Halifax Pride hired Adam Reid as its first Executive Director. Adam’s 15 years experience spans the not-for-profit sector, including festival coordination and LGBT2Q+ event management.
Originally from St. John’s, NL, Adam grew up in Riverview, NB. His early connection to the arts and cultural communities led him to study theatre at Acadia University. After graduating in 2002 and working in event management for the French Consulate in Moncton, NB, Adam pursued further education in the Cultural Administration program at HEC Montreal. There, he excelled in project direction and leadership while honing his skills in event coordination.
When he finished his studies, he knew he wanted to come home to start his career.
“Halifax always struck me as the cultural centre of Atlantic Canada” says Adam. “I could clearly envision myself building a life here. The strong LGBT2Q+ presence, combined with a feeling of home, made returning to the Maritimes an easy decision.”
Part of the life he wanted to build in Halifax included a queer, community-focused theatre festival. In 2009, Adam contributed to the launch of the Queer Acts Theatre Festival. As a Director, and with his guidance and commitment, Queer Acts grew into the largest LGBT2Q+ theatre festival in Canada.
Through Adam’s leadership, Queer Acts has featured diverse artists from around the country and attracted sold-out crowds.
“It’s been really rewarding hosting fantastic shows by diverse artists from across our country” said Adam. “Allowing local queer performers to have a platform to express themselves and show their work brings with it a sense of pride.”
With 15 years of work as a volunteer, employee, coordinator, and director of queer events and festivals in Halifax, and Atlantic Canada, Adam has developed expertise in budgets, marketing, communications, fundraising, and logistics. Adam volunteered as a board member with Halifax Pride from 2009 to 2014 and worked in a contract position as Sponsorship Coordinator for the 2016 year. He now brings his combined volunteer and professional experience to his new position.
While his experience has made him professionally suited to execute Halifax’s Pride Festival, he knows his role in the organization will demand much more of him.
“Recognizing the challenges that lay ahead, my first priority is to listen to the community” said Adam. “I will meet face-to-face with community members to ensure the festival reflects their diversity. Through collaboration and cooperation, we can build a festival everyone can be proud of.”
Adam is Halifax Pride’s first paid employee and hopes the level of consistency and structure the position adds to Halifax Pride will lead to a more open, accessible, and transparent organization for the community.
Adam will be reaching out to community members directly but encourages anyone who would like to speak with him to send an email to adam@halifaxpride.com.
