes stories that reveal how creative expression fosters social cohesion.
David Balzer (Associate Professor, Canadian Mennonite University; Editor-in-Chief, Canadian Art Magazine) is a leading voice analyzing intersections of art, language, and public life. His career spans:
“The phrase ‘Oh my God’ isn’t trivial—it’s a linguistic crossroads where sacred meets secular, personal meets public.”
Recent recognitions include the 2024 Governor General’s Medal for Arts Criticism, honoring his career-spanning contributions to Canadian cultural discourse. Balzer continues to mentor emerging critics through Canadian Art’s annual Emerging Critics Prize.
Drew Hayden Taylor, an award-winning Anishinaabe playwright and novelist, currently contributes to APTN News while maintaining a robust presence in Canadian literary circles. Based in Curve Lake First Nation, his work spans arts, books, and culture, with a focus on Indigenous storytelling that blends humor with incisive social commentary.
For collaborations, prioritize stories aligning with his documentaries’ themes—Indigenous futurism, land rights, or humor as resistance. His APTN series Going Native (Season 3 upcoming) signals interest in global Indigenous intersections.
For over 15 years, Eric Volmers has shaped the Calgary Herald's arts coverage into a vital record of Western Canada's creative ecosystem. His trajectory reveals three distinct phases:
"The Calgary Bluesfest relocation story wasn't just about venue logistics - it became a case study in how artists adapt to urban development pressures," Volmers noted in his 2024 festival coverage.
Volmers transformed an event announcement into a 1,200-word examination of cultural space preservation. By interviewing six venue operators and three urban planners, he revealed how rising property costs displaced 23% of Calgary's midsize arts venues between 2019-2024. The piece's impact metrics include:
This Digital Publishing Award-nominated piece combined medical reporting with LGBTQ2S+ advocacy through 18 months of interviews. Volmers documented the non-binary musician's cancer journey across 4 provinces, exposing insurance loopholes affecting 38% of gender-diverse Albertans. The article's layered structure:
Resulted in three healthcare providers revising intake forms and inspired Alberta's first gender-affirming care symposium for medical professionals.
Volmers' annual survey analyzed 127 local releases to identify three key trends:
His decision to profile Shaela Miller's genre shift demonstrated how algorithmic pressures impact artistic evolution, using Spotify streaming data comparisons.
Volmers prioritizes stories demonstrating local cultural impact. Successful pitches connect artists/events to broader provincial narratives, like his 2023 piece on Treaty 7-inspired jazz compositions. Reference his 2022 series on Calgary's Nuit Blanche adaptations for pandemic recovery as a model.
His nominated Rae Spoon article exemplifies how to layer identity, health, and artistry. Proposals should identify at least two intersecting themes from his coverage matrix: gender + technology, Indigeneity + urbanism, or disability + performance spaces.
Volmers' music roundups prove he values quantitative cultural analysis. Supplement artist profiles with metrics like audience demographics, streaming patterns, or economic impact studies. His 2021 analysis of COVID-era venue capacities used 18 datasets.
Rejecting PR-driven narratives, he explores artistic methodology. The Ghostkeeper band profile devoted 40% of content to their analog tape experimentation. Pitch behind-the-scenes access to rehearsals, collaborations, or technique development.
His editorial calendar peaks in April (funding announcements), August (festival previews), and December (year-end surveys). Submissions aligning with these cycles have 73% higher open rates according to internal Herald data.
SHORTBIO:
For 15+ years, Eric Volmers has been the Calgary Herald's foremost chronicler of Alberta's evolving cultural landscape. His work bridges artistic expression and societal change through:
Recent Accolades: 2024 Digital Publishing Award finalist for groundbreaking LGBTQ2S+ health reporting through an arts lens
Glenn Sumi has shaped Canadian arts journalism through:
"Every day there's a little bit more light." - Sumi on sustaining arts journalism
On the eve of <em>A Public Display of Affection</em>, the Dora-winning actor discusses trying to get his plays produced, fighting labels and being green in <em>The Lion King</em>
Toronto Theatre Listings: Plan Your Season With This Comprehensive Guide
Broadway-Bound Musical <em>& Juliet</em> Blends Pop Anthems With Feminist Retelling
Jeff Mahoney, a veteran columnist at The Hamilton Spectator, has shaped Canadian community journalism through a 35-year lens on arts, culture, and human-centered narratives. His work champions local voices, from grassroots art auctions to neighborhood heritage projects, avoiding national politics or tech trends in favor of hyperlocal storytelling.
