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.

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.

Here’s what others have to say: 

“Neesha is a trusted partner and a catalyst for change. 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.”
— Nate Sabine, Director of Business Development at Blueprint Entertainment and Chair of the Canadian Live Music Association

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

Named after the founding president of Business / Arts, the Arnold Edinborough Award recognizes a young changemaker who has made an outstanding contribution to the Canadian arts sector.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Award Recipients! 

Visit businessandarts.org/awards to learn more about the Business / Arts Awards celebration and to get to know this year’s exceptional recipients.