Anthony Steel (arts leader)

Anthony Steel (born 1945) is a British-born arts administrator, academic, and consultant best known for his leadership roles in the development and management of major arts and cultural institutions, particularly in Canada. He has served as an advocate for accessibility to the arts and the importance of public funding for cultural organizations.

Steel began his career in the UK, holding positions with the Arts Council of Great Britain and the Oxford Playhouse. In 1973, he moved to Canada to become the General Manager of the Vancouver Playhouse. He later held the position of General Manager of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

From 1983 to 1999, Steel served as the Director of the University of Alberta’s University Arts Program, where he was responsible for managing the university's significant collection of visual arts and overseeing its performing arts facilities. He also developed arts programming for the university community.

In 1999, Steel was appointed President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (now the Canadian Museum of History). He led the museum through a period of significant growth and expansion, including the planning and construction of the Canadian War Museum, which opened in 2005. He retired from this position in 2011.

Since retiring, Steel has continued to work as an arts consultant, advising arts organizations on strategic planning, fundraising, and governance. He has also served on numerous boards and committees related to the arts and culture sector. He is recognized for his contributions to the Canadian arts landscape.