From Centre A: Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art
After an extensive search, Centre A is thrilled to announce that Jenie Gao (they/she) will be joining the team as our new Executive Director. In 2024, Jenie collaborated with Centre A on the development of our current strategic plan for 2024 – 2027, bringing invaluable insight and a community-rooted approach to the process. Their leadership in this work reflected a clear alignment with Centre A’s mission and values, and laid the foundation for an exciting new chapter of growth and impact.
As Executive Director, Jenie will work closely with Artistic Director Diane Hau Yu Wong to steward Centre A’s vision, deepen our organizational impact, and strengthen our role as a vital space for contemporary Asian art and cultural dialogue. Together, they will lead Centre A with a shared commitment to equity, community engagement, and artistic innovation. Their collaboration with the support of other Centre A staff will ensure that Centre A continues to be a dynamic, inclusive, and critically engaged space for contemporary Asian art and dialogues.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Jenie Gao to the Centre A team. We are excited to begin this next chapter together!
Jenie Gao has run an anti-gentrification arts business since 2014. They consult for cultural organizations and the public sector on equitable best practices, community engagement ethics, and organizational transformation.
Jenie is a descendant of Taiwanese and Chinese working class immigrants. They have worked in the museum industry, public education, and manufacturing sectors. Their practice has focused on artists’ labour, cultural power, and institutional accountability. Jenie has worked on affordable housing initiatives, community fund development, nonprofit capacity building, strategic planning, and more. Their clients have included Bayview Foundation, Milwaukee Artist Resource Network, One Water Madison, State of Minnesota, and Vancouver Moving Theatre. They run a paid apprenticeship program and have thus far mentored 25 emerging artists.
Jenie has a BFA in Printmaking/Drawing from Washington University in St. Louis and an MFA from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. As an artist, Jenie has exhibited in institutions including the Museum of Wisconsin Art, South Bend Museum of Art, and Trout Museum of Art. Their work is in over 40 permanent collections including Stanford University, Princeton University, Library of Congress, and Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Jenie is a TEDx Madison speaker and gave a talk entitled “The Power and Purpose of Creativity.”
