After 21 years, Executive Director at the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) Jacoba Knaapen will be stepping down from her role at the end of 2024. The announcement was made by the TAPA and PAIS (Performing Arts Information Services) Board of Directors on May 29.
“Jacoba’s tenure at TAPA has been marked by outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to advancing the performing arts landscape in Toronto. Her visionary leadership and integrity have left an indelible mark, shaping the trajectory of TAPA and the broader arts community. Jacoba’s departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in TAPA history. We extend our deepest gratitude to Jacoba for her years of service and wish her all the best in her future endeavours,” commented Michael Sinclair, TAPA Board President.
Jacoba Knaapen: 21 Years At The Helm
The Quebec native has been working in Toronto’s arts sector for more than 40 years. During more than two decades leading TAPA, Jacoba leaves a legacy of dedication to supporting the performing arts on multiple levels. That includes:
- Providing help with travel expenses for hundreds of artists through TRIP (Travel, Retreat Initiative Program), a program she initiated;
- Launching the TAPA TRADE SERIES of workshops and other training activities;
- She initiated several awards, including:, the Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award, the Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award, and Ray Ferris Innovation and Sustainability Grant;
- hipTIX, which has provided affordable tickets to more than 30,000 Toronto youths.
In order to identify and measure industry trends and crucial audience behaviour details, Jacoba developed the TAPA Stats Reports and the TAPA Audience Report.
Jacoba is the long-time producer of the Dora Mavor Moore Awards celebrating Toronto’s performing arts community. Under her leadership, the DORAS became the first professional theatre award program in Canada to make the switch to gender-inclusive categories.
She teaches Arts Marketing at the Arts Administration – Cultural Management Program at Humber College.
“I am deeply grateful to the dedicated TAPA team members, both past and present, who have worked alongside me. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have served on the TAPA and PAIS Boards of Directors, forming the brain trust that drives our activities,” Jacoba Knaapen comments.
“This is a transformational time for TAPA, marked by our move to B Street, where we offer affordable and accessible creation spaces. Since launching our new Strategic Plan at the AGM last November, TAPA has been on an exciting upward trajectory. As I step down, I am confident that this is the perfect moment for new leadership to guide the organization into its promising future.”
Her dedicated and efficacy have been recognized by multiple awards, including the City of Toronto’s Margo Bindhart and Rita Davies Cultural Leadership Award, a Harold Award for her contributions to the Independent Theatre community, and a Vital People Award from The Toronto Community Foundation.
TAPA: Next Steps
PAIS Board President Chris Goddard remarks, “Jacoba’s unwavering dedication to motivating her colleagues and collaborators has made a difference. From my perspective, witnessing her exceptional leadership at TAPA has been inspiring and enlightening. Her ability to foster loyalty within her team has undoubtedly played a crucial role in the success of TAPA. Moreover, her commitment to mentoring others and nurturing them into future arts leaders speaks volumes about her profound impact and lasting legacy. Working alongside Jacoba has been an absolute pleasure! She embodies the essence of a brilliant leader in every sense.”
Goddard, along with Michael Sinclair, and members of the community, will make up the Search Committee to look for a new Executive Director for TAPA.
Details of the search will be posted later this spring on the TAPA website.
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