Rachel WeldonCA
Rachel Weldon is the founder and director of non-profit music and arts presenter organization Debaser, and its signature festival Pique, which takes place seasonally at the Arts Court in downtown Ottawa. Since founding Debaser in 2013, Weldon has led the development of the organization from its origins as a volunteer-run DIY collective into a leading festival and event producer recognized for supporting underrepresented and experimental artists, offering thoughtfully curated event experiences, and promoting diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity. Since its launch in 2021, she has stewarded Pique festival into what is now a vital creative event in Ottawa that welcomes over 5,000 community members annually. Weldon was a 2024 Keychange Innovator representing Canada at international conferences Reeperbahn and BIME to advance gender equity in the music industry. She is currently a creative producer in residence at the National Arts Centre.
