Welcome to the Association of Cultural Industries Newfoundland & Labrador
Grand Bank Regional Theatre Festival: Call for submissions!
July 30, 2010
Posted on behalf of the Grand Bank Regional Theatre Festival:
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
The Grand Bank Regional Theatre Festival is seeking play/performance submissions for consideration for seasons 2011/12.
Interested persons can submit scripts/ideas to:
Artistic Director: Berni Stapleton or
Artistic Associate: Jenn BrownP.O.Box 218
Grand Bank, NL
A0E 1W0Email submissions will be accepted at theatrefestival@townofgrandbank.net
Inquiries can be directed to Berni (bstapleton@nl.rogers.com) or Jenn (jenntvbrown@hotmail.com).
Scripts should be production ready. All submissions are confidential. Critique or script analysis is not provided and hard copies will not be returned.
Musicians or other performers who wish to present shows at the festival should submit a detailed description of the show and requirements.
Deadline for submissions is October 15th, 2010.
For more information on this not-for-profit professional arts company check out www.grandbanktheatre.com
Piper’s Frith: Writing at Kilmory Resort
July 30, 2010
Posted on behalf of the Literary Arts Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador:
Piper’s Frith: Writing at Kilmory Resort, October 12 - 16, 2010
The Literary Arts Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador invites established and emerging writers to join Jessica Grant (fiction), Mary Dalton (poetry) and Kevin Major (prose) for small-group workshops and one-on-one mentoring. Social evenings and peaceful, stunning surroundings enhance this intensive four-day experience.
Piper’s Frith takes place at beautiful Kilmory Resort amidst the wildness of the Burin Peninsula.
The cost is $615 including all program fees, accommodations, meals and social events. The deadline to apply is August 16, 2010.Visit www.literaryartsnl.com for details and to apply.
Bursaries for Piper's Frith Available
The Literary Arts Foundation NL can offer a few partial bursaries to those writers who wish to participate in Piper's Frith, but for whom financial considerations may make this difficult to impossible.
Bursaries can only be provided to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador at this time. Preference will be given to those who must travel from outside the Avalon or Burin peninsulas, but all residents of the province may apply.
To apply for a bursary at the time of application, please include a brief statement indicating you are seeking a bursary, whether your participation at the Frith will be impossible or very difficult due to financial constraints, and what travel costs you would incur to get to Kilmory.
Daily Spotlight: Michael Pittman
July 30, 2010
Michael Jonathon Pittman has lived and travelled throughout North America and Europe. He began his professional career as a visual artist after completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual) degree at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2001. In 2006, Michael completed a studio-based Masters Degree in Painting at the Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland.
With training and experience in photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture and digital imaging, Michael's artwork is characterized by an eclectic mix of media and informed by a thorough knowledge of the history and theory of art-making practice.
His work is currently being shown at the Leyton Gallery of Fine Art, along with other ACI members.
For more information on Michael Pittman, please visit his website at http://www.newfoundartist.com/.
NLAC: Winterset in Summer
July 29, 2010
Posted on behalf of NLAC:
Winterset in Summer
The Winterset in Summer literary festival celebrates the writers of our splendid province. New and established writers participate in panel discussions with celebrity hosts, including CBC Radio's Michael Enright. It’s a fabulous weekend filled with discussions, readings, and music. The festival runs from August 13 - 15, 2010 at Beaches Heritage Centre, Eastport.
Winterset in Summer received a grant for $10,000 though the NLAC’s Professional Festivals Program.
Learn more at www.nlac.nf.ca.
For further information, please contact:
Janet McDonald
Communications Officer
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
1 Springdale Street
P.O. Box 98
St. John's, NL
A1C 5H5Tel: (709) 726-2212
Toll Free: 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only)
Fax: (709) 726-0619Daily Spotlight: Battery Radio
July 29, 2010
Battery Radio is a radio station with studios at the bottom of the cliff where Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic wireless message in St. John's, Newfoundland. It features a variety of different programming, such as: radio features, information documentaries, historical series, comedy features, audio guides & acoustic films, and special projects. They welcome enquiries for commissioned work.
Achievements in 2009 include:
* Prix Marulic 2009 (Hark!) broadcast by CBC, BBC co-pro with FallingTree Productions
* Grand Award, International Radio Festival of New York 2009 (Hark!)
* Gold Medal (Best Sound) International Radio Festival of New York 2009 (Hark!)
* Silver Medal (Best editing) International Radio Festival of New York 2009 (The Nerve)
* Silver Medal (Best Culture/Arts program) International Radio Festival of New York 2009 (The Nerve)For more information, please visit their website at http://www.batteryradio.com.
Mailing Address
Battery Radio
28 Outer Battery Rd
St. John's NL
Canada
A1A 1A7T: 709-576-0359
Email:info@batteryradio.comDaily Spotlight: New Curtain Theatre Company
July 28, 2010
Incorprated in March of 2005, The New Curtain Theatre Company saw its first production in April of 2006 with the mounting of Cindy Lou Johnson's BRILLIANT TRACES. The impetus for its birth was to contribute to the social amenity and make up of one of the more positively developing towns on the east coast of Newfoundland by bringing professional theatre to the Clarenville area.
In its four short years, New Curtain Theatre has established itself as a permanent force within the region. The growth of the company has already been chartered through the track record of its productions and the support it is receiving from the community at large. They continue to keep their production levels moderate whereby, in an effort to be fiscally attentive, their cast sizes are being kept at four or below including the student element wherever possible.
NCTC presents theatre as a group, but it also hosts a youth actors studio and an adult actors studio for those interested in learning the art of theatre.
For more information, please visit http://newcurtaintheatre.com.
New Curtain Theatre Company can also be contacted through:
T: 709 237 4538
F: 709 740 4558Mail Address:
102 White Hills Road
Clarenville, Newfoundland
Canada
A5A 2B3Daily Spotlight: Them Days Magazine
July 27, 2010
Them Days began as a Labrador Heritage Society project in 1973 with the intention of producing a single publication. That first edition of Them Days magazine was made available to the public in August of 1975. The publication went on to become a quarterly magazine which is available on a subscription and retail sale basis. The magazine is dedicated to documenting and preserving the
culture and history of Labrador.In addition to the magazine, Them Days Labrador Archives began in 1984 with the arranging of researched material into an archives. This collection which continues to grow contains diaries, letters, reports, audio and video recordings, photographs, slides, maps and a reference library.
Much of the material organized has been donated by individuals, businesses and organizations interested in helping to preserve the rich cultural history of Labrador.
For more information regarding Them Days Magazine, please visit their website at http://www.themdays.com or you can reach them at:
Mailing Address
Them Days Inc.
P.O. Box 939, Stn. B
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL A0P 1E0
CanadaTel: (709) 896-8531
Fax: (709) 896-4970
E-mail:themdays@themdays.com
Daily Spotlight: The School of Dance Inc.
July 26, 2010
The School of Dance (TSD) was established in 1999, by Marie Steffen (Cragg) who combined her many years of teaching and performing experience to provide a school dedicated to the well rounded training of Dance.
In 2008, the school's focus shifted toward the more dedicated dancer. Since inception, the school's name has been synonymous with quality training. The new face of TSD continues to offer that and more.
The School of Dance offers a truly unique and innovative program which has been developed from 20+ years of dance teaching experience.
(Please note that in addition to this program we also offer advanced classes for students 18+)What makes programs at TSD so different?
Class size is strictly limited. Each age group (not class but age group) will have a maximum number of 10 - 16 students. This allows us to train the students in a very personalized way that is not possible with a large school.This approach also allows the students to form some wonderful bonds and friendships as they dance with their fellow class mates for years.
The curriculum is set out from day one to offer the most complete training in a variety of disciplines. We have taken the guess work out of deciding what to do. We also offer written evaluations and progress reports, emphasizing the positive advancement of each student
The school offers ample opportunities for extra events such as organized theatre outings, workshops and master classes.
Staff Marie Steffen, Pamela Pittman, Sandra Blackmore and Erika Wilansky have an abundance of teaching experience. These teachers train in a nurturing and encouraging manner while challenging their students to reach their highest goals.
If you're interested in learning more about The School of Dance, please visit their website at http://www.theschoolofdance.com/.
Mailing Address:
The School of Dance Inc.
163 Water Street
St. John's, Newfoundland
A1C 1B1Office: 709.753.3213
Daily Spotlight: Urve Manuel
July 23, 2010
A Stone's Throw Glass Works has been offering the one of kind glass art of Urve Manuel since 2005.
