Tenants & Staff Enshrined in 221A Bylaws, Caroline Boquist and Vi Nguyen Elected to Board

Tenants & Staff Enshrined in 221A Bylaws, Caroline Boquist and Vi Nguyen Elected to Board

September 25, 2025

221A is delighted to welcome Caroline Boquist and Vi Nguyen as newly elected Board of Directors. Members of the Society voted on these changes at the Annual General Meeting, held on September 20, 2025 at the Project Space (825 Pacific Street).

At a board meeting following the close of the AGM, Nathan Grandjambe (2024-27) was appointed Chair and Ingrid Valou (2023-26) as Vice-Chair. 221A would like to thank outgoing Chair Virginia Hong, and former Vice-Chair Krystal Paraboo, who held office for two years from 2023–25, and continue to serve as Board members. 

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221A Members at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Photo by Juno Kim.

The elected members join incumbent Board of Directors:

In closing her role as Chair, Virginia Hong, reported on the activities of the 2024-25 fiscal year with Afuwa, Associate Director. The two detailed the progress of the Cultural Land Trust and the Fair Data Hub, as well as the outcomes of the 221A Fellowship Talks, which marks the mid-point for Fellows Christian VistanLauren Crazybull, and Katayoon Yousefbigloo.

221A is grateful for the ongoing participation and enthusiasm of the membership and invites you to read the full report for more highlights.

Tenant and Workers Have a Say

Members of the Society successfully passed a new bylaw introducing two new classes of Membership to 221A’s governance framework: Tenants and Staff. This revised model moves towards greater access and participation, embedding Tenants and Staff to the democratic function of the Society.

“It’s encouraging to see 221A make changes to the bylaws that recognize the importance of collaboration between the community, tenants and workers,” says Meghan Shaw, Artist and member of the Tenant Advisory Committee. “It’s a tangible way for the community to have control in who serves on the board and to keep the organization transparent and accountable as we move forward. I think we all share the common goal of making the city a friendlier place for artists and arts organizations.”

“Representation and collective power from our tenants is a crucial step towards sharing responsibility that steer the course of 221A’s future,” says Sungpil Yoon, longtime staff member at 221A, currently holding the Spaces Coordinator role. “We want management to be accountable to those that we serve, and we will continue to advocate for these changes with transparency in mind.”

Outgoing Board Member

221A gives thanks to outgoing Board Member Marci T House whose term (2022-2025) came to a close at the 2025 AGM.

“Marci’s insight, practicality, and velvet delivery is honed by her accomplished career in the arts, urban planning and architecture. During her term of service, Marci contributed her expertise to advance major 221A-led cultural infrastructure projects in our city,” says Ingrid, Chair of Space & Land Committee. “Thankfully, this isn’t goodbye: 221A will continue to benefit from her extraordinary perspective through her new role as advisor to the Space and Land Committee. We cheer her onto her next chapter with gratitude and the promise of continued collaboration.”

We are grateful to Marci’s continuing role as an Advisor to the Space & Land Committee.

Information about 221A’s Board of Directors

221A is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors who supervise and advise management and set the long-term direction of the Society. The Board of Directors place review and approve plans, budgets and policies, delegating day-to-day responsibilities to the Executive Director and staff.