L'Imagier Art Centre Announces Departure of Director Leonore-Namkha Beschi to Pursue New Opportunity in Dubai

Tashi Farmilo

L’Imagier Art Centre, a cultural hub located in Gatineau, Quebec, announces the upcoming departure of its Director, Leonore-Namkha Beschi, on July 28th, 2023. Beschi, who took over the reins of L'Imagier in November 2020, has played a key role in expanding the Centre’s artistic and community outreach programs during her tenure.


In a statement, Beschi said she was leaving to pursue a new opportunity in Dubai that aligns with her personal and professional goals. She expressed gratitude for the chance to contribute to L’Imagier’s growth and success, saying, “It has been an honour for me to contribute to a space that has the power to transform individuals and its surrounding communities.”


Under Beschi's leadership, L'Imagier Art Centre established a thriving community of artists, curators, cultural workers, and art lovers of all backgrounds. She worked to create new partnerships and expand outreach programs, including the Human Touch Instagram Residency series, the outdoor public art screening series, community outreach events and workshops, the music festival Cultivé Ici/Homegrown, and the music series Impromptus.


François Lachapelle, President of L’Imagier’s Board of Directors, expressed sadness at Beschi’s departure but praised her visionary leadership. "The Board of Directors of L'Imagier is committed to managing a period of orchestrated transition to harmonize continuity, the maintenance of assets and the opening toward new horizons,” he said.


Despite Beschi's departure, L'Imagier Art Centre will continue to provide high-quality programming and events for the community. As Beschi noted, "Art reflects our culture, our values, and our aspirations. It has the power to inspire, to provoke, to heal and to unite. L’Imagier is a catalyst for all these values."


The news of Beschi's departure has been met with sadness by the community, but many are also expressing their gratitude for her contributions to the Centre. "We are so grateful for all that Leonore-Namkha Beschi has done for L’Imagier," said one artist who has exhibited work at the Centre. "She leaves big shoes to fill, but we know that the Centre will continue to be a vibrant and welcoming space for artists and art lovers alike.



Photo Caption: Leonore-Namkha Beschi, Director of L’Imagier at the L’Imagier Art Centre (TF), announces her departure.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of L’Imagier