Artist Bio

Kadra is a comedy writer/director based in Calgary/Moh’kinsis. Kadra’s practice includes film, comedy, music, and cultural commentary. She is a graduate of the Herland Filmmaking Mentorship program and has directed content for various platforms. When she is not working, she loves dissecting comedy, spending time with loved ones and playing with her cat Max.  

Kadra is driven by her curiosity and desire to cultivate new voices. Her passion and appreciation for the arts inform every decision she makes, and through her Artist in Residence at the Marriot, she is looking forward to sharing and expanding her own practice in writing and developing her comedy routine. 

In her role as both an Artist and Arts Leader, Kadra Yusuf has made measurable impacts on diversity and inclusion, created innovative programs, and fostered productive collaborations. Her work has intersected with Arts Commons as a mentor and facilitator with the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program.   

Kadra Yusuf is the recent Rozsa Foundation Emerging Arts Manager Award winner, as presented at the Celebration for the Arts event hosted by mayor Jyoti Gondek. This award is intended to honour an early career arts administrator who is doing noteworthy work, both within the organizations that they are working for, but also in the broader community. 

Kadra Yusuf was the first Artistic Director of Calgary based EMMEDIA Gallery & Production Society, where her commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives is evident in the development of programs, such as "Black to the Future."  She also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Alberta Media Arts Alliance (AMAAS) and the Independent Media Arts Alliance (IMAA).  

photo: Jaqs Gallos Aquines