Where Creativity and Progress Meet

Advancing the Value of
artistic creativity through Webbed Communities, Intersecting Priorities and holistic Benefits.

About Proctor Shift Consulting...

Proctor Shift Consulting drives strategic cross-sector development by focusing on sustainable and holistic pathways. We activate engagement through strategic and operational planning, evaluation, facilitation, research and public presentations that support the stabilization and growth of intersecting communities including the arts ecosystem. We advocate for how artistic and creative value intrinsically drives social, community, human, and economic development. Our methods are evidence-based, grounded in academic research.

VISION

Connect wide, diverse networks that support artists' creative insights and creative practices to enhance social, creative and economic realms. We envision a future where artists are both respected for their intrinsic societal value and their impact on holistic sustainable futures.

MISSION

Bridge opportunity through collaboration, research, planning, and facilitation roles both for and with creatives and organizations. We create complementary and accessible opportunities to benefit a wide range of intersecting communities.

Biography — Cate Proctor


Cate Proctor MBA is an author, leader and forward thinker of business and cultural sector development. As Founder and Principal of Proctor Shift Consulting, she promotes the value of the arts ecosystem, bridging creative artistic assets to holistic community outcomes with local, national, and international impacts. In 2017, Ottawa-Vanier Member of Parliament, Mona Fortier, recognized Cate's contributions with the presentation of a Canada 150 Sesquicentennial Pin.

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, case studies, and arts management experience into strategies and tactics that advance mutual benefits and partnerships between artists, arts sector intermediaries, creative industries, business and government leaders. The book was reviewed by Ruth Rentschler at the International Journal of Arts Management with publication pending.

Cate has held executive management roles at theatres, music festivals, multi-disciplinary arts hubs, business service organizations, municipalities, and overseen large-scale building projects. She has produced live events and television shows/content.

Her consulting practice includes governance, art + health, climate change, affordable housing, asset-based community development, and social justice. Her human-centered, equitable approach shares knowledge, generates trust, deepens curiosity, and advances community engagement and buy-in. She is highly skilled at facilitating partnerships, managing large-scale projects, strategic planning, policy development, fundraising, non-profit operations, and defining effective recommendations for unique challenges.

Cate holds an Executive Master of Business Administration degree, a Certified in International Trade Professional (CITP) designation, marketing and audio production diplomas, and EDI certificates. She is a member of Arts Consultants Canada; a member of the Ottawa Cultural Research Group; a former founding Co-Chair of Mass Culture's Research Working Group; former member of Canadian Arts Coalition. She works in English and enjoys learning French as her second language.

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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