Where Creativity and Progress Meet

Advancing
THE ARTS, Business & Community...

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, economic and community development. Our methods are evidence-based.

VISION

We envision a world where artists are connected to wide, diverse networks. These connections enhance artists' own work and practices while their insight and creative output impact creative and economic opportunities for all network participants. We see a future where the arts are sustainable.

MISSION

We provide consulting services to and across arts organizations, businesses, community organizations as well as for artists. We help to create opportunities that build local, inter-connected communities, bridging partners for artists to realize global audiences.

Biography — Cate Proctor


M. Catherine (Cate) Proctor, MBA, is an author and leader of arts and cultural sector development, currently focused on consulting and research initiatives. As Founder and Principal of Proctor Shift Consulting, Cate interprets and promotes artistic value and the arts ecosystem, bridging the importance of creative artistic assets to holistic ‘community’ outcomes with local, national, 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 Vice-President at Arts Consultants Canada, Regional Alliance Representative (Ontario - East) for Arts Ponds’ DigitalASO project, Co-Chair of Mass Culture's Research and Policy Working Group, Board member of Evolution Theatre, and she supports arts research opportunities at the University of Ottawa. 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, consultant-driven findings, and management experience into strategies and tactics that advance mutually beneficial relationships between artists, arts sector intermediaries, creative industries, business leaders and municipal leaders. Cate co-authored the Arts and Culture Chapter in the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternative's 2020 Alternative Federal Budget, on behalf of Mass Culture.

As former executive director, managing director, and operations manager at theatres and festivals, Cate oversaw improved revenue generation and operational outcomes. She built teams that generated trust, holistic results, curiosity, and long-term sustainability, benefitting both artists and subsequent partners.

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
DigitalASO
Mass Culture
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.”
Do you have a project in mind to discuss?
I am happy to explore ideas and options with you! Tell me more here