"Not all people will climb the mountain to see the stark whiteness of the snow against a cobalt blue sky, nor will they all wake up to watch the sun strike the horizon and turn the mountains a deep fuchsia, but these people might still want to be a part of those scenes in a less physical way. My art allows me to share with others what gives me such deep joy." - Urve Manuel
Urve Manuel is continuously amazed at the beauty of nature. From the tiniest Calypso orchid on the limestone barrens of the northern tip of Newfoundland to the osprey soaring over her studio in Gillams, Manuel finds inspiration for her stained glass panels and fused glass sculpture and functional objects. Her studio may be occupied by a herd of freestanding glass caribou, or iridescent squid immortalized in shimmering glass platters. As much as colour, Manuel finds that the texture of glass is important to her compositions because of the way it interacts with light making the glass come alive and change throughout the day.
Urve Manuel makes art for the domestic and corporate environment from stained glass, fused and kiln-cast glass and pâte de verre. Windows and independent panels in stained glass are characterized by harmonious lead lines. Her fused glass products include dory shaped gravy boats, bowls, dishes and platters in a variety of luscious colours and styles as well as freestanding animals and even window panels of children's drawings. The pâte de verre technique allows Manuel to combine the ability to mould glass in a variety of shapes with the delicate texture of granulated sugar.
If you're interested in learning more about Urve Manuel and A Stone's Throw Glass Works, please contact her at:
Urve Manuel
142-146 North Shore Hwy
PO Box 4009
RR#2 Gillams NL
A2H 6B9T:
1.709.783.3505
Email:
urve.manuel@gmail.comor visit her website online at http://astonesthrowglass.ca/ for more information.
English 3901: Creative Writing (Poetry)
July 22, 2010
The following text is copied from Memorial University of Newfoundland's website regarding this excellent learning opportunity for aspiring writers and established writers alike:
English 3901: Writing Poems
Instructor: S. Ingersoll
To Be Offered: Fall Semester, 2010English 3901 is a course for new poets who want to develop their craft. You will be encouraged to attempt various kinds of writing — metrical and non-metrical, rhyming and unrhymed, fixed forms as well as free verse.
The class will revolve around discussion and criticism of your poems—a new one each week.
Entry into the course is by permission of the instructor.
You are required to submit 8 original poems on or before September 3, to S. Ingersoll, c/o the Department of English.
Enquiries about the course may be directed to the instructor by phone (737-8058), or through email (singerso@mun.ca). Alternatively, leave a message at the main English office (737-8277).
Daily Spotlight: Michelle Butler Hallett
July 22, 2010
Michelle Butler Hallett's work, at once striking, memorable and difficult to categorize, has been praised by Books in Canada for "economy and power," while The Globe and Mail notes that "demons are at work - the kind that lurk in the subconscious and surface, depending on the individual, as either despairing visions or acts of outright brutality. ... Butler Hallett seems often to be creating from a subliminal place, riding on intuition, unencumbered by the counsel of editors." Speaking of Butler Hallett's first novel, Double-blind, the 2008 Sunburst Award Jury said: "Sanity, madness, torture in the name of science -- Double-blind is wonderfully original while chillingly based in history. ... The writing is incredibly layered, with metaphor and symbol perfectly balanced against the hard neutrality of scientific language."
With Sky Waves, her latest novel, Butler Hallett draws on her radio background and her troubled relationship with history to create her most ambitious work yet. Described by the author as "a demented 'aural' culture novel," Sky Waves is told as a drew, that is, as the ninety-eight meshes in a row of a fishing net. Throughout ninety-eight non-linear but interconnected chapters and several different narrators, characters and storylines are networked together, almost as a mural against a timeline of 1901 to 2005. Sky Waves explores the often funny and often sad human need for - and fear of - meaningful communication.
Asked recently to describe her work, Butler Hallett replied: "a blistering fusion of history, New Romantic sensibilities, stubborn Cold War angst, hope and steampunk. Categorize that."
For further information regarding Michelle Butler Hallett, please visit her website at http://www.michellebutlerhallett.com or use the following contact information:
Email:
Mail Address:
Michelle Butler Hallett
c/o Killick Press
PO Box 8660, Stn. A
St. John's, NL A1B 3T7Daily Spotlight: Peter Stanbridge
July 21, 2010
The Stanbridge Drum Company was established in February, 2001 by Pete and Karen Stanbridge in St. John's. The company's mission is to handcraft premium quality snare drums, drum kits and percussion accessories for discerning musicians worldwide.
Each Stanbridge snare drum is completely handcrafted by Pete, using a variety of dedicated woodworking fixtures, tools and techniques. The company primarily specializes in lathe-turned, segment shell instruments using some of the world's finest and most exotic timbers.
Stanbridge instruments have been purchased by some of the most recognized drummers in the music industry, and have been featured in numerous music magazine articles, on recordings and in concert halls worldwide.
For more information please visit www.stanbridgedrums.com.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Stanbridge Drum Corporation
38 Pearson Street, Box 326
St. John’s, NL
Canada, A1A 3R1Phone - (709) 437-7258
Fax - (709) 738-8840Email - info@stanbridgedrums.com
National Artists Program Applications
July 20, 2010
Posted on behalf of NIFCO:"The Provincial Government is encouraging young artists to apply for the 2011 National Artists Program (NAP), a mentorship program for artists ages 16-22 offered in conjunction with the upcoming Canada Winter Games, taking place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, February 11-27, 2011.
“This two-week program offers young artists the exciting opportunity to gain increased knowledge and professional development in their chosen discipline,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to our province’s emerging artists and arts community, and I encourage young men and women throughout the province to take advantage of this program and all the benefits it has to offer up-and-coming artists.”
Three artists will be selected from each province/territory, for a total of 39 participants. Team Newfoundland and Labrador artists will be selected by a jury of established artists based on artistic talent, commitment to the creative development of their artistic discipline, and ability to collaborate. Under the guidance of senior arts facilitators, NAP participants will engage in a variety of training and presentation opportunities. Costs associated with travel, accommodations and meals will be covered by the Canada Games. The deadline to submit an application is September 30, 2010."
For an application for NAP, along with detailed information about program objectives and eligibility requirements, please visit:
http://www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/formsandApplications/index.html#Arts
or contact Jacki Northcott at 709-729-3842
or email jackinorthcott@gov.nl.ca
Daily Spotlight: Shallaway
July 20, 2010
The following is copied from Shallaway's website:
Founded by Susan Knight in 1992, SHALLAWAY (formerly the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Choir) is a cultural agency that expresses itself though choral music. Its more than 200 choristers, age 7–18, come from the city of St. John's and its surrounding areas, and sing in six developmentally sequenced ensembles. The mandate of SHALLAWAY is to:
- develop independent choral musicianship and cultural awareness in its membership;
- connect the province with the wider artistic world through choral excellence;
- promote, preserve and transmit the rich folk culture of Newfoundland and Labrador;
- celebrate cultural diversity and connection in this nation and around the globe; and,
- develop its young choristers as leaders for the future in and for Newfoundland and Labrador.
SHALLAWAY’s musical learning is facilitated through the framework of eight developmentally sequenced auditioned ensembles:
- Children’s Chorus Boys Ensemble;
- Children’s Chorus Girls’ Ensemble;
- Children’s Chorus (Boy’s and Girl’s Ensembles combined);
- Children’s Chorus Junior Ensemble (Grades 2 & 3);
- Children’s Chorus Senior Ensemble (Grades 4 and up);
- Jubilate;
- Camerata; and,
- Youth Choir (Jubilate and Camerata combined).
SHALLAWAY also has many other programs that complement and support our choristers' ensemble experience:
- Cultural Enhancement Program
- StatoilHydro Canada Mentorship Program
- Great-West Life Bursary Program
For more information, please visit Shallaway's website or use the following contact information:
Email:
Phone/Fax:
Phone: 709.738.6792
Fax: 709.738.6626Mail:
SHALLAWAY
6 Logy Bay Rd. Suite 200
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
A1A 1J3Daily Spotlight: Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation
July 19, 2010
The Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation, incorporated, in 2009 as a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization, has been established to help people better understand and appreciate the tangible and intangible artistic and cultural heritage of Bay Roberts specifically, and outport Newfoundland in general.
Newfoundland and Labrador has changed a great deal since becoming part of the Canadian Confederation in 1949. The Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation honours the characteristics of our culture which have always made our province a holdin' ground, as Bay Roberts native son, Newfoundland writer Ted Russell, describes it. The Foundation seeks to highlight these characteristics through presenting literary works, art works, music, crafts, storytelling, theatre, food, and other tangible and intangible means of expression.
2010 is the third season for "A Time in Pigeon Inlet" - The Dinner Theatre features Kelly Russell, Tonya Kearley, Russells in the Corner, the Pigeon Inlet Players, and a weekly special guest or guests. It has been playing to sold out crowds on Saturday nights over each summer since it began.
For more information regarding "A Time in Pigeon Inlet", please visit the event's website at http://www.pigeoninlet.ca/ .
