Spotlight: ED Amy Henderson reflects on the 2025-2026 Annual Report
In a recent workshop where 30 leaders from arts organizations across the province gathered online, we found ourselves talking about “the good work”: the moments at work that draw on our strengths, are aligned with our purpose, and have the most meaningful impacts on our teams and communities. For this cohort, the good work seldom ever involves a spreadsheet, and almost always involves collaboration. It’s often hard to measure, but easy to recognize – everyone was able to think of an example, a project, a moment, an event, or a piece of art that exemplified “the good work” for them.
What does the good work look like in your week?
This year for Business & Arts NL, the good work showed up in educational workshops led by leaders in the business community, helping artists and arts organizations build marketing and communications strategies. It showed up when visionary leaders in the community like St. John’s International Airport and Municipalities NL initiated projects where artists and art were developed as core assets. It showed up at the (Un)Common Threads Creativity & Innovation Summit, when 200 individuals from across sectors came together to learn about creative potential, leadership, and process.
Our Brokering Services have facilitated 379 projects over the lifetime of the organization - the momentum continued this year.
We work at the centre of a circuit—helping ideas, inspiration, and resources flow between people and organizations in business and the arts across our province. When the circuit is connected, energy flows in all directions, helping artists operate more sustainably, helping businesses be inspired and innovative, and building a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient province.
This year was a busy year for workshops and educational opportunities for artists and nonprofit leaders. Read the full Annual Report 2025-2026 for more.
The circuit of creativity is sustained by the people and organizations who choose to stay connected to it. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of artists, businesses, organizations, and community partners across the province.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helps keep this circuit alive and thriving.
Please check out our Annual Report for 2025-2026.
Amy Henderson has served as the Executive Director of Business & Arts NL since 2014. The first chapter of her career was rooted in the arts community, working as a choral conductor and educator in Quebec, Ontario, and Newfoundland. This background in leading ensembles and managing nonprofit organizations provided the foundation for her current work: designing programs and services that meet the needs of the artistic community while engaging the broader public. Her work is driven by a deep-seated belief in the vital role of creativity to enrich our lives and strengthen our provincial resilience.