About
The Quinte Arts Council (est. 1967) is the community leader in advancing, cultivating, promoting and advocating for a vibrant and diverse arts community of the Quinte region, while supporting the new generation of artists, offering quality experiences and arts education. The Quinte Arts Council is a registered charitable umbrella organization (#107869448RR0001).
Janet Jarrell (she/her) has always believed in the power of the arts to transform communities, and since stepping into the role of Executive Director at the Quinte Arts Council (QAC) in 2018, she’s been dedicated to making that vision a reality. With a background that blends arts, business, and education, she brings a hands-on approach to strategic planning, not-for-profit finance, and marketing—always with a focus on supporting local artists and amplifying creative voices.
But Janet’s passion for storytelling goes beyond administration. As a published author, she’s written across multiple genres, from books and magazines to poetry, and her editorial expertise has been instrumental in shaping Umbrella, QAC’s flagship publication. For over 15 years, she has championed local artists, preserved historical narratives, and built strong relationships across the artistic, cultural, and heritage sectors—connections that continue to fuel partnerships, sponsorships, and community-building efforts for the QAC.
Beyond QAC, Janet plays a vital role in Ontario’s arts ecosystem. As Co-Chair of the Alliance of Arts Councils of Ontario, she fosters collaboration and resource-sharing among Arts Service Organizations across the province. She also contributes to local economic and cultural development as a community partner with the City of Belleville’s Economic and Destination Development Committee and as a part-time professor at Loyalist College. Her leadership extends into social impact work, having served five years as Chair of Options for Social Growth.
Janet’s commitment to the arts isn’t just professional—it’s personal. She’s dedicated to ensuring that creativity continues to thrive in Quinte and beyond, making space for artists and arts organizations to flourish.
📩 Connect with Janet: janet@quinteartscouncil.org
Drew (he/him) is a multidisciplinary artist from Ontario with a fine arts degree in Film Studies and a postgraduate diploma in Digital Production. An independent filmmaker, designer, podcaster and amateur musician, Drew considers himself first and foremost a muse; he just really loves art and helping passionate artists and artisans realize their vision. From theatre to crafts to music and photography, Drew is committed to enriching the thriving art communities in the Quinte region. Drew has been the graphic designer of the Quinte Arts Council’s Umbrella magazine since 2019 and in 2025 he assumed the role of QAC Program Director.
In the early aughts, Drew began his foray into the art world, making documentaries with his brother Adam, which have been shown around the world on television and international film festivals. For the Gray brothers, art is about team work. Together with a small crew they take a hands-on approach, producing, writing, directing, shooting, editing – whatever needs to be done to realize each project. Concurrently, Drew spread his wings into freelance graphic design and live event video production, specializing in the performing arts.
Recent years have seen Drew design an art book called Voices: Artists on Art through Stonehouse Marketing, the interface of a multimedia app for a financial planning company, and produce a justice-seeking true crime podcast that worked closely with criminologists, law enforcement agencies and the bereaved families of unsolved violent crimes. Drew has enjoyed working with wonderful local institutions such as the Belleville Public Library, Quinte Ballet School, Quinte Film Alternative, and Belleville Downtown DocFest. Drew also worked in a supervisory capacity at the Empire Theatre from 2022-2025.
Through QAC initiatives Drew endeavours to assist local artists and organizations in the development and promotion of a variety of creative ventures. Let him know how he can help!
📩 Contact Drew: drew@quinteartscouncil.org
Kim Lidstone
Since joining the Quinte Arts Council in 2010, Kim has been a dedicated part of the organization’s growth and success. With a deep passion for the arts and a keen eye for detail, she has taken on various roles over the years, from Administrative Assistant to overseeing membership, and now leading financial administration. Her commitment ensures that the QAC continues to support local artists and cultural initiatives with a strong foundation.
Beyond the office, Kim is a familiar face at arts and culture events across the region. Whether attending exhibitions, performances, or community gatherings, she’s always connecting with artists and arts supporters, embodying the QAC’s mission to celebrate and uplift the creative community.
Her long-standing dedication and behind-the-scenes expertise make her an invaluable part of the team, helping to keep the arts thriving in Quinte!
Addison Gray (she/her) assists with arts administration at the Quinte Arts Council and a passionate artist in her senior year at Nicholson Catholic College. With a love for film, media productions and community engagement, Addison brings creativity and fresh perspectives to her work at the QAC. She is dedicated to supporting local artists and arts initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in the arts and culture sector. Addison looks forward to continuing her artistic journey and contributing to the vibrant arts community in the Quinte region.
Ramsay Newman (he/them) does various administrative tasks at the Quinte Arts Council. While finishing his grade twelve year at Nicholson Catholic College he involves himself with as much art as he can, from theatre, fine arts, photography, and media productions. Ramsay brings determination and curiosity to the QAC. He is keen to help youth get involved in the art community, and promote under represented and local artists. He is excited to gain as much knowledge he can about the artistic field and those who occupy it. Ramsay is thrilled to continue pursuing arts in the Quinte region.
The Quinte Arts Council (QAC) is committed to ensuring that the arts are accessible to everyone, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity and access for all. The arts belong to everyone, of all ages and stages, abilities, race, sexual orientation and gender, and our goal is to ensure diverse perspectives are represented and experienced through art.
Arts and culture play an important role in defining who we are as a community and contributes to a healthy local economy and lifestyle for those who live and work in the area. Our programs continue to adapt, change and evolve in response to the needs of our members and our community.
Quinte Arts Council is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people, connected to and neighbours with the Kanien’keha:ka community of Tyendinaga.
The QAC is committed to reconciliation. Reconciliation is an ongoing process rooted in action, for us as individuals, as colleagues and peers, and as a leader in the community. It’s setting aside time on an ongoing basis, to listen, learn, reflect, support, and use our position and privilege to act.
Diversity & Inclusion
An inclusive and equitable culture of diversity is at the core of our mandate at the QAC. Our authentic commitment to these values is unwavering – they are central to our mission and to our impact across all disciplines of the arts. We know that having varied perspectives helps cultivate creative ideas, and inclusion is how we unleash the power of diversity and creativity.
Art: Pride by Daniel Fobert
We promote an inclusive cultural climate that reflects, respects and celebrates diversity. We create awareness and a shared sense of responsibility among the arts community to promote a learning and working culture that values equity, diversity and inclusion.
While we use the acronym LGBTQ2s+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two Spirit, Plus) to refer to our community, we recognize there are many more gender and sexual identifiers that are outside of the heterosexual, cisgender norm.
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