Julie Fowler’s music industry career, which has taken her across the country and around the globe, had its start in the grassroots music scene in Vancouver in the late 90s, including helping to coordinate an event called the Living Closet at Malkin Bowl in 1997. Many of the connections and experiences from that time cultivated a great passion for festivals and for supporting independent artists. Through her 16 years with the ArtsWells Festival and now with Ignite the Arts, Julie has been instrumental in creating opportunities for many of Vancouver’s independent musicians to build tours and forge lasting relationships throughout the province, strengthening their creative and artistic careers. She is also an advocate for the BC Music Festival sector through her role with the BC Music Festival Collective representing over 115 music festivals in the province including many beloved Vancouver festivals like the Folk Festival, Jazz Festival and Vancouver Pride.