colleensharpe.com

Don't let the word "Curator" fool you.
It means a lot more than you think.

When people hear I’ve spent much of my career as a curator, they usually think of white gloves and dusty shelves. They picture someone moving artifacts around in neat little boxes.

I don't move boxes, I open them.

Curators are skilled project managers, producers, content writers, workshop facilitators, and media spokespeople, all at once. The role demands expertise in managing budgets, teams, vendors, and contractors, as well as teaching, coaching, speaking to audiences, and building partnerships. It is often high-pressure, requiring the simultaneous delivery of multiple projects, each with its own deadlines, budgets, teams and deliverables, while balancing hands-on administration, creative problem-solving and broader strategic goals.

These skills are the foundation of what I bring. My super-power is seeing opportunities, pitching ideas, and making them happen. From concept to completion, I bring together the people, resources, and details needed to make things happen. Here, you'll find examples of the many different ideas I've brought to life.

During a 10,000-square-foot facility expansion in Surrey, BC, I spotted an opportunity to transform an aging atrium into a memorable "wow" moment aligned with the organization's mission. I convinced leadership that a modest investment could make a big impact, then brought the idea to life by bringing together the talent, funding, and resources needed to deliver it. The result? A spectacular 45 x 15 foot mural made from 44,000 community and archival photos, that put the people of Surrey right into the walls of their own public space! Nearly a decade later, it's still an iconic and beloved feature of the building.

In Calgary, AB, I led the creation of a fully realised public-facing destination, shaping everything from the physical environment to its identity and purpose. I worked with architects and project teams to ensure the space would function as intended, while developing the vision, brand identity, policies, and programming. I also provided the creative direction for a poster campaign that won a Gold Medal from the New York Society of Illustrators, and initiated a TV ad that drove a 150% jump in attendance.

At my core, I’m a storyteller and connector. I’ve brought ideas to life with many collaborators, including Indigenous and cultural communities, and artists, through displays, documentary films, radio, and other content and projects.

I work a bit like an Iron Chef in the workplace. Give me a random box of ingredients, and I'll find a way to make it work. I also love being out in the community, building relationships, sharing ideas, and bringing people together.

I’m currently open to new opportunities and would love to connect.

Project Leadership | Programs | Community Engagement | Partnerships