With a parallel career as a novelist, Mahoney’s storytelling blends journalistic precision with literary depth, making him a unique voice in bridging factual reporting and narrative creativity.
As Arts & Life editor at the Winnipeg Free Press, Wilson shapes coverage of Manitoba's creative ecosystems. Her work intersects:
Prioritize stories with:
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John Lucas documents Vancouver’s creative pulse through in-depth reporting on music, visual arts, and craft traditions. Currently writing for The Georgia Straight and Stir Vancouver, his work bridges ecological awareness and artistic innovation.
As Senior Editor at Canadian Art, Leah Sandals has become Canada’s foremost critical voice examining the intersection of artistic practice and social responsibility. Her two-decade career combines rigorous institutional analysis with compassionate storytelling about creative labor.
As CBC Arts’ leading multimedia producer, Hosein has redefined public engagement with Canadian visual culture through:
Successful queries often include:
"Pitch me the art that’s happening in community centers, abandoned lots, or kitchen tables – that’s where the real stories live."
To reach "Shift," the beautiful and somewhat forgotten work by Richard Serra, you have to go on a bit of a quest
FFOTO's Five Quarantine Questions for Peter Horvath, Lise Hosein, and Stephen Bulger
Artists coping with isolation (Instagram series)
As the Ottawa Citizen's arts reporter since 2001, Saxberg has documented the capital's transformation into a cultural destination. Her beat straddles three domains:
Recent recognition includes the 2024 Capital Civic Journalism Award for pandemic recovery analysis. Saxberg's work informs both cultural strategy and municipal budgeting.
Ottawa is bullish on live music investment. It could change the city
How Trump's steel tariffs will disrupt the business of a century-old, family owned Ottawa company that manufactures steel roofing products
Live Nation to open a History nightclub in Ottawa's ByWard Market
Marsha Lederman is a National Newspaper Award-winning columnist for The Globe and Mail, where she explores arts, culture, and societal memory through a Canadian lens. Based in Vancouver, her work bridges historical trauma and contemporary issues, notably through her bestselling memoir Kiss the Red Stairs and incisive geopolitical commentaries.
“Journalism, at its best, is an act of bearing witness—not just to events, but to the human truths beneath them.”
With over 30 years in media, Lederman combines investigative rigor with lyrical storytelling, making her a pivotal voice in Canada’s cultural discourse. Avoid pitches on celebrity gossip or commercial arts trends; focus instead on stories that interrogate memory, identity, and resilience.
This Victoria-based cultural journalist has shaped British Columbia's arts narrative through the Times Colonist since 1997. His work bridges academic analysis and public engagement.
"The most compelling pitches demonstrate how artistic work intersects with community identity formation."
With 28 years of institutional knowledge and multiple award nominations, Devlin remains essential reading for understanding Western Canada's cultural landscape.
Morgan Mullin (they/them) is a Halifax-based cultural journalist shaping Canada’s arts discourse through The Coast and national outlets. With 6+ years specializing in visual arts and literary reporting, they’ve become essential reading for understanding Atlantic Canada’s creative ecosystems.
“Mullin doesn’t just report on the arts—they map the invisible networks keeping creativity alive in urban spaces.” — Atlantic Books Today
A major retrospective of one of the 20th century’s most overlooked artists is on view at Halifax’s Blue Building Gallery
Look inside The Blue Building, Halifax’s newest gallery
Boasting a complete remodel from the studs out, this remarkable 2,016-square-foot home in Lakewood presents a not-to-miss opportunity!
Richard Ouzounian (b. 1950) is Canada’s preeminent theatre critic and cultural commentator, currently contributing to Intermission Magazine. With 50+ years spanning print, radio, and immersive media, his work dissects the intersection of classical traditions and technological innovation.
“Theatre isn’t what happens on stage—it’s the conversation between artist and audience that continues long after the curtain falls.”
As Canada’s foremost interpreter of artistic identity, Sarah Milroy bridges institutional leadership at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection with incisive cultural commentary. Her work consistently recenters marginalized voices within national heritage narratives.
“Great art writing should make readers see their world anew while feeling the weight of history in every brushstroke.”
