In 2022, Michael Jones was proud to be named one of the first 70 recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan) for his contributions to the arts sector. Michael holds BMus and MA (Music) degrees from Western University. He also has a certificate in public sector governance from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Michael held senior management roles for Choirs Ontario, where he revitalized programs that had been dormant for a number of years, and at the Muki Baum Association for Rehabilitation of Multi-Handicapped, where he led the first School of the Arts program for people with dual diagnosis, the combination of a developmental handicap and mental health issues. He developed the administrative structure of Arraymusic and saw the company through the long-term illness and ultimate passing of a beloved Artistic Director. As General Manager of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now Dance Arts Institute), Michael eliminated a long-term accumulated deficit and established a working capital reserve fund. Moving into arts funding, he oversaw the performing arts program for the Metcalf Foundation, one of the largest private family foundations in Canada providing strategic support in the arts. At Metcalf, Michael also led learning networks around sectoral issues and oversaw research projects. Most recently, he served as CEO of SK Arts, where he oversaw over $9 million in support to the province’s artists annually. His tenure at SK Arts saw a rebuilding of the relationships between the agency, the government, and the arts community. He also led development of new programming to address structural inequities through an Accessibility Fund and specialized programs for marginalized communities, created using participatory grantmaking processes. As an artist, his career has focused mainly around theatre, primarily working as a director or music director for organizations like Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Drayton Entertainment, The Red Barn Theatre, Theatre Scarborough, Theatre Sheridan, and Victoria Playhouse Petrolia. Some of his favourite credits include Amadeus (director), Falsettos (director/music director), and Next to Normal (director/music director).