The Board of Directors of the Textile Museum of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Urmi Desai as Executive Director following her successful tenure in the interim role.
Since assuming leadership on an interim basis, Urmi has strengthened engagement and support from donors, funding partners, members, and community stakeholders — support that has been crucial to the Museum’s financial recovery and long-term stability. Additionally, she oversaw a successful fundraising campaign that enabled the Museum to reopen following a temporary closure.
During this period, she has led staff, volunteers, and academic interns in reopening the Museum. Together, the team has opened four new exhibitions celebrating the past, present, and future of the institution by centring the dynamism and creativity of Indigenous, settler, and immigrant communities in Canada and globally.
Therisa Shams el-Din Rogers, Chair of the Board of Directors, said: “Urmi’s leadership, vision, and ability to strengthen relationships across our community have been instrumental during this important period for the Museum. The Board is very pleased to confirm her appointment as Executive Director.”
Paul Spagnolo, Treasurer of the Board of Directors, added: “Urmi has brought strong financial stewardship and strategic focus to the Museum during a challenging time. Her leadership has helped position the Museum for recovery and greater long-term stability.”
Roxane Shaughnessy, Senior Curator and Collections Manager, said: “Urmi’s commitment to artistic, cultural, and research excellence, inclusion, and collaboration has been deeply valued by staff, volunteers, interns, and community partners alike. Her appointment is a welcome step in continuing our work and expanding the Museum’s public impact.”
As the Museum continues its recovery, Urmi’s leadership will focus on strengthening audience and community engagement while maintaining strong financial and operational stewardship during ongoing challenges facing museums and cultural institutions across Canada.
“The Museum remains committed to the inclusive approach to artistic and cultural excellence that has guided our work since our founding in 1975,” said Urmi Desai. “We will continue working to ensure that the objects, peoples, artisans, and artists represented in our collections and exhibitions are presented with integrity, inclusion, and equity.”