Heather Farnworth, Toronto, ON, Canada

Theater Category

Statement of Purpose

It has been a privilege to serve the Giant Screen Cinema Association and its members over the years, including three consecutive two-year terms on the GSCA Board of Directors. After completing my third term, I was required to step off the Board last year in accordance with GSCA term limits. During that year, however, I remained actively involved in the Association, continuing to serve as Co-Lead of the Leadership Committee and supporting several key GSCA initiatives.

Now that my one-year hiatus has concluded, I am pleased to put my name forward once again for election to the GSCA Board and respectfully ask for your support.

Throughout my Board service, I have held several leadership positions and worked collaboratively with members across all sectors of our industry. I have served as Co-Chair of the Member Services Committee, Co-Chair of the Audience Research Survey Task Force, a member of the Industry Development Committee, and Lead of the Giant Dome Interest Group (GDIG). More recently, my work with the Leadership Committee has focused on strengthening governance, leadership development, member engagement, and ensuring GSCA remains well-positioned for the future.

I have also participated as a judge for numerous giant screen film and marketing awards and continue to be actively involved in the GSCA Mentorship Program, where I have enjoyed helping support and develop the next generation of industry leaders.

For those who may not know me, I have spent close to 40 years working in and around the giant screen and museum cinema industry. My career includes 17 years with IMAX Corporation in a variety of senior leadership roles, including Director of the Natural History, Zoo and Aquarium Market, Director of Sales for Asia Pacific, and Director of Worldwide Strategic Partnerships. During that time, I worked extensively throughout North America, Asia, and Europe, helping expand the institutional giant screen theatre market and building partnerships with museums, science centres, aquariums, zoos, film producers, film distributors, and film exhibitors worldwide.

I subsequently spent over 21 years with the Ontario Science Centre as Director of Business Development, Strategic Initiatives, where I led international sales, travelling exhibitions, consulting services, strategic partnerships, and giant screen film programming for the OMNIMAX Theatre. Throughout my career, I have attended and contributed to many GSCA conferences, industry initiatives, and collaborative projects, building strong relationships across our global community.

As our industry continues to evolve, we face both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. New technologies, audience expectations, new distribution models, and content experiences are reshaping the giant screen landscape. I remain optimistic about our future and believe GSCA plays a critical role in bringing our community together, sharing knowledge, supporting innovation, and advocating for the unique value of the giant screen and immersive experiences.

If elected, I will continue to bring a broad industry perspective, strategic leadership experience, and a collaborative approach to representing the interests of our diverse membership. I remain deeply committed to helping GSCA and our members thrive in the years ahead.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Biography

GSCA Involvement

  • Member and Co-Lead, GSCA Leadership Committee (Current)
  • GSCA Board Member (Three Consecutive Terms)
  • Past Co-Chair, GSCA Audience Research Survey Task Force
  • Past Co-Chair, GSCA Member Services Committee
  • Member, GSCA Industry Development Committee
  • Past Lead, GSCA Giant Dome Interest Group (GDIG)
  • Mentor, GSCA Mentorship Program
  • Judge, GSCA Film and Theatre Marketing Awards 

Professional Associations

ASTC, ACM, AAM, CASC, ASPAC, ECSITE, NAMES, Travelling Exhibition Network (TEN)

 Education

University of Western Ontario
MBA, 1989

McMaster University
Bachelor of Arts & Science, 1985

Board Experience

  • GSCA Board of Directors (Three Consecutive Terms)
  • Former Co-Chair, Travelling Exhibition Network (TEN), American Alliance of Museums

Awards

  • TREX- Travelling Exhibition Industry Champion Award.  This award recognizes individuals who are trusted supporters, advocates and leaders in the travelling exhibition field.  The award was peer-nominated and peer-voted by museum and exhibition professionals.
  • Ontario Public Service Leadership Award (2014).  This award recognizes leadership within the Ontario Public Service and Ontario Science Centre.

Expertise

Presenter, panelist, moderator, and speaker at numerous international giant screen cinema, museum, science centre, and related industry conferences world-wide.

Career Highlights

 2005-2026       Ontario Science Centre

Director, Business Development, Strategic Initiatives

Led international business development, strategic partnerships, travelling exhibitions, consulting services, exhibit sales, project management, and giant screen film programming. Responsible for developing international markets and partnerships across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and supporting major strategic initiatives, including the future operation of the Cinesphere and Ontario Science Centre transition planning.

1989-2005       IMAX Corporation

Director, Worldwide Strategic Partnerships and Senior Leadership Roles

Held a variety of senior leadership positions including Director of Natural History, Zoo and Aquarium Markets; Director of Sales, Asia Pacific; and Director of Worldwide Strategic Partnerships. Led international market expansion, theatre development, sponsorship initiatives, strategic partnerships, and institutional theatre growth throughout Asia, North America, and Europe.