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 cross-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 communities that intersect with the 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 creative insights and creative practice to enhance impacts within 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

Our mission is to bridge opportunity through collaboration, research, planning, and facilitation roles both for and with creatives and organizations. We create opportunities that build local, complementary, accessible, intersecting communities for all stakeholders.

Biography — Cate Proctor


Cate Proctor, MBA, is an author, leader and innovator of business and cultural sector development. As Founder and Principal of Proctor Shift Consulting, she 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, 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. A book review by the International Journal of Arts Management is pending (2024).

She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration degree, a Certified in International Trade Professional (CITP) designation, and both marketing and audio production diplomas. She is a member of Arts Consultants Canada (former Vice-President, Marketing Committee); a member of the Ottawa Cultural Research Group; a former member and founding Co-Chair of Mass Culture's Research Working Group; and actively researches initiatives tied to climate change, affordable housing, asset-based community development, emerging governance models, and cross-sector collaboration. 

Cate's leadership at theatres, music festivals, multi-disciplinary arts hubs, business service organizations, municipalities, and large-scale renovation/building projects deliver effective recommendations and results that drive long-term success for her clients. 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 and managing large-scale projects as well as strategic planning, governance, policy development, fundraising, operations, and defining solutions for unique challenges clients present.

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