For this event and other events hosted by the Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation, visit their website at http://www.bayrobertsculture.com/ .
General Contact Information:
Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation
Sandra Roach: General Manager
PO Box 1759
Bay Roberts, NL
A0A 1G0
Canada
Telephone: 709-683-1195
Fax: (709) 786-2128
Email: sroach@pigeoninlet.caMEDIA RELEASE: Cupids 400 Launches "Voyage" by Dennis Flynn
July 16, 2010
Cupids, NL – July 14, 2010
Cupids 400 Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of a commissioned legacy book entitled “Voyage” by Newfoundland and Labrador photojournalist Dennis Flynn. The official launch is scheduled for Thursday, July 15, 2010 at the Cupids Legacy Centre, 2nd floor Legacy Hall at 7:30 pm. Reception to follow. (Invitation only)
The book was commissioned in 2009 when Dennis retraced the voyage of discovery by John Guy in 1612 around the shores of Conception and Trinity Bays in his 12 ton bark named the “Indeavour”. The “Indeavour” was the first ship ever built in Newfoundland and the purpose of Guy’s voyage was to establish friendly relations with the Beothuck. The complete story of the voyage is told in the state of the art Cupids Museum as part of the interpretation at the new Cupids Legacy Centre.
Dennis’s book is a combination of photo’s of his personal journey as he bicycled throughout the communities along the Avalon and Bonavista Peninsulas in August 2009, as well as, quotes from various journals of the times. Dennis will tell his story of the voyage as seen through his eyes and those of the people he encountered along the way, at the official launch on July 15th. “Voyage” is Dennis’s first book.
“Voyage” is a souvenir that visitors will definitely want to acquire”, says Roy Dawe, Chair of Cupids 400 Inc. It will be a lasting legacy to the story of John Guy and the communities he visited along our shores. The book is a magnificent piece of work”.
“Voyage” was published by Downhome Publishing and is available at the Museum Shop at the Cupids Legacy Centre.
Media Contact:
Mike Buist
mike@cupids400.com
699-5432Mailing Address:
Cupids 400 Inc.
PO Box 210
Seaforest Drive
Cupids, NL
A0A 2B0T: 709.528.1610
E: info@cupids400.comOnline:
www.cupids400.comDaily Spotlight: RN Wagner
July 16, 2010
RN Wagner is a spoken word poet, musician, filmmaker and photographer. His work is poignant and thoughtful, a mix of political and social commentary stirred with the passion of an artist.
Poetry accomplishments:
- American Regional Rustbelt Poetry Slam Competition, Toronto 2009
- Featured act on the Independent talk show in Niagara Falls, ON (http://MOCtalk.ca) Show #10
- Performed for many various non-profit fundraisers
Musical accomplishments:
- MySpace: http://myspace.com/AnOrphansInventoryNL
- Springalicious Street Festival, Niagara Falls 2009
Film accomplishments:
- Intro to 16mm - NIFCO
- Intro to Basic HD Filmaking, Film: Property
Theatre accomplishments:
- Messages of Hope, For The Love Of Learning 2009
If you are interested in his work and would like to contact RN Wagner, you can reach him at nayburzwithflavor@gmail.com
Daily Spotlight: Avalon Woodturners Guild
July 15, 2010
The Avalon Woodturners' Guild is a group of 50 men and women who share an interest in woodturning and other woodcraft. The Guild was established with a mission to share ideas and techniques, and promote woodturning within the province.
The Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month from September to May, at 7:30 pm.
Meetings are held in the New Beginnings Building (rear entrance) located at 53 Bond Street in downtown St. John's. Meetings begin with a short discussion of current and future projects, upcoming events, general interest items and ideas from the floor. Following this they have a Show and Tell session featuring the work of their members, a Bring Back Raffle and a coffee break which allows time for informal chat and a closer look at the work presented earlier. The last half of the evening is dedicated to a woodturning demonstration conducted by a member in the workshop located at the meeting space. Topics for the demos include a wide variety of objects, tools and techniques.
Membership fees are $25 per year, but prospective members are invited to attend a meeting or two with no obligation.
Everyone is welcome!
Membership consists of all skills levels from beginner to pro - you do not need to know how to turn wood or own a lathe to join the Avalon Woodturners Guild.
For more information please visit their website at: www.avalonwoodturners.org
Daily Spotlight: English Harbour Arts Centre
July 14, 2010
Text taken from the English Harbour Arts Centre website:
"The English Harbour Arts Centre is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to the promotion of artistic and cultural education and the preservation of historic and cultural spaces. We are committed to operating an economically self-sustaining institution for the arts that provides learning opportunities for people of all ages and levels of artistic experience. Our multidisciplinary program includes art holidays, workshops, residencies, community outreach, special projects and public events."
For more information, please feel free to contact:
Jack Stanley
General Manager
English Harbour Arts Centre
Site 15, Box 25
English Harbour, NL, A0C 2H0
CanadaTF 1-866-456-2424
T (709) 464-2424
C (709) 685-8393
F (709) 464-2423
E info@englishharbourartscentre.caNew Exhibit: Kindred Spirits - Renee Butler
July 13, 2010
This text is copied from Renee Butler-Harnum's website:
"While Renee’s passion is painting animals, she is deeply touched and inspired by the many moods, colors and the wonderful places Newfoundland has to offer, and also enjoys painting different subjects including landscapes, florals, and traditional outport scenes."
If you are unable to see the image above, please click here to access it directly from the website.
The 2010 Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival: Mobile Event Guide.
July 12, 2010
Posted on behalf of the Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival, an ACI member organization:
If you are unable to see this image, please click here to access it from a new browser window.
Opera on the Avalon - Summer Festival 2010
July 09, 2010
This text is copied from the website of the Opera on the Avalon. Visit them online at: http://www.operaontheavalon.com/ .
"Opera on the Avalon is an exciting new performance program for young, gifted classical singers and pianists. The program is based in historic St. John's, Newfoundland, North America's oldest and most beautiful city. It offers promising young singers an opportunity to immerse themselves in an intensive program of opera and song repertoire with distinguished faculty. Up to 75 talented singers and pianists will be chosen for this three week festival.
In 2010 festival participants will be cast in two fully-staged and costumed productions with orchestra, The Rape of Lucretia and Albert Herring with distinguished conductors and directors. Those not cast in the opera productions will participate in the collaborative piano program, under the direction of Steven Philcox. There will be many performance opportunities including daily public masterclasses, Art Song Recital evenings, and Petro Canada Hall performances.
Opera on the Avalon participants will participate in an intensive curriculum of rehearsals, dramatic preparation, song repertory, diction and movement classes, body mapping, private music coachings, and master classes taught by resident artist-faculty and guest artists.
All singers and pianists must participate in either a live or taped audition. Roles will be assigned after the Opera on the Avalon 2009/20010 audition tour.
Distinguished faculty for 2010: Cynthia Hoffman, Judith Forst, Carrie-Ann Matheson, John Fanning, James Marvel, Peter Strummer, Judith Yan, Tyrone Paterson, Steven Philcox, Benjamin Butterfield, Elizabeth Turnbull, Robert Herriot, Cheryl Hickman. Meredith Hall, Leslee Heys and Dr. Paul Transue.
2010 Repertoire:
Albert Herring
Conductor: Judith Yan
Director: Robert HerriotThe Rape of Lucretia
Conductor: Tyrone Paterson
Director: James Marvel"For a full listing of available performances, please visit the concert schedule.
Wreckhouse International Jazz and Blues Festival Adds All-Ages Events
July 06, 2010
This text is posted on behalf of WHIJBF, an ACI member organization. Visit them online at: http://www.wreckhousejazzandblues.com/
All-Ages Concerts and Workshops
In hopes of making this year’s festival accessible to a wider audience, Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues has added 9 All-Ages shows to this year’s concert line-up.
In addition to the lunchtime concerts, the 2010 Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival will open two of our evening venues to all ages. Both the Yellow Belly Brewery & Public House as well as The Masonic Temple will be open music fans of every age.
There is something for every one of every age this year. From Inuit Throat-Singing to Gypsy-Jazz, Greek to Bluegrass and everything else in between, these all-ages venues will make you feel like a kid in a candy shop.
This year’s outdoor concerts include: Parker Goudie Acoustic Duo, King Pierson’s Bridge, The Skylarks, The Instigators, Morgan Davis, Jeff Dyer Band, D.C. Blues.
The Masonic Temple showcases: Tanya Tagaq, Peter Van Huffel Quartet, The Offering of Curtis Andrews, Duane Andrews Quartet, Mary Barry Sextet, Jeanne Rochette feat. Francois Bourassa, Surviving the Glacier, Richard Underhill Quintet, Mike Janzen Trio, Simon Fisk Trio feat. Jerry Granelli & Christian Koegel.
