Heather Gibson oversees all non-orchestral music curation at the National Arts Centre (NAC). Her team collaborates with artists from diverse backgrounds, ranging from emerging talents to established legends. Since joining the NAC, Heather has spearheaded innovative and inclusive programs globally, such as participation in EXPO 2020 in Dubai, where she facilitated the presence of 130 artists from various genres over six months. She also initiated the Global Network for Women Music Producers, aimed at supporting women and non-binary music producers.
In 2025, Heather will curate the cultural program for Canada at Expo Osaka 2025, and later this year, she will program Canada Day in Trafalgar Square.
Heather's dedication to the art world includes fostering emerging talent and advocating for equitable representation of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ2S+ artists. In response to the pandemic, she launched the emergency artist support fund #CanadaPerforms. This initiative provided funding equivalent to a season's worth of support to nearly 700 performing artists, writers, non-profit festivals, and organizations.
Heather's career in the performing arts blossomed as an artist manager, co-owner of Halifax's renowned queer listening space, The Company House, and producer of various festivals and special events. In 2023, she received the Women in Music Canada "Excellence in Live" award for her contributions to the live music industry. Additionally, she was honoured with a 2023 Canadian Screen Award for her role as Executive Producer of "Starwalker".