Established in 1981, Janis A. Barlow & Associates is one of North America’s most respected arts consulting firms. The firm offers a range of research, planning and management services to clients in the cultural and not-for-profit sectors in response to their need for clarity, objectivity and expertise. The firm specializes in the sustainable development of theatres and places of public assembly.
The firm has provided arts consulting services to over 200 clients in North America. Barlow & Associates brings a wealth of experience in dealing with management, development and adaptive reuse issues in a variety of projects throughout the United States and Canada, with capital budgets ranging from $500,000 to $60,000,000.
Barlow & Associates’ success is attributed to the quality of strategic thinking, facilitated collaboration and practical experience they bring to every project. The firm believes in the power of the shared experience to transform individuals and communities. It is committed to assisting clients in their quest for custom-tailored services and the wisest allocation of limited resources.
Janis A. Barlow
Janis Barlow is a consultant in arts and heritage resource management, specializing in the development of cultural resources and, in particular, the design and management of theatres for the performing arts. Her background combines comprehensive project planning and management experience. Her practical experience embraces the full range of technical, artistic and administrative roles.
In 1981, she accepted a contract with Ontario’s Ministry of Culture and Recreation as a Theatre Consultant to analyze planning and feasibility studies for Ministry funded theatre projects. From 1985 to 1990, she served as Project Manager for the $30 million Elgin and Winter Garden theatre rehabilitation, overseeing planning, design, administration, construction and fund raising.
Ms. Barlow has served on several Boards of Directors including the Toronto Theatre Alliance, World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre (an international UNESCO project), the Theatre Museum Canada, the League of Historic American Theatres, Carousel Players and The Foster Festival, named for famed Canadian playwright, Norm Foster. She was the founding President of Arts Consultants Canada.
She holds degrees in drama and sociology from the University of Guelph and studied architecture and design at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.
