Background
Established in 2013, Debaser has become one of Ottawa’s leading independent and underground music presenters, best known for its experimental music curation and inclusive events. In January 2019, Debaser incorporated as a non-profit organization, and in 2021 hired its first staff. Since then, it has grown from an ad-hoc volunteer-run collective into a growing non-profit organization with three full-time staff positions. Debaser is a reputable source for forward-thinking and thoughtfully curated programming, mandated to support underrepresented, equity-deserving, and outsider art and artists; catalyze artist-driven and collaborative projects; and create inclusive and responsive community spaces that cultivate shared understanding, joy, and social impact.
Debaser is seeking new board members who share our passion for boundary-pushing creative music and art, and our commitment to fostering safer and more inclusive cultural spaces. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about music and art presentation, enthusiastic (to learn) about governance and policy, dedicated to diversity and inclusion, and interested in supporting the growth of a developing arts organization. Previous board or nonprofit experience is not required.
Details
Time commitment: approx. 4-6 hours per month
Board meetings: 6-8 annually
Committee meetings: 4-6 annually
Term: 2 years
Start date: April 2024
This is a volunteer position. Any reasonable expenses incurred while acting in your role as board member will be covered by Debaser.
Please note that board members are typically not eligible for paid opportunities with Debaser during their board term, including artistic engagements. Occasional exceptions may be made subject to Debaser’s conflict of interest policy and procedure.
How to submit
If you are interested, please send a brief message to hello@debaser.ca, including:
Your name and contact information (email and phone)
Your city/town of residence*
What interests you about being a member of the Debaser board
If applicable, your knowledge and experiences relevant to the position, including but not limited to non-profit governance, administration, accounting, nonprofit or entertainment law, fundraising event production, DIY community organizing, or an arts practice.
Your access needs**
*Applicants do not need to be based in Ottawa to apply, however due to Debaser’s grant funding requirements, we do have a minimum requirement for Ottawa-based board members. This may come into consideration during our deliberation process.
**We strive to accommodate the access needs of a wide range of abilities, and appreciate any guidance or direction on how we may meet your needs.
Submissions close on April 12, 2024 at midnight.
Debaser encourages applicants from groups that are historically and currently identified as targets of oppression, including Black, Indigenous, people of colour, 2SLGBTQIA, disabled folks and women. We recognize that in Canada, legacies of oppression are perpetuated through, among other things, hiring and recruitment practices. We strive to participate in restorative justice by implementing socially just recruitment practices that counter these pressures. Applicants are welcome to voluntarily self-identify as a member of one of these groups.