The Yellow Belly Brewery & Public House features concerts including: The Forgotten Bouzouki, Creaking Tree String Quartet, Chris Kirby & John Clarke, Patrick Boyle Trio, Griffith Hiltz Trio, James Hurley/James Wylie, Friends.
Not only can anyone attend these concerts, but also our fantastic workshops are also open to all ages – come out and learn from some of the best.
This year’s festival will see workshops by Creaking Treee String Quartet, Dominic Mancuso, H’Sao, Morgan Davis and Simon Fisk Trio feat. Jerry Granelli & Chrisian Koegel.
ACI Hires New Staff Members
July 05, 2010
Please join ACI in welcoming our two new staff members hired in support of the NL contribution to the national Culture Days movement.
Laura Bruijns joins us as Program Manager of Culture Days, and can be reached at laurabruijns@culturedays.ca or 709 738 4337.
Heather Witherell joins us as Administrative Assistant, and can be reached at heather@acinl.ca or 709 738 4333.
Both will be working from our St. John's office at 197 Water Street.
New ACI Social Networks
June 11, 2010
Culture Days Newfoundland and Labrador Announced
April 13, 2010
This invitation is posted on behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Culture Days Task Force, of which ACI's Amy House is Chair.
Culture is not something we sit and watch. We own it, we value it, we live, eat and breathe it.
It’s with that sentiment in mind that the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) and the Association of Cultural Industries (ACI) invite you to participate in Culture Days.
In keeping with NLAC’s goal of supporting public awareness and participation, community involvement and education in the arts and ACI’s mandate to act as a liaison between artists, the community and government to promote professional artistic expression in our province – we have joined a national volunteer movement to raise awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement by all Canadians in cultural activities in our communities. So mark your calendar – September 24-26, 2010 – and join the launch of Culture Days in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The value of the arts, culture and heritage lives not only in the economic contribution that artistic and cultural activities deliver but in the quality of life and the sense of togetherness that is generated from sharing and learning about ourselves and others. It’s no surprise that children and adults who are exposed to arts education broaden their understanding of the world and strengthen their capacity for creativity and innovation.
During three days in September, participating artists, writers, businesses, and cultural groups will offer opportunities for the community to learn more about the artistic and cultural activities in our communities and neighbourhoods. Our writers, actors, directors, producers, musicians, architects, singers, dancers, visual artists, publishers, production crews and all those in leading or supportive roles help create the cultural landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador. Without them there would be a great deal less for us to enjoy and to celebrate. So let’s throw open the doors – literally and figuratively – and invite everyone in!
In closing, we encourage you to participate in this national campaign. More details and ideas are attached. Please share this with others in your community and join us to deliver strong messages about the importance of the arts, and of arts education.
Carmelita McGrath
Chair
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts CouncilAmy House
Chair
Association of Cultural IndustriesACI Regional Forum in Corner Brook, April 19
April 07, 2010
Public Service Announcement
ACI REGIONAL FORUM TO BE HELD IN CORNER BROOK
MONDAY, APRIL 19, 6:30pm
The Association of Cultural Industries (ACI) Executive Director George Murray and ACI Western Representative Tina Dolter will be in Corner Brook on Monday, April 19 at 6:30 pm to host a forum with the local arts and culture community to talk about recent ACI research and initiatives, strategic priorities for ACI's ongoing arts advocacy work, and upcoming opportunities and challenges in the culture sector in Western Newfoundland.
What: ACI Regional Forum
Where: Greenwood Inn and Suites (48 West Street, Corner Brook)
When: April 19, 6:30pm
Who: ACI Executive Director George Murray, ACI Board Member Tina Dolter, interested members of the cultural community and general public(Anyone who is a member of the Craft Council, DanceNL, MusicNL, the Writers Alliance or VANL-CARFAC is automatically an associate member of ACI. All cultural producers, whether currently ACI members or not, are welcome and encouraged to attend.)
Topics that can be covered include:
- The recent ACI NL arts sector HR study (How best to address training and skills gaps in our cultural workers)
- Advocating for a new Cultural Blueprint (Where does Culture fit in the Government’s strategic plan?)
- Increasing respect and recognition for the sector's contributions (Why was Culture not mentioned in the NL 2010 Budget?)
- Culture Days 2010 (a national "open doors" festival coming to NL through ACI in September)
Light refreshments and drinks will be served. For more information or comment, please contact ACI Executive Director George Murray at 709.738.4333
#
ACI is a pan-provincial, pan-cultural not-for-profit organization serving as a sector council, unified voice, advocate, and research body working on behalf of professional artists and arts organizations in Newfoundland Labrador. ACI is continually working to provide a nexus for communications between artists and arts organizations, all levels of government, and the public.
CCA Culture Sector Survey
March 25, 2010
If you haven't already done so, please be sure to take a few minutes to fill out this survey for the Canadian Conference of the Arts. ACI is an active member of CCA and encourages and supports the national work they do.
Click here to start the survey
"The Cultural Human Resources Council works for and with all the cultural industries and arts disciplines in the cultural sector including: Live Performing Arts; Writing and Publishing; Visual Arts and Crafts; Film and Television Production; Broadcasting; Digital Media; Music and Sound Recording; and Heritage.
The Cultural Human Resources Council has asked The Conference Board of Canada to examine the cultural sector workforce in Canada. We want to learn about your opinions on the opportunities, challenges, trends and issues that you face; as well as your suggestions for enhancing the quality and sustainability of Canada’s cultural sector. "
DanceNL announces its Road Map Project
March 25, 2010
This press release is posted on behalf of DanceNL, an ACI member sector organization:
DanceNL announces its Road Map Project
DanceNL, the provinces first sectoral association for dance, is pleased to announce the beginning of its Road Map project.
DanceNL is looking to contact people and groups involved in dance activities across the province.
We are looking to hear from everyone. If youre a dancer, a dance teacher, a choreographer, a dance writer, a social dancer, we want to learn more about you and your dance activities, says Kristin Harris Walsh, chair of DanceNL. This is our first step at connecting people involved in all kinds of dance across the province and to spread the word about DanceNL. Its a great opportunity for dancers to make their voices heard and share their activities.
You can participate in the Road Map by visiting www.dancenl.ca and filling in the online form, or by e-mailing info@dancenl.ca.
The mandate of DanceNL is to preserve, promote and support all forms of dance and dance activity throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The DanceNL Road Map document and website will serve as a vital reference to ensure our organization is inclusive of all forms of dance being practiced in our province. As well, it will act as a catalyst to network dancers, practitioners and dance enthusiasts giving dance a stronger presence provincially, nationally and internationally.
For more information, please contact Lynn Panting (coordinator of DanceNL Road Map project) or Kristin Harris Walsh (Chair, DanceNL) at info@dancenl.ca.
NDW Call for Submissions
March 09, 2010
This information is posted on behalf of Neighbourhood Dance Works, an ACI member organization.
Call for Submissions
Deadline April 15th, 2010
Neighbourhood Dance Works
21st Anniversary
Festival of New Dance
September 2011Our festival takes place each summer in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. An application for presentation at the Festival should include the following information:
- name of choreographer or company
- address, phone and email of above
- title and length of work
- information about the choreographer and a description of the work
- the number of performers, their names and bios
- the number of people traveling, ie. dancers, musicians, lighting designers
- from what city will individual/group be traveling from
- if you had or will have funding for this work
- the technical requirements
- a video of the proposed work or recent work if not available
Our festival and community are interested in work that stimulates, inspires and challenges. We welcome installation, site specific, and main stage performances.
Note - if you require your video returned to you please send appropriate postage.
Please send applications and a $20 processing fee to:
NDW
P.O. Box 815, Stn 'C'
St. John's, NL
A1C 5L7
Tel: 709-722-3663For additional information please contact ndw@nfld.net
WANL Announces Heritage and History Book Award Nominees
March 09, 2010
This press release is posted on behalf of the Writers' Alliance of NL, a sectoral member organization of ACI.
Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador
Suite 102, 155 Water Street, P. O. Box 2681, St. John’s, NL, A1C 6K1
T: 709-739-5215 or 1-866-739-5215 F: 709-739-5931
email: wanl@nf.aibn.com website: http://wanl.ca/MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release.
WRITERS’ ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES SHORTLIST FOR THE 2009 HERITAGE AND HISTORY BOOK AWARD
(March 9, 2010 – St. John’s, NL) The Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador presents the Heritage and History Book Award for a work of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or children’s/young adult literature that exemplifies excellence in the interpretation of the history and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. The award is sponsored by the Historic Sites Association as a way to demonstrate appreciation for those writers whose exploration of their culture and heritage has shaped their writing.
