Executive Director Transition Announcement

The Craft Ontario Board announces that after 18 years of dedicated service - including the past 8 years as Executive Director - Janna Hiemstra will be stepping down from her leadership role at Craft Ontario to take on a new position as Manager, Craft & Design at Harbourfront Centre.

On behalf of the Board, Chair Virginia Eichhorn states: “Janna has been an extraordinary leader, guiding Craft Ontario through pivotal moments with vision, strength, and care. From helping to ensure Craft Ontario’s survival, to strengthening core programming, building a dynamic staff team, and keeping the organization steady through the pandemic, Janna’s impact has been both wide-ranging and deeply felt across the craft community. We look forward to continuing to work with Janna in her new leadership role at Harbourfront and to furthering the already strong collaborative relationship between the two organizations.” 

Of her tenure at Craft Ontario, Janna writes: “Leading Craft Ontario has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional life. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and for the opportunity to contribute to the legacy and future of this vital organization. The team at Craft Ontario is exceptional, and I have every confidence that the organization will continue to thrive and champion craft across the province. I will always remain dedicated to fostering and building capacity for craft practice, and look forward to continuing to work with craft communities in my new role at Harbourfront Centre.”

To support a smooth transition, Janna will remain in a part-time capacity until a new Executive Director is appointed and fully onboarded.

Thanks to strong support and engagement, the organization is well-positioned to deepen its reach and amplify its impact as it enters an exciting new chapter. With a new Strategic Plan and commitment to provide increased programming and support outside the GTA, the organization’s upcoming 50th Anniversary in August 2026, and a new Artistic Director position to support creative decision making and oversight, the organization is ready for new energy and vision to take it into its next chapter. 

Applications for the Executive Director position are now open, and Craft Ontario welcomes interest from visionary arts leaders who are passionate about the future of craft in Ontario and beyond. This is an exciting moment to step into the Craft Ontario leadership position. Full details are available here: Executive Director Job Posting. 

-  Craft Ontario Board of Directors