Their involvement with the Royal Ontario Museum spans three decades. Mr. Temerty served on the Board of Governors for over two decades, including as Chair during the Renaissance ROM campaign, which transformed the institution and nearly doubled its public galleries. Their generosity helped shape the Museum as it stands today, from community partnerships that brought new exhibitions to life, to landmark gifts that remove barriers and welcome new audiences through its doors.

“James and Louise share a remarkable, deeply held generosity of spirit that is selfless and far-reaching,” shares Janice Price, President & CEO, ROM Governors. “Their leadership gift to endow free access programs at ROM is a signature example of their generosity, which contributes to a strong culture of philanthropy that attracted new communities and inspired others to get involved.”

At The Royal Conservatory of Music, the Temertys have invested as deeply in artists and youth as in the institution itself. Through endowed scholarships at the Glenn Gould School, support for the groundbreaking Smart Start early childhood program, and a transformative lead gift that launched the Resounding! campaign, their impact resonates across generations.

“Their steadfast belief in the power of music and the arts to enrich lives and strengthen communities has had an extraordinary impact on the RCM and across Canada’s cultural landscape,” says Alexander Brose, President & CEO, The Royal Conservatory of Music.

Through their exemplary generosity, Louise and James Temerty continue to strengthen Canada’s arts and culture sector through a legacy of far-reaching philanthropy and service.

Price has held senior leadership roles at some of North America’s most celebrated cultural institutions, including the Stratford Festival, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Luminato Festival, and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. She is currently President and CEO of ROM Governors, where she is responsible for all philanthropic activities in support of the Royal Ontario Museum’s mission.

“Janice leads with a clear sense of purpose, pairing strategic thinking with a long-term vision for sustainable growth,” shares Jeff Willner, Chair, ROM Board of Governors. “She strengthens institutions by building strong teams, cultivating meaningful partnerships, and creating the conditions for lasting impact.”

Price has also served on numerous boards and advisory councils, including the International Society for the Performing Arts, Culture Days, Toronto Arts Foundation, and Business / Arts, among others. Beyond her institutional impact, she has dedicated herself to mentoring arts leaders, opening doors and connecting people across the sector.

“Janice’s passion for the arts is infectious, her creativity is extraordinary, and her work ethic is admirable,” says Anita Gaffney, Executive Director, Stratford Festival. “Colleagues at every level of the field, myself included, regularly turn to her for advice on the strategic direction of the arts. There are countless professionals who will name Janice Price as one of their most cherished mentors.”

As Executive Director of 5X Festival, Canada’s largest South Asian youth festival, she champions Punjabi music, art, and culture, supporting emerging artists. Beyond the festival, she is also the founder SHOR, a national initiative supporting the South Asian music industry, and championed MusicBC’s Amplify Music Fund. As Founder of Women Behind the Sound, she elevates women working behind the scenes in music. She previously served as Director of Marketing and Communications for the Vancouver JUNO Host Committee, delivering large-scale programming that engaged diverse audiences across British Columbia.

“Neesha is a trusted partner and a catalyst for change,” says Nate Sabine, Director of Business Development at Blueprint Entertainment and Chair of the Canadian Live Music Association. “Her leadership has strengthened Canada’s arts and music ecosystem by expanding access, elevating representation, and raising the standard for how institutions engage with diverse communities.”

“What distinguishes Neesha is her long-term commitment to community, working quietly behind the scenes to elevate diverse voices,” says Sanjay Seran and Kal Mattu, artists and members of Delhi 2 Dublin. “She has supported the South Asian music ecosystem through its earliest grassroots days and now through a moment of renewed national visibility.”

Through entrepreneurship, advocacy, and leadership, Hothi has helped strengthen pathways for artists and cultural workers. She consistently focuses on expanding access, elevating South Asian and other underrepresented voices, and creating more opportunities for artists to be seen and supported.

That belief continues to shape MacLeod Group’s approach to partnership. Through long-standing relationships and active involvement on community and arts boards, the organization supports the people and spaces that bring communities together.

“More than thirty-five years ago, Brian and Irene MacLeod became the theatre’s first donors, writing a cheque for $250 to help secure our charitable status,” says Andrea Boyd, Artistic Director of Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre. “That act of generosity sparked a relationship that would transform our organization and our region.”

“Not only has the MacLeod Group demonstrated profound leadership through their philanthropic commitment, they have encouraged others to join them on that path,” shares Emmy Alcorn, Artistic Director of Mulgrave Road Theatre. “Their influence on Canadian arts and culture, especially in rural and underserved communities, has been significant, wide-reaching, and lasting.”

Across its partnerships, MacLeod Group has supported a broad range of community organizations across the Maritimes including the Antigonish Highland Games Society, Festival Antigonish, Mulgrave Road Theatre, St. Francis Xavier University Art Gallery, Mount Allison University, Nova Scotia Community College, St. Martha’s Hospital Foundation, the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation and more. This support reflects a deep commitment to care, community, and the role of culture, education, and health in strengthening collective wellbeing.

Jamii, Swahili for “community”, is a dynamic arts organization dedicated to fostering connection, belonging, and creative participation through inclusive arts experiences. Anchored by Berkeley Castle’s restored 19th-century industrial complex, the partnership has created welcoming spaces where artists, residents, and audiences of all ages can gather, create, and connect.

“At the heart of Jamii is a belief in the power of the arts to bring people together”, shares Isorine Marc, Founder and Artistic/Executive Director, Jamii. “We create spaces where neighbours, artists, and families feel connected to one another and to the community around them.” 

What began in 2011 with Berkeley Castle lending a projector and screen for Jamii’s first community movie night, has grown into one of Toronto’s most impactful neighbourhood arts collaborations. Together, they have presented more than 400 arts events, engaged over 600 artists, and welcomed nearly 100,000 participants and audience members through initiatives including the Wayo Children’s Festival, LAINI youth leadership programs, Belonging workshops for older adults, and large-scale public art activations.

Berkeley Castle’s sustained support through space, resources, mentorship, and long-term stewardship helped make possible the Jamii Hub, now a year-round home for community arts, artist development, and intergenerational gathering.

“For us, this partnership is about investing in place-making through the arts — and continuing to evolve alongside the community it serves,” says Linda Leistner, Manager, Berkeley Castle. “We’re proud to help build a cultural home where artists, residents, and community life can grow together.”

Together, Jamii and Berkeley Castle have created a powerful model for neighbourhood cultural development rooted in creativity, belonging, and shared civic commitment.

“This partnership is a living continuation of the values that guided the original development of the Esplanade: human-scaled, inclusive, and community-centered. Their dedication, vision, and measurable impact exemplify the transformative power of arts-business partnerships, and they serve as a model for communities across Canada.” – The Honourable David Crombie, O.C., O.Ont., Former Mayor of Toronto