Big news from Common Ground!
It’s been a historic chapter for Common Ground Arts Society. Today, we announce the start of a new one.
Since 2020, we’ve:
- Launched RISER Edmonton, our producer training program which has launched 16 new indie productions which have gone to several post-RISER engagements and award nominations;
- Expanded our Found Festival Fresh AiR Residence to launch some of the largest presentations in the Festival’s history;
- Debuted the Prairie Mainstage Series to connect artists and audiences with new independent theatre across the prairie provinces;
- More than doubled our annual investments in artists and arts workers;
- Received a first Sterling Award nomination for a Common Ground presentation (now totalling 13 nominations and seven wins);
- And so much more.
As we look ahead to the next chapter of investments in independent arts in Edmonton, today we announce our search for the next generation of leadership for Common Ground Arts Society.
At the end of five years, Managing Producer Mac Brock and Found Festival Director Whittyn Jason will depart the organization and welcome a new leadership team in late 2026.
“Working with Common Ground has been the most rewarding and challenging privilege of my career,” says outgoing Managing Producer Mac Brock. “I am immensely proud of the team we’ve developed, the stories we’ve supported, and the infrastructure we’ve built to offer artists opportunities to connect and experiment. It’s a perfect time for a new leader to make sure we never stop learning, improving, and throwing things at the wall to see what sticks.”
“After five festivals under my belt, it’s the right time to pass on the reins,” says outgoing Found Festival Director Whittyn Jason. “Helming this festival has taught me so much about artistic leadership and has allowed me the privilege of programming the artists and projects I want to see in the greater contemporary landscape. I’ve been grateful that through Found Festival, I have had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with seemingly endless incredible artists; this includes the adaptive, creative, and kind team working behind the scenes. Mac Brock and our Common Ground team make it easy and joyful to say yes to the complex stuff.”
“What Mac and Whittyn have done for Common Ground is nothing short of transformational,” says Board President Ainsley Hillyard. “We are so proud of the work they have done and where Common Ground finds itself today because of it. We wish Mac and Whittyn all the best in their future endeavours, and will certainly be following along with their successes. Myself and the CGAS board of directors are excited for this next chapter. We look forward to welcoming and supporting our new team members, and continuing to lead the organization with thoughtfulness, ambition and care.”
Mac and Whittyn will remain in their roles through the upcoming RISER New Works Festival (May 2026) and Found Festival (July 2026).
A leadership search will be announced shortly, with incoming staff working alongside existing staff through 2026 programming thanks to support from the Edmonton Arts Council’s Invent & Adapt program.
Click to learn more about Common Ground Arts Society’s history and programming.