Age: 37
Job Title: Executive Director, Latitude 53
Michelle Schultz believes art should be accessible to everyone
“What struck me about the art scene [here], was the isolation of it, both physical isolation from other art centres, and in the way that institutions and artists operated,” says Schultz. “In the last five years, I think a lot has changed, drastically.”
She found her passion for studying and curating contemporary art while strolling through museums and galleries in London, England, when she worked there as a bartender years ago. She then co-founded a gallery in Los Angeles. But it wasn’t until she came back to her hometown that she saw a remarkable, yet suspended arts scene.
“Moving back here, I saw so much potential in this city, as well as a real need for connection and community,” says Schultz.
While Edmonton had no short- age of talent, only well-known artists were able to present solo exhibitions. For those in the early stages of their career, this often remained a distant dream. That’s where Latitude 53 came in — with programs like The Garage, the gallery dedicates spaces to exhibitions by local, emerging artists.
“It’s about making sure they’re given the same sort of opportunities and being treated with the same respect and financial compensation that more established artists might receive.”
This article appears in the November 2020 issue of Edify
