Brian McBay (he/him) is a leader in arts infrastructure. He is a fourth-generation Chinese-Canadian living in Vancouver on the unsurrendered lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Over the last 20 years Brian has made a unique contribution to British Columbia’s cultural security by developing and advocating for community-controlled arts spaces. He is co-founder and Executive Director of 221A, a Vancouver-based non-profit organization that operates a growing network spanning over 140,000 square feet across nine properties, providing space for affordable artist housing and artist studios. Recently, he has been advancing the application of “Cultural Land Trusts” as a collective governance and financing solution for non-profit arts spaces facing closure or displacement due to escalating real estate costs. In addition to his role at 221A, Brian has served on various non-profit and public sector boards including the City of Vancouver Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and the National Gallery of Canada.

A member of Council since August 1, 2024, his current appointment ends August 1, 2029.