Centre A Welcomes New Executive Director

February 13, 2020 (Vancouver, BC) — Following an extensive succession planning period and national search, Centre A is delighted to welcome Derrick Chang as the gallery’s new Executive Director — effective March 1, 2020.

“The organization is entering a new and exciting chapter,” says April Liu, Board President. “We are confident that Derrick’s passionate commitment to diversity, community-building, and pushing the boundaries of contemporary art will usher in a transformative era for Centre A. We’re excited to introduce Derrick to our patrons, partners, supporters, and the Vancouver arts community at large.”

Derrick Chang is recognized for supporting various community initiatives and artistic voices through his curatorial projects, research and publications. A curator, writer and facilitator, Derrick has been working in the arts and cultural development sectors since 2012. He holds a Masters of Art History with a focus in Critical and Curatorial Studies from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Derrick has held leadership and development roles at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, VIVO Media Arts, Artspeak and the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery.

Derrick’s research critically examines the nature of ethics and politics in artistic practice. “My passion is in considering the influence that Asian identity has in a space where mainstream culture and local realities collide,” says Derrick. “In addition to contributing to conversations that engage art in an Asian context, I am excited to be leading an organization that responds to the conditions and diversity of Vancouver and Vancouver’s Chinatown.”

In welcoming Derrick, the Centre A board also wishes to thank Yun-Jou Chang for her outstanding leadership as the Interim Executive Director over the past sixteen months. We are deeply grateful for her tireless dedication during this time of renewal, and she will be greatly missed by the staff, Board, members and partners alike.

Yun-Jou has played a critical role in maintaining the stability of the organization while stewarding us towards a stronger vision for the future. While we will miss her and her inspiring leadership, we wish her the best of luck in her new endeavours and look forward to following the success of her career. As part of the leadership transition, Yun-Jou will continue to support the organization as an external advisor and a member of the Fundraising Committee.

Derrick will be in attendance at Centre A’s upcoming exhibition opening for Experimental Relationship (for your eyes only, or maybe mine, too) on Thursday, April 3 at 6 PM at Centre A’s new location in the Sun Wah Centre at #205 – 268 Keefer St, Vancouver. All Centre A members and interested members of the public are encouraged to attend.