Brianne Franklin appointed Tett Centre director

Queen’s alum plans to continue building community relationships

Image supplied by: Supplied by Brianne Franklin
Franklin is passionate about art education.

The Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning has appointed Brianne Franklin, ArtSci ’17, as their director. 

After her undergraduate studies, Franklin, completed her Masters of Arts Leadership in 2020 at the Dan School of Drama and Music. 

In an interview with The Journal, she discussed her vision for the Tett and how she plans to continue growing their relationship with Queen’s students. 

“My position as director [is] twofold: I am the director of the charity operation, but I’m also working as the facility manager of the building,” Franklin said. 

The Tett building is owned by the City of Kingston, but Franklin will oversee the facility’s four rental spaces and their tenants. 

“It’s an all-encompassing job, to be honest. It’s exciting because I get to work with the community very closely—[including] our eight arts organizations and eight studio artists—and then we have the Juniper Café, as well. I’m really excited for this opportunity.”

Franklin has worked as the Tett’s interim director since Nadine Baker stepped down from the position last October. Her journey into this full-time leadership role began in April 2021 upon being hired as the programming and communications coordinator. 

By her own account, everything fell into place for Franklin. 

“When [I took the job as programming and communications coordinator], I was trying to find a way back into the Kingston community. Thankfully, that worked out.”

The Tett has grown into a foundational part of the Kingston art scene since its 2015 inception. Franklin is determined to maintain the relationship the organization has built over the last seven years while continuing to form new ones, too. 

“[The Tett] works to support artists across all disciplines and levels of experience. The organization exists as a site of creative incubation and exchange,” she said. 

“Since that foundation has been built so strong, I think [we] are in a position to leverage those strengths and grow in ways that will enhance community impact.”

Franklin’s desire extends to the current and future Queen’s community. 

“Finding ways to engage students is important. Some groups come to the Tett and rent some of the spaces for different projects—we try to make it accessible as possible.”

With the Tett being “a little bit off the beaten path,” Franklin mentioned how the Juniper Café has helped make many students aware of their facility. She also touched on how their ongoing relationship with the Isabel Bader Centre has helped them offer more opportunities for students. 

“The Isabel and the Tett exist together as a creative hub. [In] leveraging that partnership, [we find] ways to support, whether it’s internship opportunities or [having students] do their practicum placement at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning.”

Overall, Franklin believes she can bring a lot to her new role.  

“I think that, for me specifically, what I can bring to the organization is a relationship-building component, and build on what has already been done.”

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Tett Centre

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