Former National Ballet prima ballerina Karen Kain has been appointed Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts and that’s good news, says York Professor Penelope Reed Doob, Chair of the Department of Dance, Faculty of Fine Arts.
"This is very exciting," said Reed Doob. "Karen is a highly articulate and passionate defender of all the arts. She is an absolutely charming lobbyist who is not at all afraid to talk to politicians in a forceful way."
Right: Karen Kain, new Chair of Canada Council for the Arts
Reed Doob, who is also professor of English and women’s studies at York and co-author with the late Stephen Godfrey of Karen Kain: Movement Never Lies, said the appointment will be a boon to the arts in Canada. "Most people know her as a dancer but she is extremely knowledgeable about all the fine arts. She is very good in the spotlight at functions and in people’s offices lobbying for the arts."
Kain, who has served as president of several boards and charitable associations, will remain as artistic associate with the National Ballet of Canada, said Reed Doob.
York recognized Kain’s achievements with the National Ballet in 1979 by conferring on her the honorary degree Doctor of Letters, Dance-Ballet.