The TAPA and PAIS Boards of Directors announced today that, after an incredible 21-year journey of unwavering dedication and service, Jacoba Knaapen has decided to step down from her role as Executive Director at the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) at the end of December 2024.
Jacoba has worked tirelessly and leaves a profound legacy of impactful programs and services, such as: TRIP (Travel, Retreat Initiative Program), the TAPA TRADE SERIES, the JON KAPLAN AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD, the LEONARD McHARDY and JOHN HARVEY AWARD, and most recently, the RAY FERRIS INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY GRANT.
Jacoba’s development of the TAPA Stats Reports and the TAPA Audience Report and her founding of the municipal ARTS DAY AT THE CITY have led to significant policy changes in Toronto. Her role as the outgoing Chair of ARTSVOTE, and her production of four Mayoral Arts Debates from 2010 to 2023, have become a staple part of municipal arts advocacy.
Jacoba Knaapen reflected, “I am deeply grateful to the dedicated TAPA team members, both past and present, who have worked alongside me. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have served on the TAPA and PAIS Boards of Directors, forming the brain trust that drives our activities. (…) As I step down, I am confident that this is the perfect moment for new leadership to guide the organization into its promising future.”