When Joe Sellors walked into the Humber Cultural Hub (HCH) on his first day as director, he knew he was stepping into something special – a purpose-built arts and culture space unlike anything South Etobicoke has seen before.  

Sellors is now setting his sights on transforming the HCH and Lakeshore Campus into a cultural epicentre where students, neighbours and visitors alike feel compelled to gather, create and return again and again. 

He’s well-prepared for the task as he brings more than 20 years of experience in cultural arts programming, community engagement and strategic partnership development. Sellors has held key leadership roles with the City of Toronto, where he championed major initiatives such as Nuit Blanche Toronto and ArtworxTO - Toronto’s Year of Public Art.  

Most recently, he served as manager of Governance and Partnership Relations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat. He’s also the founder of Translate Installations Inc., a boutique consultancy specializing in placemaking, experiential design and arts-based urban strategy.  

Humber Today recently sat down with the new director to discuss his vision for the HCH. 

Q: What drew you to take on the role of director of the HCH? 

A: The Humber Cultural Hub is a gem of a facility and one that’s unique. I can't tell you the last time Toronto opened a venue like this, let alone as part of an educational institution. So, I knew that it was a very special opportunity. Not to mention I live in Mimico, just down the street - I'm very much invested in the area. 

Q: What is it about the arts that excites you? 

A: It's all about creating memorable experiences for students, community and visitors. Art is an interesting thing – not everyone will love it, but you want people engaged. If they hate it or it makes them feel uncomfortable or they question it’s meaning - that's a good thing. If a piece speaks to them and they love it, that's even better. But the point is, they're being engaged, and we're getting people to think differently when they're visiting the HCH and  experiencing arts and culture in general. 

Q: How are you using your past experiences of championing the arts in your new role? 

A: I'm drawing on my years of experience and applying what I know about the sector to create a narrative and identity for the HCH in South Etobicoke. There are so many exciting things happening here, and we want to get people through our doors to experience it. We want to bring cultural groups, arts organizations, festivals and other experiences to Lakeshore Campus, whether it's in the HCH proper or elsewhere on campus. We view the entire Lakeshore Campus as a cultural hub with the HCH, the building, as the epicentre. 

Q: What’s your vision for the HCH and what do you hope it becomes for students, faculty and the community? 

A: We want the HCH and Lakeshore Campus to be a destination for all Torontonians and visitors to Toronto. I want it so that when my kids are going out on a Friday night, going out on the town, they're going to say "See you dad, we're going to the Hub,” because it’s a reliable and relevant place to be. The ultimate goal is that it becomes a household name. Whether you’re younger or older, there's something for everyone here. 

The HCH was built primarily with our students in mind. Once the second phase is complete at the end of 2026, it will include the Performance Hall, the Comedy Cabaret, screening rooms, film studios, and a range of other learning and creative spaces. Students will attend classes here and also have access to all the additional amenities.  

It’s important that industry and community partners recognize the exceptional facilities we have available. We’re located in a fantastic part of South Etobicoke, with very little competition from other educational institutions. We should continue to make the most of that advantage. 

Q: With collaboration and community engagement as an integral part of your past work and in this current role as well, what kinds of partnerships — on campus or beyond — are you most excited to explore?  

A: How do we engage industry – whether that's film production companies or music labels or arts and culture organizations – to really make sure people understand we're open for business and we want to work together to grow the next generation of Canadian talent. There are many opportunities for collaboration, locally and globally, so let's work to get a piece of that pie. 

Sellors will also be launching his new podcast The Director’s Cut this December.  

Find out more by visiting the HCH website or emailing Joe.Sellors@humber.ca.