BFA (Manitoba), Post-Grad Dipl. (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

An experienced arts administrator and educator, Professor Cohnstaedt is a former Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at York University, and a former Chair of the Ontario Council of University Affairs. Prior to her appointment at York, she served as Deputy Minister of Culture, Heritage and Recreation in Manitoba and as Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Arts Board.

Professor Cohnstaedt’s research interests and publications include studies in comparative cultural policy, arts and the law, arts and cultural administration, and minorities and the arts. She was awarded the Bora Laskin National Fellowship in Human Rights Research in support of her work in this area in relation to cultural and communications policy