Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture, a nonprofit group based in Vancouver, has selected a new artistic director.

Emma Kivisild, an artist and author who has multiple sclerosis, is taking over the role, the group announced today (March 6).

In the past, Kivisild has worked with the Kiss & Tell performance art collective and written a novel about living with multiple sclerosis titled Two Ends of Sleep.

She replaces Geoffrey McMurchy, who has held the position of artistic director since Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture was founded in 1998.

McMurchy has announced plans to retire but will remain as a consultant with the group during the transition to a new artistic director.

Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture’s mandate is to support the work of artists with disabilities. The group holds multidisciplinary arts events throughout the year.