Sanjeet Takhar stepping down as Artistic Director

Toronto, Ontario – After five seasons as Artistic Director of the Music Gallery, Sanjeet Takhar will conclude their tenure following the organization’s What Is Festival this May 6-9.

Over five seasons, Sanjeet curated distinctive and adventurous performances while building significant partnerships locally and internationally. They fostered an artist exchange with New York–based Roulette Intermedium, developed cross-city collaborations with Imbue Detroit and MUTEK Montréal, and brought experimental club music from around the world into dialogue with the Music Gallery’s creative music legacy.

Upon stepping into the role, Sanjeet launched the Music Gallery’s first-ever residency program, now a vital pillar of the organization’s programming year. The residency embodies their commitment to long-term artistic development and to creating conditions where artists can take risks, build meaningful relationships, and expand their practices. As well, under Sanjeet’s artistic leadership, the Music Gallery staff and community members worked closely to deepen and formalize safer space policies, embedding equity, care, and accountability more fully into the organization’s culture

“Sanjeet’s work at the Music Gallery has been visionary, resourceful, and alchemical in its ability to conjure potent and unique experiences. We both felt strongly that our work behind the scenes at the Music Gallery had to reflect the values of the performances we produce: improvisatory, playful, and evolving in partnership with communities. Sanjeet leaves a lasting mark on this organization, on myself, and on every member of the Music Gallery team who she uplifted. Her wider mark on the city is still being made.”

– Matthew Fava, Executive Director  

“Working at the Music Gallery has truly been a dream. To shape and dream a vision for this organization has been one of the great honours of my life. From the beginning, I quietly set a five-year commitment for myself. I believe leadership in the arts should remain accessible across generations, and part of caring is knowing when to step aside to make room for new imagination and new energy, especially at a moment when the organization is strong.

I’m proud that we chose to grow deeper rather than simply bigger. It’s more important than ever to invest in artists’ processes, to build real relationships, and to present work that challenges what music can be. I leave with a full heart, enormous gratitude, and deep love for this community. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

– Sanjeet

“The Board is thankful to Sanjeet for her artistic direction, presenting thoughtful and incredibly varied programming at the Music Gallery. We appreciate the care with which they nurtured the community, artists and audience alike. Sanjeet’s authenticity and creativity shone through in their programming, partnerships, and residency work. We expect their imprint to endure and we wish them the best in their future artistic endeavours.”

– Sammy Bayefsky, Chair of the Music Gallery Board

Executive Director Matthew Fava will work with the administrative staff to manage artistic duties during the transition, and act as the main point of contact for the organization.

The search for a new Artistic Director will commence at the end of April.

For further information:

Matthew Fava, Executive Director: matthew@musicgallery.org

Sammy Bayefsky, Chair (Music Gallery Board of DIrectors): president@musicgallery.org