Andrew David Terris, a tireless champion of artists and cultural programs, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025 at the age of 82, after a terminal struggle with pancreatic cancer. Andrew chose Medical Assistance in Dying and was surrounded by close friends, love and dignity. He is survived by his beloved wife Janice Isabel Jackson. Born in Albany, New York, Andrew settled in rural Cape Breton and co-founded a stained-glass studio with his late partner Rejene Stowe in the 1970s before moving to Halifax in the 80s. Andrew’s leadership extended beyond the studio. As Executive Director of Visual Arts Nova Scotia (1992–1997), Andrew launched major initiatives including a biennial juried exhibition of Nova Scotian artists in partnership with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and PAINTS, a province-wide artists-in-schools program.

Andrew’s influence deepened through cultural policy work. His 1990 report, Public Policy and Cultural Development in Nova Scotia led to a number of significant changes in the province’s cultural policies and programs. He later directed the Nova Scotia Cultural Network, spearheading the province’s first culture strategy and advocating passionately for the arts community. Andrew led the lively and influential public protests when the Arts Council was abruptly dismantled by the provincial government in 2002.  Andrew Terris was inducted to the 2009 VANS Honour Roll which recognized his distinguished lifetime contribution to the visual arts in Nova Scotia. Nominated by Charlotte Wilson Hammond, she writes, “his incredible perseverance over the years in defending and explaining what it is that artists do, why it is important to society, and why artists should have recognition that translates into a reasonable living has certainly been inspirational to me and many others in the arts community.” 

Andrew spent over 10 years administering provincial and national cultural organizations: Executive Director of VANS (1992-1997), founding Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Cultural Network (1997-2002), and interim National Director of the Canadian Conference for the Arts in 2005. Andrew continued his advocacy and policy work through the creation of ARTS NOVA Cultural Research and Consulting, where he advised organizations across Canada and served on national boards, including the Canadian Conference of the Arts. He co-founded Nova Scotia CAN! (Cultural Action Network), producing pivotal reports that shaped the province’s creative economy agenda. During this period, he regularly published important cultural updates through his ARTS NOVA Bulletin. His legacy endures in the institutions he built, the artists he uplifted, and the cultural landscape he helped shape.

For Andrew Terris’ full obituary, please see the NS Talent Trust’s post.

A special award has been established by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust to honour Andrew’s contribution to the arts in Nova Scotia. If you would like to make a donation to support this award, please click here and select “Andrew David Terris Legacy Award” from the drop-down menu.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Terris’ website.