There are many reasons why an individual chooses to share their talents and expertise and join a non-profit board – to gain board experience, to volunteer within their community, to help create positive change and the list goes on.
When it comes to the arts, passion is why many people choose to get involved – people like Business & Arts NL board member John O’Dea. Last year, ArtsNL (formerly the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council) presented John (a partner in the St. John’s office of McInnes Cooper) with the Patron of the Arts award for his ongoing commitment to the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador. In the second part of our ongoing series, we chat with John about his work with the arts community.
Business & Arts NL: What arts organization(s) do you volunteer for? How long have you been involved?
John O’Dea: Volunteer positions include: Chair, Rooms Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador Corporation (since 2014); Director/Secretary, Business & Arts NL; Past Director, Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival – continue to assist (eight years); Co-chair, Opera on the Avalon – annual fundraiser at Fishers’ Loft/Garrick Theatre (three years).
Business & Arts NL: What motivated you to join?
JO: I joined some boards because of their need to have someone with a legal background. I joined others because of interest.
Business & Arts NL: Why do you support the arts? Why is art important?
JO: I have a strong appreciation of classical music and visual art and those who are skilled in both (I am a wannabe in both worlds).
Business & Arts NL: What is a recent achievement of the organization you serve that you feel proud of?
JO: Being part of the small group who initiated the concept that became Business & Arts NL.
Bio: John O’Dea is a partner in the St. John’s office of McInnes Cooper whose practice is primarily focused on the construction industry. He has been recognized by his peers in Best Lawyers ® Canada for his practice in Construction Law, Corporate Governance, and Corporate and Commercial Litigation. John is a founding board member of Business & Arts NL, and has also worked to support Opera on the Avalon; the Garrick Theatre; English Harbour Arts Association; Random Passage Trust; the Fresh Fish Award; The Rooms Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador Corporation; Visual Arts NL’s EVA Awards; and the Tuckamore Festival.