The 2009 Heritage and History Book Award shortlist, listed alphabetically by author:
· Ray Guy for Ray Guy: The Smallwood Years (Boulder, 2008)
· Randall Maggs for Nightwork: The Sawchuk Poems (Brick, 2008)
· George A. Rose for Cod: The Ecological History of the North Atlantic Fisheries (Breakwater, 2007)
· Agnes Walsh for Going Around with Bachelors (Brick, 2007)The winner of the 2009 Heritage and History Book Award will be announced during the Historic Sites Association's Water Street Book Club, to be held on Thursday, April 1, beginning at 7 p.m. at the gallery space of the Heritage Shop (309 Water Street).
A recipient of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and a National Newspaper Award, Ray Guy has been an insightful commentator and journalist for over 40 years. Starting as a newspaper reporter in the early 1960s, Guy has built a wide audience for his brand of fearless journalism and satire. He is also a well known broadcaster; for many years he was a commentator on CBC’s Here and Now. Ray is also a writer of fiction and, among his most notable achievements, he wrote for the highly acclaimed Up At Ours television series.
Randall Maggs is the artistic director of Newfoundland’s March Hare festival of music and literature, and teaches literature at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook. He is the author of Timely Departures and co-editor of two anthologies pairing Newfoundland and Canadian poems with those of Ireland: However Blow the Winds and The Echoing Years. His book of poems Night Work: The Sawchuk Poems won the 2009 E.J. Pratt Poetry Award, the 2008 Winterset Award and was just named the winner of the 3rd Kobzar Literary Award.
George A. Rose is one of Canada’s best known and most respected fisheries scientists. He is widely considered to be the authority on the Newfoundland and Labrador cod fishery. He holds degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from the University of Guelph, in biology from Laurentian University, and holds a doctorate in biology from McGill University. His main career interests have been in the fisheries of the North Atlantic and in world-wide conservation, particularly in Africa, on which he has published over 100 peer reviewed publications. He lives on Three Island Pond in Paradise, Newfoundland.
Agnes Walsh is an actor, playwright, storyteller, and poet. She has won several awards for her poetry, which has appeared in various literary magazines, and has read widely in North America and Europe. Her work has been translated into French, Portuguese, and Icelandic. Going Around with Bachelors is her second collection of poetry, preceded by In the Old Country of my Heart. In 2006, she was named the inaugural Poet Laureate of St. John’s, a position she held for three years.
The Heritage and History Book Award was first presented in 2004 and is awarded annually. The winner receives a $250 cash prize. The shortlist is selected from among those books submitted to The Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards.
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Media contact:
Théa Morash, Executive Director
Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador
102-155 Water Street
St. John’s, NL
Tel: 709-739-5215 Toll free: 1-866-739-5215
E-mail: wanl@nf.aibn.comMary Pratt Joins EVA Awards as Patron
March 02, 2010
The press release below is posted on behalf of VANL-CARFAC, a sectoral member of ACI.
Mary Pratt Patron, Excellence in Visual Art Awards
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2010: Well-known artist Mary Pratt is the Patron of the 5th annual Excellence in Visual Arts Awards (EVAs), which acknowledge the achievements of this province’s visual artists.
“It is easy to award prizes in sports. The winner is usually the first to cross the finish line, or the team that gets the most points. An athletic achievement is rewarded not only with medals and money. It is rewarded with popularity”, says Pratt. “We also have heroes in the movies and on stage. Almost none of this is enjoyed by visual artists. How valued is a prize given to a visual artist? Working for years in the proverbial garret – to be finally noticed? It is as much a blessing as a prize!”
Ms Pratt was the winner of the inaugural Long Haul Award for lifetime achievement in 2006, one of four EVA Awards which will again be presented this spring. “We were delighted that Mary agreed to be Patron of the Awards,” says Craig Francis Power, Co-Chair of the EVA Committee. “One of this province’s most celebrated artists has come on board to help us spread the word. The EVAs are five years old this year, and they have become a very important means of recognition for the hard-working artists in our province.”
All artists in the province are encouraged to apply for these awards. In addition to the Long Haul, categories are the Large Year Award (for an artist who has had an exceptional year), the Emerging Artist Award, and the Kippy Goins Award, which recognizes an individual or organization who has helped the growth of the sector. Cash prizes of $1000 are attached to the awards, except the Kippy Goins, whose recipient receives an original artwork, this year by artist Will Gill.
The deadline is fast approaching for the fifth annual Excellence in Visual Arts Awards. Applications must be received or postmarked by 5 pm, April 3rd. Application forms and full rules can be found at www.vanl-carfac.com.
As the only awards program dedicated to celebrating the achievements of this province’s visual artists, the EVA Awards have become an exciting part of the annual cultural activities in this province. With previous winners from Grand Falls-Windsor, St. John’s, Corner Brook and Robinsons, this awards program recognizes excellence province-wide.
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For more information:
Dave Andrews, Program Coordinator
Visual Artists Newfoundland and Labrador
VANL-CARFAC
59 Duckworth Street, 3rd Floor
St. John's, NL, Canada A1C 1E6
T. (709) 738-7303
F. (709) 738-7304
Toll Free: 1-877-738-7303
E. vanl-carfac@nf.aibn.comVisual Artists Newfoundland and Labrador is a not-for-profit organization mandated to raise the socio-economic status of visual artists in this province. The nature of VANL-CARFAC is unique and two-fold. At once a provincial sectoral organization for the visual arts in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the provincial affiliate of Canadian Artists Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens, VANL-CARFAC provides its members with a wide range of services, information and development on both regional and national levels.
ACI Presents at Provincial Pre-Budget Consultation Hearings
February 18, 2010
February 17, 2010
For Immediate Release
ACI ADVOCATES ON BEHALF OF ARTS COUNCIL AT PROVINCIAL PRE-BUDGET CONSULTATIONS
The Association of Cultural Industries (ACI) Executive Director George Murray made a presentation to Minister of Finance Tom Marshall during pre-budget consultations held February 17 in St. John's.
As an advocate for the professional cultural producers and organizations of Newfoundland and Labrador, ACI strongly believes it is time to start re-investing in the culture sector. Without a new strategic blueprint document to follow the successful, ACI-researched Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for the Development and Investment In Culture document, a three-year plan for investment in the sector that ended in 2009, the best way to ensure the continued health and growth of the sector is to reinvest directly in the professional artists and artistic organizations of the province through the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC).
“The government is surely aware that culture sector investment is as important and timely as other kinds of infrastructure investment,” said George Murray. “When the oil runs out, it will be our culture, heritage, and natural beauty that continue to draw tourism dollars and investment to the province. Culture in Newfoundland and Labrador is an infinitely renewable resource, but we will always needed to nurture and guard it closely to see it continue to flourish as a viable economic venture.”
A summary of ACI's submission to the pre-budget consultation is copied below.
Summary
- NLAC has the third lowest funding of an arts council, per capita, in Canada (at $4 per person, with MB, SK, AL, and PQ all at over $8; only PEI and NB are lower than NL)
- The NLAC saw a 20% increase in solid project applications in the last grant period of 2009, but there was only $250,000 of funding available, with an ask of $1,000,000
- This highlights the problems of a sector that is a victim of its own success
- The growth and increased professionalization of the arts and culture sector over the last five years is attributable in part to the Williams government's unprecedented investment (through the Creative Blueprint document of 2006-2009)
- Momentum from this investment carried the increased development of the sector beyond 2009, but if no new investment comes this year, the culture sector is in danger experiencing an atrophy in not only growth and income, but offerings as well
- Therefore, if there is one thing this budget can do to help the arts and culture sector this year, it is to increase the budget of the NLAC
- ACI's recommendation is to double the NLAC's budget over the next three years, from $2,000,000 to $4,000,000 (per capita investment of $8)
Reasons to Support the Culture Sector
Nationally:
- 82% of culture sector is knowledge-based (with 83% of workers nationally holding at least one post-secondary degree, compared to 62% of total labour force)
- The culture sector accounts for over 3% of Canadian GDP, over $20 billion in annual sales, $20 billion in annual services, and $1.8 billion in exported goods
- Cultural exports are growing at 15% annually
- Since 1991, the cultural workforce has grown twice as fast as the general labour force (26% compared to 13%)
- The culture sector employs 700,000 nationally and is growing at rate of 1% per annum
Provincially:
- Culture is a key recruitment tool for bringing skilled labour and tourists to the province
- The culture sector in NL is worth $400,000,000 annually
- Phase 1 of Creative Newfoundland and Labrador created good national press for provincial government and goodwill from NL population
- Creative Newfoundland and Labrador investments yielded not only more cultural enterprise, but helped professionalize the sector
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For more information or comment, please contact ACI Executive Director George Murray at 709.738.4333
ACI is a pan-provincial, pan-cultural not-for-profit organization serving as a unified voice, acting as advocate, and performing research on behalf of professional artists and arts organizations in Newfoundland Labrador. In 2008, ACI celebrated 10 years of advocacy. ACI is continually working to provide a nexus for communications between artists and arts organizations, all levels of government, and the public.