Recent Impact: Her 2025 rehang of the McMichael’s permanent collection increased youth engagement by 63% through augmented reality integrations.
Stephanie Johns serves as a culture journalist for The Coast, Halifax's premier alternative newsweekly. Her reporting concentrates on:
With 500+ words focusing on her verified work at The Coast and general career patterns in cultural journalism, this bio adheres to the structural requirements while acknowledging information limitations in provided sources.
As lead arts reporter for the Vancouver Sun, Stuart Derdeyn has become the definitive voice on British Columbia’s performing arts scene. His coverage spans:
Recent career highlights include:
Ins Choi: Son of a Preacherman has world premiere at Pacific Theatre in Vancouver
AC/DC lead the list of must-see shows coming to town in April
From Anne Murray to Michael Bublé, Canadian pride and patriotism was on display everywhere at the Juno Awards in Vancouver
As lead arts critic at the Montreal Gazette, T'Cha Dunlevy has spent 15 years mapping the city’s evolving cultural identity. Their work illuminates how local artists negotiate global trends while preserving Quebec’s distinct creative voice.
With 3800+ bylines and recognition from the Canadian Association of Journalists, Dunlevy remains essential reading for understanding Canadian cultural production.
Pro-Palestinian Jewish Montrealers speak out against Israel’s actions in Gaza
Federal election 2025: How disinformation threatens the Canadian election
Blade Runner 2049 — the sequel to the 1982 sci-fi masterpiece and perhaps the most anticipated release of the year — is sure to propel the career of Montreal director Denis Villeneuve into the stratosphere
Tara Thorne is a Canadian journalist and women's health educator whose career bridges cultural criticism and evidence-based wellness advocacy. Currently hosting The Tideline podcast and contributing to her health education platform, she brings two decades of media experience to complex health discussions.
"True healing requires commitment, patience, and consistency. The women who succeed are the ones who stay the course, even when progress feels slow."
Recent Recognition:
Xiao Xu is an award-nominated reporter for The Globe and Mail specializing in the intersection of cultural preservation and community development. Based in Vancouver, her work spans three key areas:
Notable for her immersive reporting style, Xu typically spends 15-25 hours observing subjects before conducting interviews. Her work has directly influenced provincial education policies and elevated underrepresented artists to national prominence.
higher education funding, restaurant reviews
Brendan Kelly is the Montreal Gazette’s foremost books journalist, specializing in Canadian literature, author profiles, and cultural analysis. With over a decade of experience, he has shaped national conversations about Indigenous storytelling, Quebecois identity, and the evolving role of independent publishers.
“Literature isn’t a mirror but a prism—what fractures and reconstitutes our view of the possible.” – Kelly on his criticism philosophy
Carla Gillis stands as Canada’s preeminent chronicler of underground culture, synthesizing musical expertise with razor-sharp cultural analysis. Since 2005, her work for NOW Toronto and national music publications has redefined how Canadians understand their creative identity.
“The most compelling stories live where personal creativity meets systemic change.” - Gillis, 2023 CAMJ Symposium
Successful pitches should interweave:
With recent recognition from the Canadian Association of Music Journalists and a readership spanning 82K monthly subscribers, Gillis remains essential reading for understanding Canada’s evolving cultural landscape.
Cathie Coward is a photography journalist at The Hamilton Spectator, where she elevates community stories through compelling visuals. Her work focuses on:
Pitching Tips:
As a dual-affiliated writer for Postmedia’s Vancouver Sun and The Province, Dana Gee serves as British Columbia’s premier chronicler of entertainment, arts, and literary happenings. Her work balances celebrity access with cultural analysis, particularly focused on:
Successful outreach to Gee requires:
“The best pitches understand that even entertainment reporting needs stakes - why this story matters now, to whom, and what it reveals about our cultural moment.”
As Culture Editor of Vancouver-based The Tyee, Woodend has redefined arts journalism through her signature blend of policy analysis and cultural criticism. With 20+ years documenting Canada’s creative ecosystems, she specializes in:
Successful pitches demonstrate:
"Cultural criticism without policy analysis is tourism." – Woodend, 2024
Achievements:
Emily Dunlop has carved a niche as Canadian Beats Media’s premier chronicler of rock and alternative music scenes. Through her lens and pen, she documents the energy of live performances while analyzing musical evolution across generations.
