A new executive director has been appointed by the Board of Directors of the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge.
With a deep-rooted commitment to the arts and a proven track record of leadership in the Lethbridge creative community, Steven Foord is poised to guide the AAC into its next chapter of growth and advocacy.
Foord brings over 15 years of experience in the local arts scene, beginning as a musician and evolving into a key cultural leader.
As one of the founders of The Owl Acoustic Lounge, Foord played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant creative hub. Since joining the AAC in 2024 as manager of engagement, he has expanded membership and enhanced organizational efficiency – while continuing to champion the arts in Lethbridge.
His volunteer work, including South Country Fair, Shaela Miller’s Youth Songwriting Retreat and the Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone further reflects his dedication to the community.
“Lethbridge has this ridiculously strong arts community,” notes Foord. “It’s not just a strong arts community for a city of our size – it’s a strong arts community full-stop. It’s incredibly impressive. All the kudos, in that regard, go towards the people doing the work, making art and the other functions of making art organizations work and doing all that legwork. A lot of times it’s volunteer positions. It’s this giant ecosystem of things that comes from passion about what the arts is about.”
According to Foord, this passion extends to various aspects of mental health and well-being, as well. “That make a city worth living in.”
The arts, Foord explains, was transformational in his life. “In terms of the mental health aspect of it. It really changed me.”
Foord also wants to make sure the arts scene continues in Lethbridge for the next generation. “That we continue to build on the work of the people that came before us. It’s already great, but how do we make it even better and how do we expand it.”
After the learning curve is behind Foord in his new role, there’s always work to be done, which includes advocacy.
“It’s reminding people the arts should be an apolitical thing. It’s not about left or right. Art transcends all of those categorizations,” adds Foord.
There’s an equal amount of validity in picking your kids up from a hockey tournament, as there would be in picking up your kids from a dance recital, Foord says. “These are longer term visions we should look into and work with community partners.”
“We’re all on the same team. Let’s find ways to do new things and keep building on this beautiful collection of an arts community we already have,” says Foord.
To mark Foord’s professional transition, the AAC invites you to its Annual General Meeting Mar. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Casa. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Foord speak about his vision for the AAC and the arts in Lethbridge.
Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected].