Renovation and improvement funding for Arts and Culture Centres
January 20, 2010
As indicated in their 2006 publication, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial government is investing in the upkeep and improvement of the province's arts and culture centres. TCR Minister Terry French announced today in Corner Brook that the government is investing over 1.5 million dollars in the six Centres. Read the full press release here.
NLAC Session in Marystown postponed to January 25, 2010
January 20, 2010
Due to the impending weather, the NLAC info session in Marystown originally scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) has been rescheduled.
It will now take place on Monday, January 25, at 7 p.m.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Please see details below:
Public Information Session
on arts funding opportunites
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council will hold a Public Information Session in Marystown:
The Marystown Hotel – Monday, 25 January 2010 at 7 p.m.
(76 Ville Marie Drive, Marystown, the DAC Room)
Learn about NLAC funding programs for:
· individual artists
· groups
· not-for-profit arts organizations
· not-for-profit arts festivals
· community arts groups
· schools
For more information:
Phone: 726-2212 or long distance toll free 1-866-726-2212
E-mail: nlacmail@nfld.net
www.nlac.nf.ca
New Screen -- call for proposals
January 20, 2010
New Screen, a program designed to support and encourage creators in their exploration of short format across a variety of screens, is a partnership between the National Film Board of Canada and the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation.
Approved projects will push the boundaries of traditional storytelling through the creative application of digital platforms, including, but not limited to, web and mobile broadcast and interactive media. Preference will be given to original ideas; however, New Screen will also consider short projects inspired by longer formats. Story content is key and proposals will be chosen within the context of NFB’s programming as a public producer.In its first year, the New Screen fund is $65,000.00. The program will produce a minimum of one and a maximum of three projects, depending on timelines and production ambitions.
Examples of digital projects, including some NFB-produced projects, can be found online at http://www.doclab.org/projects.
Please submit a complete project proposal including:
- 1-2 page description, clearly stating the project’s concept, execution and timeline, and intended audience
- Preliminary budget breakdown
- Up-to-date CV of the personnel involved
- Support material if availableFor more information, please contact Annette Clarke (a.clarke@nfb.ca) or Jon Montes (j.montes@nfb.ca) either by email or by telephone at (709) 772-7509.
Proposals must be received by March 5, 2010 to:
Annette Clarke, Producer
National Film Board
28 Cochrane Street, suite 102
St. John’s NL
A1C 3L3
a.clarke@nfb.caNew Screen is open to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants. Student projects are not eligible.
About the National Film Board of Canada
The National Film Board of Canada is the nation’s public producer of artistic, inventive and socially relevant audiovisual content. For over 70 years our mandate has been to engage Canadians and the world through the production of stories and media that reflect our country and Canadian points of view.About the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation
The Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation has been mandated to promote the development of the indigenous film and video industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as to promote the province in national and international film and video markets as a location for film, television, and commercial productions."There are so many times where there is no work that you can never say no."
January 14, 2010
Because professional artists are often focused on their work, and on the unpredictability of receiving compensation for their work, occupational health concerns can come a distant second or third place to simple get-food-on-the-table concerns. Physical health risks may seem obvious -- repeptitive strain for dancers, muscoskeletal injuries for writers, hearing hazards for musicians. But mental health risks also abound, specifically, underemployment and how it causes a lack of control over the outcome of one's work and the conditions in which that work is produced.
This informative article, "Occupational strain and professional artists: a qualitative study of an underemployed group" (Barker, Keegan K., Soklaridis, Sophie, Waters, Ian, Herr, Gabriella and Cassidy, J. David(2009),1:2,136 — 150) lays out the physical and mental health risks to professional artists and suggests possible treatments and even preventative best practices. This article provides cold hard stats, mostly Canadian, and plenty of ammunition for anyone concerned with issues surrounding the status of the artist.
And what is 'underemployment,' according to the paper's authors? "For this paper, underemployment is defined as the amount of time spent working in one’s chosen field, as well as a consideration of an inability to work within one’s chosen field due to lack of jobs, low rates of pay, and extreme competition for work. For instance, professional artists often compete for a very small number of available jobs in their industry, or often accept jobs that do not use their full potential. ... In addition, artists are more likely to work less than a full year (whether full-time or part-time) due to the seasonal aspects of work in the arts. The demands of life as a professional artist are many, and there are a-priori reasons to expect that artists may be exposed to occupational strain." (http://ahcf.ca/images/Occupational.pdf, accessed 14 January 2010.)
The authors also offer a great defintion of professional artists: "a group who enrich the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual lives of a society as well as provide economic benefit to their communities." (http://ahcf.ca/images/Occupational.pdf, accessed 14 January 2010.)
Read the full article here.
NLAC Information Session -- Marystown
January 12, 2010
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council will hold a Public Information Session in Marystown:
The Marystown Hotel – Thursday, 21 January 2010 at 7 p.m.
(76 Ville Marie Drive, Marystown, the DAC Room)
Learn about NLAC funding programs for:
· individual artists
· groups
· not-for-profit arts organizations
· not-for-profit arts festivals
· community arts groups
· schools
For more information:
Phone: 726-2212 or long distance toll free 1-866-726-2212
E-mail: nlacmail@nfld.net
www.nlac.nf.ca
Remember the child arts tax credit?
January 11, 2010
The federal government promised in 2008 to offer a $500.00 tax credit to parents enrolling their children in arts programs, much as they provide a credit to parents who enroll their children in sports programs.
Turns out the arts tax credit has yet to be paid out. Read more here at The National Post.
NLAC calls for visual artwork proposals, deadline January 18, 2010
January 07, 2010
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) invites visual artists and fine crafts persons that are resident in Newfoundland and Labrador to submit proposals for five pieces of artwork. These artworks will be presented to award recipients, in select categories, at the 25th NLAC Arts Awards Gala.
Specifications: Five pieces of existing or newly-created artwork
Budget: $2,500 + HST inclusive for five works (includes artist fees, materials, framing, shipping and insurance.)
Requirements:
A proposal including:
A detailed project description
An updated resume
Relevant support material i.e. images (sketches, slides, photos, jpgs, etc.) maximum 20
Original artworks cannot be accepted as support material. The NLAC is not responsible for damage to or loss of any submitted support material.Optional: Letters of Reference
Deadline for Proposal: Monday, January 18, 2010
Deadline for Delivery of Artwork: Friday, April 16, 2010
Submissions:
Arts Awards Committee
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
1 Springdale Street
P.O. Box 98
St. John’s, NL
A1C 5H5
OR
Arts Awards Committee
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
c/o The Labrador Cultural Outreach Office
21 Broomfield Street
P.O. Box 2243, Station B
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL
A0P 1E0
For more information contact:
Reg Winsor
Executive Director
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
Phone: (709) 726-2212
Phone Toll Free: 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only)
Shakespeare By The Sea Festival opens the 2010 Words Words Words Sonnet Contest
January 06, 2010
(Twelfth Night, 2010 - St. John’s, NL) On this Twelfth Night, the Shakespeare By The Sea Festival has declared that Words, Words Words - their annual Sonnet Contest – is now open and accepting entries until the Ides of March (March 15, 2010).
Members of the general public, as well as students in grades 3 through 12 in the Eastern School District of Newfoundland and Labrador, are invited to submit original sonnets on any subject and in any voice.
Entries must follow the Shakespearean sonnet form:
14 lines of iambic pentameter
an ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme schemeOur panel of judges from will select the top sonnet and two runners-up in each of four categories:
Grades 4-6
Grades 7-9
Grades 10-12
AdultThis year our judges are:
Angela Antle, Host of Weekend AM for CBC Radio
George Murray, Poet and Executive Director of the Association of Cultural Industries (ACI)
Ken Simmons, Entertainment Editor for The Telegram
Gemma Schlamp-Hickey, Poet and Chair of the Writer's Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (WANL)
Michael Pickard, Poet and Shakespeare By The Sea Festival Board MemberWinners will be announced on Shakespeare’s Birthday (April 23, 2010).
Winners and runners-up in each category will receive a set of four passes to the 2010 Shakespeare By The Sea Festival (approximate value $120).
The winners will also each receive a $100 cash prize and will be published in the 18th annual Shakespeare By The Sea Festival program.
The deadline for submissions is the Ides of March (March 15, 2010).
Entries must include name and contact information (phone and email) with all sonnet submissions. Student submissions must also include age, school, and grade level.
Entries will only be accepted by email (no later than 11:59pm on March 15, 2010) to sbts@nfld.com.
Shakespeare By The Sea Festival Inc., a community-based organization, produces and promotes artistic works with a focus on William Shakespeare. Our organization unites seasoned and developing talent and aspires to excel in all aspects of our work.