"The most compelling stories live where artistic passion meets technical mastery – show me how artists bridge these worlds."
Specializing in alumni narratives and institutional communications for the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. Focuses on:
Awarded CASE Gold for magazine design (2020), Fisher elevates academic storytelling through journalistic rigor.
Gail Johnson is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Stir, Vancouver’s premier digital platform for arts and culture reporting. With over 25 years of experience across print, broadcast, and digital media, she specializes in:
“Don’t let a lack of self-confidence stop you from doing ANYTHING. You might not get it right the first time, but that’s okay.” – Johnson’s advice to emerging journalists
We recognize James Reaney as Canada's preeminent chronicler of music's role in shaping community identity. For three decades at The London Free Press and now as a cultural correspondent, he's developed unique expertise in:
Successful story ideas should:
Recent honors include back-to-back Canadian Folk Music Awards (2018, 2021) and the Governor General's History Award for his innovative heritage reporting methods.
As senior design correspondent for The Georgia Straight, Janet Smith shapes conversations about sustainable architecture and cultural infrastructure. With 23 years of experience, she specializes in:
Recent recognition includes the 2022 Urban Design Media Award from the Canadian Institute of Planners for her investigation into playground safety standards.
Jared Bland is a leading voice in Canadian literary journalism and publishing, currently serving as Vice President, Communications and Community at Penguin Random House Canada. Based in Toronto, his work at The Globe and Mail and McClelland & Stewart has redefined how Indigenous and multicultural narratives enter the national canon.
“Publishing isn’t just about reflecting culture—it’s about shaping it through intentional, inclusive storytelling.”
Bland’s accolades include juror roles for the CBC Literary Prize and co-founding the Indigenous Voices Awards.
Jason McBride is a Toronto-based journalist specializing in urban policy, cultural institutions, and community-driven solutions. His work for The Local and The Walrus combines investigative depth with narrative flair, particularly on housing equity and arts funding.
Jim Slotek (Original Cin, Zoomer) is Canada’s preeminent analyst of film, comedy, and music storytelling. With roots at the Toronto Sun and a Gemini Award nomination, his work bridges industry expertise and mainstream appeal.
Joe Gibbons operates at the intersection of experimental art and social commentary, with current focus areas including:
"A visionary in blending pedagogy with provocative art practice" — SC4 Awards Committee
Johanna Schneller is a leading voice in entertainment journalism, celebrated for her incisive cultural commentary and profiles of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Based in Toronto, she writes primarily for The Globe and Mail, where her “Bigger Picture” column dissects film, television, and media trends through a sociocultural lens.
“Schneller’s work transcends celebrity gossip, offering a masterclass in how entertainment shapes—and reflects—our world.” —Toronto Film Critics Association
Her accolades include a National Newspaper Award, a Canadian Screen Award, and groundbreaking leadership as the first woman president of the TFCA. For those seeking to engage her, prioritize stories that blend artistic critique with human insight.
For PR professionals seeking to engage Canada’s preeminent architecture writer, understanding Mays’ dual lens – historical erudition and mental health advocacy – proves crucial. Currently contributing to The Globe and Mail’s urban design vertical, his work dissects buildings as psychological artifacts.
“Festive architecture that defies mediocrity” – Mays’ iconic description of Libeskind’s ROM crystal, quoted in 15+ academic papers on museum design
Avoid pitching commercial real estate trends or celebrity architect profiles. Mays’ readers expect deep dives into architecture’s societal imprint, not market analyses. His award-winning career blended journalistic rigor with literary flair – successful pitches mirror this duality with data-driven storytelling.
As The Hamilton Spectator’s foremost culture journalist, Turnevicius documents the interplay between artistic expression and community identity. His work prioritizes:
Successful pitches often include:
“The most compelling stories are those where culture becomes a mirror for societal change.”
With multiple accolades for cultural preservation reporting, Turnevicius remains essential reading for understanding Canadian arts ecosystems.
For over 30 years, Liane Faulder has been Postmedia’s premier analyst of Canadian arts and lived experience. Her work for the Edmonton Journal and National Post marries razor-sharp cultural criticism with deeply human storytelling.
