The Power Plant announces new leadership, marking defining moment for future of independent art institution
Left: Carolyn Vesely. Photo: Henry Chan. Right: Adelina Vlas. Photo: Max Power for D.PE Agency.
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is excited to announce the appointment of Carolyn Vesely as its first Chief Executive Officer and Adelina Vlas as Artistic Director, ushering in a new era of leadership for one of Canada’s leading contemporary art institutions.
These appointments come at a transformative moment as The Power Plant moves toward full independence after nearly four decades as part of Harbourfront Centre. The gallery’s new leadership structure—introducing its first CEO and establishing the new role of Artistic Director as a leadership position—signals a strong commitment to operational autonomy, curatorial excellence, and long-term sustainability.
Founded in 1987, The Power Plant has played a vital role in Canada’s cultural landscape, presenting contemporary art by artists from Canada and around the world. Throughout its history, the gallery has remained dedicated to creating an open platform for ambitious art, critical dialogue, and meaningful public engagement. With free admission to exhibitions, public programs, and educational publications, The Power Plant continues to make contemporary art accessible to all.
This year also marks a major governance milestone: for the first time in its history, The Power Plant’s Board of Directors is fully independent. New bylaws adopted unanimously by the Board made it possible to appoint its own members, select senior leadership, and oversee the gallery’s finances and strategic direction. While the gallery will continue its valued relationship with Harbourfront Centre—including rent-free use of its iconic waterfront home—this structural change positions The Power Plant to define and drive its future with clarity and confidence.
“Carolyn’s leadership has been essential to The Power Plant’s transformation,” said Paul Boniferro, President and Chair of the Board. “Her clarity of purpose, sector expertise, and collaborative approach have given us the confidence to move forward independently with vision and strength.”
Vesely, a nationally respected arts leader with more than 30 years of experience, first joined The Power Plant as Interim Executive Director before being appointed to the permanent role in 2024. Her promotion to Chief Executive Officer reflects a broader evolution in the gallery’s management and strategic direction.
Previously, Vesely served as CEO of the Ontario Arts Council, and has led major public art institutions in British Columbia and Ontario. Her deep expertise in strategic planning, policy development, and arts sector advocacy has been instrumental in shaping The Power Plant’s future.
At the core of this new chapter is a heightened focus on artistic vision. The new role of Artistic Director ensures The Power Plant’s curatorial program is not only critically rigorous but also publicly resonant and globally connected.
Adelina Vlas has been appointed to this role, reporting to CEO, Carolyn Vesely. A widely respected curator, Vlas began her career at The Power Plant as a curatorial apprentice in 2001 and returned in 2022 as Head of Curatorial Affairs after two decades of work in Canada and abroad. She now leads exhibitions and public programs with an expanded mandate.
“The Power Plant has always been about community, curiosity, and creative dialogue,” said Vesely. “Adelina embodies those values. She understands the soul of this organization and brings the vision and experience needed to lead its artistic future with insight and compassion.”
Vlas has curated significant exhibitions at The Power Plant, including Emmanuel Osahor: To dream of other places; Shelagh Keeley: Film Notebooks 1985–2017; Jen Aitken: The Same Thing Looks Different; and Meriem Bennani: Life on the CAPS. Prior to returning, she was Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario, where she led major exhibitions, such as Haegue Yang: Emergence, Hito Steyerl: This Is The Future and Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors. She holds an MA in Curating Contemporary Art from the Royal College of Art in London and an MA in Art History from York University.
As The Power Plant embarks on this transformative chapter, Vesely and Vlas represent the combined leadership needed to guide its future, balancing strong institutional stewardship with a bold and thoughtful artistic vision. Their appointments reinforce The Power Plant’s enduring commitment to art, artists and community, while sustaining vibrant cultural dialogue both in Canada and internationally.