About Rolf-Carlos Klausener

A first generation Canadian creative director, musician, and writer, I work at the intersections of public education, design, public engagement, and culture.

Currently, my work has focused on national public engagement and strategic communications in support of public education across Canada via the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE).

I am the co-lead on the CTF/FCE's strategy to address the teacher retention and recruitment crisis. This work includes the creation and development of Parachute, the Pan-Canadian Educator Survey Series. Parachute aims to monitor changes in the teaching profession and Canadian public education, and was developed in collaboration with the Federation's 18 provincial/territorial Member and Associate Organizations.

With The Acorn, I explore themes of place, identity, kinship, and the immigrant experience. The project has headlined domestic and international tours, as well as supported major artists such as Bon Iver, Elbow, and Fleet Foxes. Our albums have been twice nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, and had songs featured in film and television including the major motion picture Crazy, Stupid, Love, Showtime’s Shameless, HBO’s Californication, and others.

As an artistic director, I have produced numerous independent music festivals and multi-disciplinary events, showcasing hundreds of acclaimed National and international artists to the Ottawa region. In 2014, I was nominated for the Ottawa Arts Council’s Mid-Career Artist Award.

In 2016, I was welcomed to the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition’s founding board of directors. OMIC is a not-for-profit organization focused on industry development whose work was integral to the Ottawa Music Strategy (2018 - 2020).

I have participated in arts juries for the Prism Prize, City of Ottawa and Ontario Arts Council, as well as been the recipient of numerous grants from all levels of government and private funds such as FACTOR.

As a designer, I have led or contributed to numerous initiatives at respected organizations such as the the CBC, National Arts Centre, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, Bruyère Continuing Care, Paper Bag Records, and David Suzuki Foundation.