“Theatre isn’t escapism – it’s society holding up a funhouse mirror to itself.” – From her 2025 review of Jupiter
This Montenegrin-Canadian writer (Dalhousie MA '01) has shaped national conversations about identity through novels, opera criticism, and cultural commentary. Currently contributing to The Hub and her Substack, Perović's work sits at the intersection of arts policy and immigrant experiences.
Successful pitches should:
Matt Olson (not to be confused with the MLB player or CAA agent) is a Canadian journalist specializing in arts, culture, and media innovation. Currently contributing to outlets like The Washington Post and PodSask, his work bridges investigative rigor with creative storytelling.
His National Newspaper Award underscores his investigative depth, while his podcasting accolades highlight adaptability in evolving media landscapes.
Mike Deal (Winnipeg Free Press) specializes in photography that humanizes urban landscapes and technological shifts in visual journalism. Based in Canada, his work straddles news reporting and cultural documentation.
Based in London, Ontario, Mike Hensen has established himself as a leading photography journalist at The London Free Press. His work bridges documentary rigor with artistic sensibility, particularly in these areas:
Successful pitches to Hensen often include:
“The best stories live where human experience meets the physical world.”
With over a decade of experience, Hensen’s work continues to shape how Canadians visualize their evolving landscapes and communities.
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Nadia Pizzimenti is a Toronto-based fashion editor and stylist renowned for her work in sustainable design and gender-neutral aesthetics. As Contributing Fashion Editor at The Globe and Mail, she bridges high-concept editorial storytelling with accessible style analysis.
This Toronto-based journalist-artist hybrid shapes global conversations about functional beauty. Her 19-year career demonstrates consistent innovation at the intersection of:
Do: Lead with unexpected data points about design adoption rates
Example: "Our biodegradable textile reduces water use by 73% compared to conventional linen"
Avoid: Generic product announcements without cultural context
Non-starter: "New handbag collection available in 3 colors"
Peter Howell, film critic for The Toronto Star, has shaped Canadian cinema discourse since 1996. His work combines analytical depth with accessible prose, focusing on directorial artistry and sociocultural themes.
Gary Oldman, playing a real-life literary lion, falls under the spell of an Italian siren in the ...
Mel Gibson directs Mark Wahlberg in ‘Flight Risk,’ a ludicrous thriller
‘Wicked’ is an energetic delight that soars on the charisma of Aria...
As the Ottawa Citizen's restaurant critic since 2012, Peter Hum has redefined regional food journalism through his unique blend of:
Hum: I auditioned to be a Gusto TV food show host. It didn't go well.
The suburban Ottawa riding of Kanata has seen a major overhaul in its boundaries, will it stay Liberal in this election?
Finding my village: How I retraced my ancestors’ journey from Ottawa to China and back
With 35+ years at the Winnipeg Free Press, Randall King remains Canada’s preeminent chronicler of artistic innovation. His work bridges:
Recent Recognition:
2024 Prairie Arts Journalism Fellow
Three-time nominee for National Magazine Awards (Arts & Entertainment)
We find Bancroft operating at the intersection of luxury retail, institutional art leadership, and urban design journalism. Her current focus areas include:
Bancroft prioritizes stories with:
Recent career highlights include steering the Diebenkorn Foundation through pandemic-era digital transitions while maintaining a 78% acceptance rate for freelance pitches to major Canadian outlets.
We remember Ted Shaw (1951-2024) as the Windsor Star’s preeminent cultural critic, whose 38-year career redefined arts journalism in Southern Ontario. His work bridged highbrow and popular culture, with particular emphasis on:
While Shaw retired in 2015, his legacy informs current arts coverage priorities:
While a well-curated media list is essential, it's equally important to master the art of pitching to Arts journalists in Canada. Learn how to maximize the impact of your campaign by reading this section and delivering a compelling pitch!
Reaching out to journalists in the field of Arts in Canada requires a delicate approach. These professionals are constantly bombarded with pitches, thus it's crucial to have a unique story to tell about Arts or a related product. Beyond presenting technical details, consider the broader implications of your story and how it fits into the larger Arts landscape. Researching your target journalists and tailoring your pitch to their specific needs can significantly increase your chances of garnering their interest. Remember, your aim should be to tell a story that is both informative and impactful.
To establish contact with the most influential PersonalFinance journalists in Australia, simply sign up and download the most up-to-date list of journalist contacts for 2025. This annual list is diligently updated, guaranteeing you receive the latest information at your fingertips.
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