The Shakespeare By The Sea Festival is the longest running outdoor summer theatre event in the St. John's area. Since 1993, we have been performing the works of that famous Bard all around the St. John's area – from the cliff-top meadows of Logy Bay to the historic World War Two bunkers at Cape Spear – from the cobblestoned courtyard of the Murray Premises to the lush landscapes of Bowring Park. Since that time, the Festival has grown into a much-anticipated annual event.
For more information, please visit www.sbts.info or call (709) 722-SBTS (7287).
NLAC Calls for Nominations for the 2009 Arts Awards
January 04, 2010
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Arts Awards.
Members of the public can submit one nomination in each of the following six categories:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2009
Recognizes the art or activity of a person, group or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2009.
ARTS ACHIEVEMENT 2009
Recognizes a practicing artist who has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador over a period of years.
ARTS IN EDUCATION 2009
Recognizes an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to arts in education in Newfoundland and Labrador over a period of years.
EMERGING ARTIST 2009
Recognizes new and undisputed talent. It is awarded to an emerging artist, group or arts organization that has earned significant recognition for a piece of work or a generally out-sized impact on the scene.
HALL OF HONOUR 2009
Recognizes a person, group or organization that has made a distinguished lifetime contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador.
PATRON OF THE ARTS 2009
Recognizes a person, business, or organization that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador through innovative, community, or sustained support of artistic activity.
Start thinking about people you’d like to see honoured at the NLAC Arts Awards!
Nominations close February 1, 2010.
For more information, please contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council office at 726-2212 or toll free 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only).
Deja vu all over again -- this time, it's digital
December 30, 2009
Tom Permiutter, Chairman of the National Film Board, argues that Canada risks being left behind by the digital revolution --left behind by countries with robus cultural identities: Britain, France, New Zealand, and the United States. Does this sound like the arguments about Canadian film and television from the 1970s? It should. The question is, have Canadian governments learned anything about media since then? Read more here in Nelson Wyatt's Canadian Press article at macleans.ca.
NLAC announces community arts program grants
December 22, 2009
December 22, 2009, St. John’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) has awarded $75,000 in grants to 20 community arts organizations and groups from across the province through its Community Arts Program.
The program offers funding to community-based arts organizations and groups for new creation, arts workshops, presentations, adjudicator fees, etc. To be eligible for a grant, groups or organizations must be community-based in nature. This means they are typically run by volunteers and do not pay a professional administrator or artistic director. A primary mandate must be the development or promotion of the arts, and they must operate in a not-for-profit capacity.
Some of the groups and projects funded this year include the Newfoundland Youth Theatre Arts Project which will offer a series of free theatre arts workshops for youth at the Rabbittown Community Centre and the Mundy Pond Boys and Girls Club in St. John’s; the Old Perlican Heritage Committee who will be organizing a “Time” of music and dance workshops; the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Drama Festival which will feature productions by community theatre groups from around the province; and the Bay St. George Artists’ Association which will offer a series of visual arts workshops for amateur and professional artists in the area.
“Community arts groups throughout the province are showing a keen interest is this program,” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC. “We’ve seen a marked increase in the number of applications – 28 this year compared with 17 last year. It’s great to see the community embrace the program in this way.”
The next deadline for the Community Arts Program is September 30, 2010.
The NLAC is a non-profit Crown agency that promotes and supports the arts through a variety of granting programs. It receives an annual grant, appropriated by the Legislature, to finance its granting programs, program delivery, office administration, and communications.
www.nlac.nf.ca
Holiday blood drive -- get wrapped in red
December 22, 2009
Give the most precious gift this holiday season – donate blood for hospital patients in need.
St. John’s Blood Donor Clinic - 7 Wicklow Street
Challenging collection days:
Thursday, December 24th: 8:30 - 11:30am
Monday, December 28th: 11:30 - 2:30 & 4 – 7pm
Thursday, December 31st: 8:30 – 11:30 am
To book a group donation please contact Dana Meadus 758-8047
ACI offices holiday break
December 22, 2009
The ACI offices at 197-99 Water Street, St. John's, will close for the holidays on December 24th and re-open on January 4, 2010.
Warm wishes for a great holiday.
NLAC announces grant recipients for the Professional Project Grants Program (fall 2009 session)
December 21, 2009
December 21, 2009, St. John’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) has awarded $248,563 in grants for 72 artistic projects under its Professional Project Grants Program during its fall 2009 granting session.
The Professional Project Grants Program supports creation, production and professional development in dance, film, multidiscipline, music, theatre, visual arts, and writing. Grants are awarded through a competitive application and peer assessment process.
The maximum available grant for new professional artists or groups is $3000, and the maximum available grant for established professional artists or groups, and professional not-for-profit arts organizations is $7500.
The average grant this session was $3452 – down from this time last year when the average grant was $3884. There were a total of 149 applications which represents a 20 percent increase from last fall.
“We’ve continued to see an increase in the number of applications over the past couple of years.” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC. “This is indicative of the growing artistic activity taking place throughout the province. As the arts continue to grow and flourish, we expect this trend to continue.”
The Professional Project Grants Program has two grant deadlines a year: one in the spring and one in the fall. The next application deadline is March 16, 2010 (for projects starting on or after May 15, 2010.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) is a non-profit Crown agency that promotes and supports the arts through a variety of granting programs. It receives an annual grant, appropriated by the Legislature, to finance its granting programs, program delivery, office administration, and communications.
www.nlac.nf.ca
Dame Judi Dench concerned that the London 2012 Olympics are already leeching arts money
December 11, 2009
Smells like Vancouver. Dame Judi Dench worries that the London 2012 Olympics are benefiting from funds siphoned from the arts.
Reverse the cuts
December 10, 2009
Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage urges MPs to reverse a planned cut to Musical Diversity funding in April 2010. Read more here.
Get in the action: Simon Brault, cultural policy, government funding and the country's health
December 05, 2009
Simon Brault, vice-chair of the Canada Council for the Arts and head of the National Theatre School, has just published Le facteur C: L'avenir passe par la culture (soon to be translated into English), and with it he's stirred up discussion across the country about just what cultural policy is, what it could be, and why. Arguing that "cultural participation includes support to all the amateur practices – people being involved in choirs and community theatres and all that," Brault has recently met with top Canadian civil servants and is now en route to France. Read more here at The Globe and Mail.
Arts cuts, 92 % and Wrecking Balls -- BC arts community fights back
December 04, 2009
Tonight in Vancouver, Wrecking Ball political theatre will hit back at BC's provincial arts funding cuts -- cuts projected to score 92 percent in 2011-12. No, that is not a typo: arts funding cuts in British Columbia are expected to reach 92 percent by 2011-12. Read more here at The Globe and Mail.
NL filmmakers go international -- Maggs and White
December 03, 2009
NL writer-directors Adrianna Maggs and Sherry White are making their marks internationally. White's Crackie has played at various festivals in North America and Europe, while Maggs's Grown-Up Movie Star will screen at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah this January.
NLAC supports artists through its Professional Artists’ Travel Fund
December 03, 2009
December 3, 2010, St. John’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) awarded $19,956 in travel grants to 22 artists from across the province through the Professional Artists’ Travel Fund (PATF) between April and November 2009.
The PATF provides funding to professional artists to take part in unexpected activities that will enhance their artistic careers. Such activities could include the presentation, development or celebration of the artist’s work; receiving or being nominated for an official honour or award; unexpected opportunities to work under an artist/teacher or to access specialized equipment not available in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Over the past eight months artists have availed of the fund to travel provincially, nationally, and internationally to present their work, accept awards, and take part in professional development. Some of the artists who have accessed the fund include filmmaker Stephen Dunn who traveled to Cannes, France to attend a screening of his film The Hall at the Cannes International Film Festival; potters David Hayashida, Linda Yates, and Isabella St. John who traveled to Cheongju, South Korea to attend and present at the Cheongju International Craft Biennale; and make-up artist Daphne Thomas who traveled to Burnaby, British Columbia to participate in make-up special effects workshops at the Healy FX Studios.
“The PATF helps our artists avail of professional development opportunities; it also helps them promote and celebrate their work throughout the province and beyond,” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC. “Our artists serve as ambassadors – by sharing their artistic excellence with the rest of the world they promote our culture, and return with skills and expertise that strengthen and stimulate artistic activity here at home.”
A grant of up to $750 is available for travel within the province, and up to $1000 for travel outside the province. Eligible costs include return airfare, bus or train tickets, local transportation, accommodation and per diems. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and are evaluated by a peer assessment committee made up of two members of the NLAC.
Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre: Call for Submissions
November 30, 2009
RCA Theatre is presently accepting submissions for development and production. The deadline is December 15, 2009. See below for submission categories.
