The McMichael Canadian Art Collection | THE ART OF INCLUSION

For two years, Ola was the EnAbling Change Project Coordinator at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, where she spearheaded an accessibility project supported by the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (Government of Ontario). The national landmark, known for its esteemed collection of Group of Seven works and quirky contemporary Canuck exhibitions, utilized the program to develop and implement accessible and inclusive programs for people living with special needs.

The final product of the project is The Art of Inclusion – a guidelines document that Ola wrote, based on the McMichael’s experience embarking on this journey to provide alternative art programs that fit the needs of people living with various disabilities. From modified paintbrushes and tactile materials to positive vocabulary and program partnerships, the guide features numerous ideas and tips to help other arts and cultural organizations implement similar programming initiatives.

The Art of Inclusion is archived in the Legislative Library of Ontario and Ontario Museums Association Members Resource. Ola and members of the McMichael Programs Department delivered a concurrent workshop as official presenters at the annual Ontario Museums Association Conference in October 2014. The project played a vital role in receiving the 2015 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award in the Accessibility category.

The project was documented, step-by-step, since its inception, through an Accessible Programs blog, where Ola produced, edited and published original content on WordPress.

EDITORIAL MANAGEMENT

Ola is the former Features Editor of CHLOE Magazine. Her responsibilities included pitching stories (while writing an average of 12 per issue), coordinating photoshoots and interviews, managing all staff including wardrobe stylists, makeup artists, aestheticians, manicurists, photographers and videographers, and locations. Ola spent much time on-site during magazine production and oversaw major editorials from set to page. As an editor, Ola also managed all contributing writers. She assigned stories, copyedited and proofread all work.

This opportunity also sent Ola abroad to represent the publication on media trips. From Scottsdale, Arizona, where she wrote a feature on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort to sailing the Solstice with Celebrity Cruises in Seattle Washington, Ola loves stepping outside of her comfort zone to get the story.

DOCUMENTARIES AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

During her final semester at Ryerson University, Ola was the Associate Producer and Senior Researcher of The Fight To Stay, a documentary about the Toronto Roma refugee community, with focus on Bill C-31 and issues with healthcare access.

DIGITAL MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Ola’s passion for creative projects has led her to help some of the country’s most well-known artists and public figures take their brand to the next level. She collaborates with world-renowned Soca DJ and promoter Dr. Jay de Soca Prince, as the content manager and senior blogger of his new mobile app that launched in April 2015.

NON-PROFIT CAMPAIGNS

Whether it be through her writing or volunteer work, Ola is driven to make a difference. In addition to accessibility, Ola has a strong interest in mental health, striving to raise awareness to diminish stigma. Her work with Riverwalk Eating Disorders and Wellness Centres (formerly Eating Disorders of York Region) stems from the Faces of Recovery campaign – a tangible platform for eating disorder survivors to share their stories of courage. By providing written reflections and a portrait that truly defines the individual, audiences are able to understand that recovery is indeed possible. Ola has curated and edited content for the campaign, and also assists with the promotion of various Riverwalk events. Every August, she wears purple and “walks across Canada” during the Remembering Renata Walk to raise awareness of eating disorders.