Eleanor Dawson is a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland. She has been involved in the cultural community of Newfoundland and Labrador for the past thirty years in a variety of production, administrative, and managerial roles. In 2001, Eleanor joined the Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and in 2006 assumed the position of Director of Arts. In that position she participated in the creation of the provincial cultural policy as well as creating and administering various support programs for the cultural sector. Additionally, she has played a key research, development, and administrative role in various sector-expanding projects. She retired from the provincial government in 2015 and continues to be quite active in the cultural community. She currently works in a freelance capacity with various community organizations. She is past president of both the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society and the Newfoundland Historical Society. She recently completed a ten year term as Chair of the Program Committee for the Winterset Literary Festival. Eleanor currently sits on the Boards of Business and Arts NL and Fogo Island Arts.