Harnessing the power of story and strategy to help you deepen impact, lead with integrity and connect with new audiences.

Founded in 2023 by cultural strategist, writer and editor Britt Gallpen, VELA Arts is a boutique consultancy that supports arts, publishing and non-profit organizations and leaders in building sustainable and responsive businesses that put people and creativity first.

What we do

  • Strategic Visioning and Planning
    Audience Research and Market Positioning
    Mission and Vision Development
    Program and Process Evaluation

  • Governance Support and Recruitment
    Succession Planning
    Executive Coaching
    Policy Development

  • Communications Strategy
    Fundraising and Impact Storytelling
    Editorial Production and Content Creation
    Grant Writing and Reporting

Select Clients

  • One of Britt’s standout strengths is her ability to see the broader picture within a complex organizational structure, such as that of Global Affairs Canada. She is highly adept at identifying strategic opportunities and offering thoughtful, actionable recommendations that align with both long-term goals and project-based initiatives. Her insights have helped guide our communications strategy through periods of significant transformation, always with clarity and purpose.

    Kerry Goodfellow

    Director & Curator, Visual Art Collection
    GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA

  • I have known Britt professionally for many years and had the opportunity to hire her on a major project for the Art Gallery of Ontario in 2024. Britt excels at curatorial research, writing and overall management of large projects. She displays a high level of professionalism and discretion, and I would highly recommend her for future projects.

    Debbie Johnsen

    Assistant Curator, Contemporary Art
    ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO

  • It has been an immense pleasure to work with Britt on our strategic plan. She is detail oriented, timely, and a wealth of sector knowledge. Her process platforms staff to share and she takes the time needed to dig deep on tensions/issues to think through and brainstorm strategy with the groups she works with. Britt really goes above and beyond with her clients taking the time to rethink the process and respond to the moment and shifting needs.

    Shaun Dacey

    Director
    RICHMOND ART GALLERY

  • Is it contrived to liken Britt's support to eyeglasses for the brain? Shortly after being recommended to me, Britt reached out to set up a discovery call. She expertly steered the conversation to discern the nuances of the organization and stakeholders of this forty-year-old publication. A suggested framework for working together, with action items designed to kickstart momentum, immediately followed. Britt spearheaded an ambitious five-year strategic plan to align the mission with existing and new resources and goals — critical for a sustainable future in a precarious industry. As a result, the Board felt equipped to lead with clarity and confidence. Britt is infectiously ambitious and a joy to work with.

    Jasmin Fookes

    Former Managing Editor
    BLACKFLASH MAGAZINE

VELA Arts is based in North Vancouver on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

hello@velaarts.ca

We can’t wait to meet you.