Where Creativity and Progress Meet

Advancing
THE ARTS, Community & Business...

About Proctor Shift Consulting...

Proctor Shift Consulting drives strategic arts sector development by focusing on sustainable and holistic pathways. We activate engagement through strategic planning, facilitation, research and public presentations to support the stabilization and growth of the entire arts ecosystem. The company also advocates for greater understanding of the arts sectors’ creative value among stakeholders, in particular how it intrinsically drives social, community and economic development. Our methods are evidence-based, grounded in academic research.

VISION

Our vision is to connect artists to wide, diverse networks, supporting their insight and creative practice to enhance their impact within social, creative and economic realms. We envision a future where the arts are both respected for their intrinsic societal value and impact toward a sustainable future.

MISSION

Our mission is to bridge opportunity among arts 'believers', 'non-believers', and stakeholders by showcasing the value of the arts through research, planning, and facilitation roles. We create opportunities that build local, intersecting communities for artists to realize global audiences and appreciation.

Biography — Cate Proctor


M. Catherine (Cate) Proctor, MBA, is an author and leader of arts and cultural sector development, currently focused on developing affordable housing for artists and arts workers, working with PAL Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing and other community partners. As Founder and Principal of Proctor Shift Consulting, Cate interprets and promotes the value of the arts ecosystem, bridging the importance of creative artistic assets to holistic community outcomes with local, national, and international impacts.

She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration degree, a Certified in International Trade Professional (CITP) designation, and marketing and audio production diplomas. She is a member and former Vice-President and Marketing Committee Co-Chair at Arts Consultants Canada (ACCA), member and former Co-Chair of Mass Culture's Research Working Group, former Board member of Evolution Theatre, and she supports arts research opportunities at acedmic and sector levels. In 2017, Ottawa-Vanier Member of Parliament, Mona Fortier, presented Cate a Canada 150 Sesquicentennial Pin for her contribution to arts and culture development.

In September 2020, Cate published her first book Leverage the Arts Ecosystem to Influence Local Prosperity – A partnership guide for arts administrators and community builders. This evidence-based resource distills academic research, arts sector findings, and arts management experience into strategies and tactics that advance mutual benefits and partnerships between artists, arts sector intermediaries, creative industries, business leaders and municipal leaders. In July 2020, Cate co-authored the Arts and Culture Chapter in the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternative's 2020 Alternative Federal Budget Recovery Plan on behalf of Mass Culture.

As former executive director, managing director, and operations manager at theatres and music festivals, Cate oversaw improved revenue generation and operational outcomes. She built teams that generated trust, shaped holistic results, deepened curiosity, and advanced community outreach through successful programming, fundraising and community-driven outcomes.

A comprehensive career outline is available via Cate’s LinkedIn profile.

Cate’s Membership & Arts Sector Support Focus:

Arts Consultants Canada
Arts Pond
Canadian Arts Coalition
Canadian Association for the Performing Arts
Mass Culture
PAL Ottawa
Propeller Dance

 
Arturo Segura, Director, University of Ottawa — Ontario, Canada “With her diverse experience in the Arts & Culture Sector, along with her business executive training, Cate Proctor is able to bridge the arts with other sectors through innovative partnerships. Cate developed TEDx style presentations to engage our undergraduate students focusing on research in the arts, which elevated their understanding of applying their expertise to important socio-economic contexts.”
Genevieve Cimon, Director of Music Education, National Arts Centre — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada “Cate Proctor wrote an excellent report for a music alliance group in Ottawa. She was a pleasure to work with and provided helpful materials the group could work with.”
Ron Atkinson, Economic Development Officer, City of Charlottetown — Prince Edward Island, Canada “Cate developed a strategic plan on arts and culture for the City of Charlottetown which encompassed support for artists, development of a shared vision, integration of the cultural community and business community, and creation of distinctiveness. The project was presented to the City and was well received. Cate has valuable experience in both the business community, and the cultural community and has worked with players in both areas.”
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