Sirish Rao

Sirish Rao is the Interim Co-CEO of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Western Canada’s largest public art museum, where he previously served as Senior Director of Public Engagement & Learning. A writer and cultural innovator with deep international experience, Sirish is committed to expanding the role of art as a transformative and healing force in society.

Before joining the Gallery, Sirish co-founded the Indian Summer Festival of Arts and Ideas, which he led for over a decade into Canada’s pre-eminent presenter of South Asian art and thought. Earlier in his career, Sirish directed Tara Books in India, collaborating with leading museums and publishers worldwide, including the J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles), the Kunsthal (Rotterdam), Museum of London (UK), and the Musée du quai Branly (Paris) among others.

His cross-sector work, spanning publishing, festivals, and museum leadership, reflects a lifelong commitment to building connections between art, nature, and community. Sirish sits on several arts and education boards. He was named to Vancouver Magazine’s 2025 Power 50 list and is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for outstanding contributions to Canada.

Sirish Rao will be speaking at the Museum Wellness Summit 2026 :

From Isolation to Belonging: How Museums Can Create Connections that Heal

Art has the power to heal, but how can museums become active participants in public health? At the Vancouver Art Gallery, this belief is taking tangible form as the Gallery evolves into a space that nurtures connection, belonging, and wellbeing. Join Co-CEO Sirish Rao and the Gallery’s Lead Wellbeing Consultant Paula Toledo, as they share the vision behind the Art of Wellbeing Lab—a pioneering initiative that bridges the arts, health, and community care sectors.