After a decade as program director and co-curator at the Comox Valley Art Gallery, Angela Bouras-Somerset is stepping back from the role and leaving a legacy of innovation and excellence.
The organization expressed its deep appreciation for Bouras-Somerset's tenure, with a statement saying "her transformational guidance leaves a legacy characterized by curatorial excellence, meaningful community collaborations, and significant enhancements that have amplified the Gallery鈥檚 spaces, initiatives, and identity."
Bouras-Somerset started in 2014, and her programming convergence has focused on thematic exploration, inquiry, and community engagement through 48 curatorial programs. These programs have included exhibitions, residencies, publications, media productions, and rooted community collaborations.
Her commitment to decolonization and fostering inclusive cultural dialogue has been reflected in her collaborations with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, curators, and community groups. She has been dedicated to respecting and honouring Indigenous knowledge systems, perspectives, and cultural practices within the Gallery鈥檚 programming. Her focus on socially responsive and place-based practices has inspired and deepened wide-reaching community collaborations.
Through collaborative initiatives, the gallery's presentation of art and cultural practices in public spaces expanded, including the Creative Residency program, Project Room Studio, the HUB and Community Gallery, Student Incubator Labs, Make Art Community Projects, CVAG Productions, and Printed Matter. Over the last ten years, Bouras-Somerset played a key role in the development and leadership of these platforms.
Engaging with learning communities has been a cornerstone of Bouras-Somerset's work. She has developed experiential and thematically-connected initiatives with learners and educators from a wide spectrum of programs and institutions, and has played a lead role in facilitating and supervising professional development, mentorship, and skill-sharing opportunities at CVAG. These initiatives have enhanced community engagement, fostered educational growth, and nurtured future talent, ensuring a lasting impact on the arts sector and wider communities.
Throughout her tenure, Bouras-Somerset has provided curatorial vision and design leadership for a sequence of three gallery renovations, creating inspiring and welcoming facilities for production, presentation, and engagement. By symbiotically curating multifaceted spaces and programming, she fostered opportunities for creative experimentation, exchange, and artistic excellence.
Bouras-Somerset has advanced the gallery's dissemination of contemporary art through analog and digital platforms, collaborating on accessible e-publication projects, public media screenings, and printed matter. As part of the gallery鈥檚 digital pivot, she has worked closely with CVAG staff as well as with dedicated photographers, videographers, and editors to expanding the gallery鈥檚 visual identity, ensuring cohesive and thoughtful editorial and marketing communications, and providing extensive witness practice documentation, throughout her tenure.
鈥淗er programming and curatorial vision are matched by exceptional dedication, extensive knowledge, and a unique breadth of expertise,鈥� said CVAG Executive Director Glen Sanford. 鈥淎ngela has inspired creative excellence, and we are profoundly grateful for all she accomplished at CVAG and for her ongoing contributions to the arts and our community.鈥�
CVAG is pleased that its curatorial direction continues to be in strong hands. Denise Lawson, who received curatorial mentorship from Bouras-Somerset through a BCAC Early Career Development Internship in 2016, and has served as co-curator since 2019, is now the Director of Curatorial Programming at CVAG. 鈥淚 want to thank Angela for her years of service at the Gallery, and especially for her mentorship. Angela leaves a lasting legacy that will benefit the Gallery, the community, and artists for years to come,鈥� said Lawson.
Reflecting on her time at CVAG, Bouras-Somerset said, 鈥淲orking at the gallery has been a journey filled with joy, fun, and excitement. The anticipation of new projects, the camaraderie, and the shared inspiration have all been incredibly rewarding. We embraced creative challenges, supported each other, and celebrated our successes, all with a shared vision and a collaborative, hands-on spirit that has been truly special. It has been a privilege to witness artists, curators, students, educators, and community members flourish and form meaningful relationships. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work with such curious and dedicated individuals. The creative intersections have forged deeply rooted connections that highlight the beautiful and transformative power of collaboration.鈥�
By instigating and guiding an adaptable space for reciprocity and exchange, Bouras-Somerset's holistic and integrated approach to program and curatorial leadership has deepened artistic and experiential practices, expanded the boundaries of art and culture, and prioritized public accessibility. This philosophy and methodology will continue to guide Bouras-Somerset as she embarks on a new chapter, focusing on her interdisciplinary professional practice as an independent curator, community collaborator, arts advisor and artist, while continuing in her role as Visual Arts faculty at North Island College.
