Our Story

What happens when opportunity brings about change and how does passion, collaboration, and expertise transform public spaces?
Meet Cultural Entrepreneurs Michelle Kirkegaard and Kyle Kirkegaard – bringing a fresh, dynamic approach to cultural connections in communities.
For them timing was everything. Michelle had sold her successful Canadian Fine Art Gallery in Whistler and Kyle had graduated from Quest University in Squamish. They were both looking for new opportunities. Michelle was approached to use her art expertise on a larger scale, as the lead for a public art project for a new real estate development. Aware of Kyle’s enthusiasm for community planning and passion for art, Michelle invited Kyle to join her in this new endeavour.

Their passions for art and creative communities aligned as Pivotal Urban Art – a fresh and dynamic public art consulting company. Pivotal’s mission is clear: to serve as the pivotal point for creative collaboration to transform spaces into meaningful places.

A love of artists, being surrounded by beautiful aesthetics of place, creating memorable moments through culture, and building legacies fuel Michelle’s work. Kyle is passionate about communities that support vibrant lifestyles intellectually, physically, and creatively. She sees public art as a necessity for such healthy communities globally. Their vision is to combine Michelle’s passion for arts and culture with Kyle’s passion for vibrant and healthy communities to create legacies.

Collaborating was and continues to be a priority for these women. Michelle’s journey as a key collaborator began as a founding parent and Headmaster of a private school in Whistler. Kyle’s collaborative spirit actualized as the elected Vice President for her University Students Representative Council. They continue to bring this valuable skill into their work and are admired for cultivating successful relationships.

Michelle has years of experience as an art strategist, gallery owner and educator. Her extensive business experience led her to partner with community leaders, government agencies and clients to plan public art projects that encourage both social and economic growth. Michelle’s instinct for identifying partnerships and her ability to define objectives allows her to deliver projects that move people and transform communities.

Kyle has a diverse background combining the realms of art and environment, aesthetics and advocacy. She spent years as a gallery assistant and curator while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Resource Management. Kyle’s work in data analysis, remediation and mitigation strategies creates a foundation for selecting unique art pieces based on public and private perception of the site and overarching project. Kyle’s focus is combining aesthetically superior art with environmental purposes.

This resourceful mother and daughter team will fuel you with their passion, support you through collaboration, guide you with their expertise, and make your project exceptional with their creativity.
Pivotal Urban Art looks forward to creating something remarkable with you.

Michelle Kirkegaard

Principal & Creative Director

Michelle Kirkegaard has over 20 years of experience as an art strategist, gallery owner and educator. Her extensive business experience has led her to partner with community leaders, government agencies and developers to plan public art projects that encourage both social and economic growth. As a gallery owner, Michelle earned a reputation for curatorial excellence overseeing the collection at the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery in Whistler, BC. She has attended to the careers of over forty new and established artists including Canadian artists Laura Harris, Cameron Bird, Mike Svob and Nancy O’Toole. Michelle’s instinct for identifying collaborators and her ability to define objectives allows her to deliver public art projects that move people and transform communities.

Kyle Kirkegaard

Director Concept Development

Kyle Kirkegaard has a diverse background combining the realms of art and environment, aesthetics and advocacy. Growing up surrounded by art and artists, Kyle naturally gravitated towards a career in the field. She spent years as a gallery assistant and curator while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Resource Management. Kyle’s work in data analysis, remediation and mitigation strategies led her unexpectedly back to art as an avenue for creating awareness and influencing community stewardship. Her experience with data collection creates a foundation for selecting unique art pieces based on public and private perception of the site and overarching project. Kyle is most at home at the intersection between natural and urban environments. Her focus is combining aesthetically superior art with environmental purposes.