Where Creativity and Progress Meet

Advancing the Value of
the ARTS through Webbed Communities, Intersecting Priorities and Benefits.

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. 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. 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. A book review is pending by the International Journal of Arts Management, an academic journal (2024).

She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration degree, a Certified in International Trade Professional (CITP) designation, and marketing and audio production diplomas. She holds memberships at: Arts Consultants Canada since 2019 (and is former Vice-President); Mass Culture's Research Working Group (and founding Co-Chair in 2020); the Ottawa Culture Research Group; and supports how and when arts research intersects with academia, climate change, societal impacts, and business/community development. 

Having held leadership roles at theatres, music festivals, multi-disciplinary arts hubs, and large-scale renovation/building projects, Through strategic partnerships and communications, Cate facilitated new revenues that increased operational growth. She built teams that generated trust, shaped holistic results, deepened curiosity, and advanced community outreach through successfully shaping 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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