David B. Smith was born in Toronto Canada in 1965. Working in public space over the last fifteen years, Smith has probed the complex intertwining of private experience and civic decorum, and has examined the intricate interconnectedness of the built and natural environments.
His work has been exhibited widely throughout the United States and Canada where he has completed both permanent and temporary public art projects. Smith is also a passionate advocate for, and has lectured widely on the importance of creative thinking skills applied to academic disciplines outside of the fine arts.
Between 1997 and 2006, Smith held various academic and administrative appointments at the University of San Diego, where as Chair of the Department of Art and later Special Assistant to the Provost he oversaw Arts related development and fundraising, community outreach opportunities, international programs and collaborations, and various institutional partnerships with arts organizations.
In August 2006, Smith was appointed President of NSCAD University, Halifax, Canada.