Michael Murray

Over the years, a number of Schulich graduates from the School’s highly touted MBA specialization in Arts, Media and Entertainment Management have gone on to assume leadership roles in arts organizations in Canada and around the world.

The latest to do so is Michael Murray (MBA ’07), who earlier this month was appointed CEO of the Ontario Arts Council (OAC). A guest lecturer in Schulich’s Arts, Media and Entertainment Management program, Murray brings a wealth of leadership experience working at various organizations in the arts sector and cultural industries.

He previously served as director of ACTRA Performers’ Rights Society, Canada’s largest performers’ rights organization, and was executive director for the Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, representing 2,900 members in labour relations and advocacy.

“I am so proud to return to OAC as CEO,” says Murray. “The pandemic has shown the incredible resilience of artists and arts organizations and it’s a great honour to serve this community.”

“The Schulich School of Business MBA specialization in Arts, Media and Entertainment provided me with the set of skills and networks I needed to come to this point in my career and to pursue success for the Province’s arts community as OAC CEO,” adds Murray. “I’m always thankful for my time at Schulich and the opportunity to connect with the next generation of leaders as an alumnus.”

Following graduation from Schulich in 2007, Murray became Executive Director of urbanarts, and then joined the OAC as its popular & world music and arts service organizations officer. His outreach efforts during this time led to significant increases in applicants and grant recipients from Indigenous and racialized communities.

While at Schulich, Murray became an inaugural member of the Canadian chapter of the National Black MBA Association.

Photo: Laura Jane Petelko, courtesy of the Ontario Arts Council