After 30 years working in the arts and culture sector, The Arts Firm Founder and Managing Director Erika Beatty has decided it’s time to close out her “third act”, retiring to sail and travel with her husband, Michael Hodgett.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead The Arts Firm, to coordinate a brilliant, determined, warm and creative group of associates and experts. Since 2018 we have delivered more than 40 projects for clients from across the country, in projects ranging from business planning, digital strategy, income development, governance and operations, cultural export research, creative expertise and community venue needs.
My first career as a not for profit orchestra CEO shifted into second gear thanks to work with the Nova Scotia for profit screen industry. The Arts Firm grew out of this experience as a for profit consulting group available to respond quickly and with deep, specific intelligence to the diverse needs of Canadian artists and not for profit arts organizations.
I’m very proud to turn over the wheel to two of our most experienced, involved and respected consultants and directors for the next stage of The Arts Firm’s story!
In addition to the many associates, clients, and employers who put their trust in me over the years, I’d also like to thank The Canada Council for the Arts, the John Hobday Award and the Banff Centre for the Arts. Bravo! … and ‘What’s Next?’”
Erika has been a source of inspiration to many of us, a supporter of the next generation of arts and culture leaders in Canada, and a warm and welcoming presence. We wish her so many new and wonderful memories in the future, and know she won’t remain a stranger!
Bon voyage, Erika.
What’s next at The Arts Firm?
With Erika sailing away, there are some changes in ownership at The Arts Firm. We are delighted to welcome new owners and Principals, Michael Morreale and Tim Crouch.
Michael and Tim have been working closely with Erika as Directors at The Arts Firm for a number of years, and have helped shape the company since almost the beginning. With their vast experience in the arts and culture sector, they are looking forward to continuing to build on the work Erika began and partnering with clients on future projects.
Need a hand? Contact The Arts Firm any time to discuss your next project.
For Background
Erika Beatty
Founder (retiring May 1, 2025)
Founding managing director Erika Beatty (2018 – 2025) established The Arts Firm after a 25 year career leading arts and creative organizations in various regions of Canada. She saw small to mid-sized arts organizations needing access to specialized cultural and not for profit expertise not available through standard management consulting firms. She also knew brilliant arts workers reluctantly leaving their positions, their organizations and the field while at the top of their game. The Arts Firm was created as a place for clients to connect with consultants, and for consultants to build the supportive community we all need to deliver great work, build the skills we need for the next stage in a challenging career, and to leave a proud legacy of extraordinary achievement. Erika received the Canada Council’s John Hobday Award for excellence in arts administration in 2012.
Michael Morreale
Owner & Principal
Michael Morreale is a strategist and arts consultant with deep experience in marketing, digital transformation, and audience engagement. At The Arts Firm, he supports organizations across Canada in strengthening their capacity through tailored consulting, training, and planning. With a background in both the arts and digital media, Michael brings a creative yet analytical lens to every project. His work helps arts organizations adapt, grow, and connect meaningfully with their communities. He is also President at Morreale Digital, a video production company in Toronto.
Tim Crouch
Owner & Principal
Tim Crouch is a highly motivated and energetic arts and culture administrator, with experience in marketing, sales, communications, and general management of both large and small classical music organizations. He is passionate about problem-solving issues facing arts and culture organizations in Canadian communities, and creating structures and processes to make visions become a reality. He also believes in instilling a sense of entrepreneurialism in all artists.
His past and current work has been with organizations of all sizes, including Tafelmusik, Soundstreams, Maryland Film Festival, Musicworks Magazine, the JUNOs, Orchestras Canada, Bloor Street Culture Corridor, Loose Tea Music Theatre, Toronto Bach Festival, Young Associates, Guild Festival Theatre, Kawartha Lakes Arts Council, Niagara Symphony Orchestra, and the Kawartha Art Gallery. He holds a Masters in Flute Performance from the University of Toronto, and his favourite place to be is reading a good book on a dock.
