Vancouver Mural Festival welcomes Miriam Esquitín as new Executive Director

Since 2016, VMF has transformed Metro Vancouver’s cityscape with captivating murals from local and international artists. The annual Vancouver Mural Festival in the summer and VMF Winter Arts produced by the organization have garnered a loyal audience, becoming one of Western Canada’s largest public events. VMF has also grown into a multi-media art consultancy and production agency, shifting local discourse around the importance of public art while championing regional talent.

We are pleased to welcome Miriam Esquitín to the role of Executive Director as of July 2023.

“I feel proud to join VMF, which has innovated so many ways to connect people and places through art, and to be part of a team full of inspiring, talented, and tenacious folks,” said Miriam. “I look forward to continuing the innovative, vibrant, and impactful programming while advancing the long-term strength and potential of the organization.”

Miriam has 20 years of experience at local and international non profits working on community building, social justice, economic development, and climate action. She brings to VMF her capacity to build teams, strategic relationships, and fiscal responsibility that lead to deep partnerships and growth. Miriam is also a dancer and for the last twelve years has led a community-based dance troupe, contributing to broadening access to the arts.

VMF Board Co-Chairs Andrea Seale and Nikita Sanghera shared, “We met some extraordinary people in the search for VMF’s new Executive Director, but Miriam stood out for her combination of passion for placemaking and inclusive community building, on a track record of management excellence.”

We thank Amanda Lynne Ballard who served as Interim Executive Director for the past 5 months. She has been involved with VMF for the past 4 years and served as the organization's first Queer Co-Chair of the Board in 2022. 

We are also grateful to Andrea Curtis, co-founder and former Executive Director, who played a vital role in growing VMF into the flagship organization it is today. Andrea held the role from January 2021 to February 2023 and fostered numerous innovations, including VMF Winter Arts Festival. Under her leadership, VMF thrived during the global pandemic by expanding mural programs across the region. 

“For the past 8 years, VMF has worked with local creatives and neighbourhood stakeholders to collectively reimagine public space as the heart of every community,” said Miriam.” I’m looking forward to deepening relationships with our communities and partners, as well as increasing professionalization, accessibility, and inclusion.”