Ontario Arts Council Officer Steps Down to Focus on Writing Career

Toronto, October 18, 2002 —   Paul-François Sylvestre, Franco-Ontarian Officer at the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), today announced that he would be leaving OAC at the end of November to dedicate himself more fully to his career as a writer.

“Paul-François worked hard to raise the profile of OAC’s programs in the Franco-Ontarian artistic community, many of whose members live in communities that are geographically isolated from one another,” said John Brotman, OAC Executive Director.  “During his five years with the OAC, Paul-François has witnessed the steady growth of artistic excellence in many of the community’s artistic organizations.” 

Mr. Sylvestre played an important role in supporting the creation of Réseau Ontario, a performing arts touring network in the Franco-Ontarian community that is now responsible for Contact ontarois – an annual showcase that promotes Francophone performing artists to both community-based arts presenters and professional presenters in Ontario. 

A published author and an authority on Franco-Ontarian history, Mr. Sylvestre’s most recent novel is Sissy ou une adolescence singulière.  Mr. Sylvestre will work closely with OAC to assure a smooth transition prior to his departure on November 30^th. OAC will begin the search process to find a new Franco-Ontarian Arts Officer in November.

OAC Media Contact: Kirsten Gunter, Manager of Communications
Tel: (416) 969-7403. Toll-free outside of Toronto: 1-800-387-0058, ext. 7403.
E-mail: kgunter@arts.on.ca