About

Vanessa von Heydebreck has over 19 years of international experience in arts, culture, community engagement, artist development, and stakeholder management. She is currently based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Working at the intersection of artists, art organisations, public bodies, communities and industry experts, Vanessa is adept at building networks where creativity can thrive and ensuring inclusivity and accessibility across all levels of engagement. The core of her passion is a focus on championing people, culture, collaboration and growth. 

She is currently Manager, Culture Sector Development for the Nova Scotia Department for Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH). Prior to this, she was based in London, England and Berlin, Germany.

In 2023, Vanessa worked for the London Borough of Sutton in England to deliver a Cultural Impact Award, a part of the Mayor of London’s Borough of Culture programme and delivered a high-profile project that successfully bridged the community, local government, and the redefinition of local cultural heritage through innovative events and commissions.

She also managed a £6.1m Research and Development project, Hi3 Network that supported the creative industry in emerging and innovative moving image technologies with London South Bank University and partnering organisations across the South East of England from 2020-2023. She also developed and delivered artist development programmes with SPACE Studios, as well as partnering organisations across Essex, Kent and East Sussex.

Vanessa started her career in Berlin, Germany, working as a freelance producer and consultant, supporting galleries, museums, and artists with exhibitions, production, and strategic development on an international scale. 

Vanessa von Heydebreck has a Fine Arts degree from Weissensee Academy of Art Berlin, Germany. She also studied at  Emily Carr University of Art and Design (Canada) and Tartu University (Estonia).