Sirish Rao is an internationally recognized arts leader, writer and cultural innovator known for taking risks, challenging convention and creating space for new ideas to emerge.

Born and raised in Bangalore, Sirish began his career in publishing, helping grow Tara Books into one of India’s most celebrated independent publishing houses. After moving to Vancouver, he co-founded the Indian Summer Festival, which grew under his leadership into one of Canada’s leading platforms for South Asian art and ideas.

Today, Sirish is Co-CEO of the Vancouver Art Gallery, where he helps shape how the institution connects with the public and explores the role art can play in culture, community and well-being.

A trained Himalayan mountain guide, Sirish brings a spirit of curiosity, adventure and calculated risk to everything he does. His books have been translated into 20 languages, and his contributions to Canadian culture have been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal and a place on Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 list.

At SHIFT, Sirish will explore:

[Insert a short description of the personal story, central question and idea Sirish wants the audience to carry with them.]

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