RCA Theatre has updated its Submission Policy and Guidelines, and the Programming Committee Structure. Over the past 6 years, we have been investing more and more in playwrights and script development and it is imperative that the programming committee be aware of the work that RCAT is doing internally.The Programming Committee will now be asked to sit for two years, with two members carried over for consistency.The new policy will also include three deadlines for submission per year, after which The Programming Committee will be tasked to meet to review submissions and the progress of ongoing play development within the company.
RCA Theatre Submission Deadlines:
April 15
September 15
December 15There are four Submission categories:
1. An Idea
This submission can be a letter from an established artist, or theatre company, expressing an idea for script development. It can be a germ of an idea or a fully developed outline. Investment in the idea will be determined by the artist(s) involved and the creative innovation of the project. If accepted this can be considered a commission.
2. A Draft
This submission is for support from RCA Theatre for a performance or a series of performances in the Second Space.
3. An Experiment
This submission is to produce an original work in development that needs to be observed in front of an audience in order to get the piece to the next phase of development. The Significant Other Series can also be used to produce a scripted work that is not suitable as an RCA Theatre Mainstage production. Under the SOS, RCA Theatre invests $5000 (or and agreed upon amount) toward the production, as well as some administrative assistance.
SOS can be produced in the Second Space or Main theatre, and will be determined during discussions between the artist(s) and RCAT.
Split of the Box Office will be determined by investment by both parties.
4. A Script
This series is reserved for fully developed scripts produced with a full creative team and are usually produced for the Main theatre. Mainstage encompasses Theatre for Young Audiences as well as theatre for general populace. More often than not these productions/scripts have already been in development with RCAT for some time.Where possible Submissions should include:
·the projects artistic objectives;
·names of the members of the company;
·biographical material;
·history of development to date;
·other means of support for this production
·type of programming the project is looking for
·any other relevant material about the projectTo submit your script:
Submit a hard copy of your submission, along with a letter of intent including your telephone number, mailing address, and email address to:
RCA Theatre
3 Victoria St, LSPU Hall
St. John's, NL A1C 3V2
Or deliver by hand between 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday, to Amy House or Nicole Rousseau , RCA Theatre, 223-233 Duckworth, Ste 202, above Haymarket Square.CHRC Report: Effect of the Recession on Canada's Culture Sector
November 30, 2009
Cultural Human Resources Council releases Report on the
Effect of the Recession on Canada's Culture Sector
"The global recession is expected to reduce revenues for cultural enterprises by approximately $3.1 billion in 2009".This is one of the findings of "The Effect of the Global Economic Recession on Canada's Creative Economy in 2009", a report prepared by The Conference Board of Canada for the Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) that measures the impact of the current recession on the cultural sector.
Traditional culture sector revenue streams such as business advertising, endowments, and municipal funding have been eroded due to the weak economy and the steep decline in stock markets. Cultural industries have felt the pinch. For example, the report highlights the fact that written media and broadcasting which depend heavily on business advertising are expected to see real revenues fall by 6.1 per cent and 4.8 per cent respectively.
In terms of earnings, the report estimates that the global recession will reduce average employment earnings of workers in the culture sector by 2.2 per cent in 2009. The report also notes that the number of self-employed workers in creative and artistic production occupations is expected to grow while revenues fall. As a result, real employment earnings for workers in these occupations (including the self-employed and employees) are expected to fall by 3.5 per cent, on average.
The report is sprinkled with current examples of how the global recession is compounding the challenges facing the cultural sector. For example, one of Canada's largest media companies recently laid-off over 500 workers, and filed for creditor protection because of declining advertising revenues and reduced operating profits; and cultural organizations are announcing staff cuts to counter lower sponsorship dollars, shortfalls at the box office, and poor fundraising results.
The report is the first in a series of three reports that the Conference Board is working on for CHRC, the other two being: a Labour Market Information report for the cultural sector (to be released in December 2009); and an identification and analysis of Human Resource issues and trends in the cultural sector (to be released in June 2010).
The report is available on CHRC's website.
The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) is committed to strengthening the cultural labour force, and strives to be at the centre of vision and forward thinking in the area of cultural human resources development. CHRC brings together representatives of arts disciplines and cultural industries in the cultural sector to address the training and career development needs of employers and cultural workers including artists, technical staff and managers To become a member of CHRC please visit our website.
This project is funded by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program.
Media inquiries: Susan Annis, Executive Director, CHRC, sannis@culturalhrc.ca; or Greg Hermus, Associate Director, CBoC, hermus@conferenceboard.ca.
Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC)
201-17 York Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J6
Tel. 613-562-1535 Fax 613-562-2982Dance like you mean it -- welcome, Dance NL.
November 29, 2009
The province's dance sector is known internationally for its daring, disicipline and beauty. Now dancers have a unified voice for their sector concerns and needs: Dance NL. Here's what vocm.com has to say:
The dance community in the province has a new organization. DanceNL is now Newfoundland and Labrador's sectoral dance association. The group's mandate is to preserve, promote and support all forms of dance and dance activities throughout the province. After consultation with members of the dance communities, a Founding Board was formed, with the goal to create a formal board in one year's time. The first project for the group is the DanceNL Road Map, the process of identifying individuals and dance groups, and forms of dance being practiced across the province. For more information, email info@danceNL.ca
Unsung Hero Gerald Mitchell -- new NLAC award
November 25, 2009
From the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council:
Gerald Mitchell travels to St. John’s to accept
the MusicNL Unsung Hero Award
Gerald Mitchell of Makkovik Labrador, also known as “The Labrador Balladeer”, recently traveled from Makkovik to attend the 2009 MusicNL conference in St. John’s.
On November 14th, he received a special award: the Unsung Hero Award. This is given to an individual who is not well known on a provincial level, but is well known in their individual region for their contributions to the music industry.
Gerald was funded $1,500 through the Labrador Cultural Travel Fund to make the trip to St. John’s to accept his award.
Learn more at www.nlac.nf.ca
NLAC School Touring Program Grant Recepients for Fall 2009
November 19, 2009
From the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council:
School Touring Program awards $110,000 to artists
November 19, 2009, St. John’s - The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) has awarded $110,000 to eleven applicants through the School Touring Program (STP). Artists, groups, and not-for-profit arts organizations will engage students in the richness of our culture through high quality presentations and performances in schools.
STP projects enhance or support aspects of the school curriculum as they explore Newfoundland and Labrador culture. In addition, workshops and other enrichment activities led by professional artists give students hands-on experience exploring the arts and their own creativity.
The School Touring Program is administered by the NLAC and is funded through the provincial government’s Cultural Connections Strategy. Cultural Connections is a unique partnership between the Department of Education and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation which seeks to increase the presence of cultural content in the school curriculum and foster links between the arts and school communities.
“Now in its third year, the School Touring Program is proving to be a valuable addition to our arts in education programming,” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC. “It allows students to interact with professional artists in an exciting and meaningful way. They see cultural education really come to life beyond the usual classroom experience.”
Tours will take place between September 2009 – June 2010.
For a complete list of grant recipients and project descriptions, please see below.
Media Contact:
Janet McDonald
Communications Officer
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council726-2212 or toll-free 1 (866) 726-2212
jmcdonald@nf.aibn.com
www.nlac.nf.ca
The NLAC is a non-profit Crown agency that promotes and supports the arts through a variety of granting programs. It receives an annual grant, appropriated by the Legislature, to finance its granting programs, program delivery, office administration, and communications.
School Touring Program: Grant Recipients – Fall 2009
Tours to take place: September 2009 – June 2010
Total number of grants: 11
Total amount awarded: $110,00
Bill Brennan
St. John’s
$9,000
May 10-14, 2010
World of Percussion, with Bill Brennan, Rob Power, George Morgan and Beverly Johnston, explores the fascinating and diverse family of percussion instruments. This presentation will include pieces of music written and arranged solely for percussion from contemporary classical, to African, jazz, Latin, and traditional Newfoundland and Labrador music. Students will participate in workshops in which they actively play percussion pieces with the presenters. World of Percussion will tour schools on the Avalon Peninsula.
Megan Coles
Bear Cove
$2,000
October 5-16, 2009
With the support of the School Touring Program and the National Theatre School of Canada, Megan Coles toured schools on the southern and northern Labrador coasts. She presented dramatic readings from her original plays, conducted playwriting workshops, and discussed educational opportunities to study theatre. The writing workshops focused on character development, dialogue, and structure used when writing for the stage.
Darka Erdelji, Andy Jones, and Monique Tobin
St. John’s
$13,000
October 5-16, 2009
The storytelling puppet theatre piece The Queen of Paradise’s Garden toured schools on the Burin Peninsula. The show is based on a fairy tale told to Andy Jones by Albert Heber-Keeping of Grand Bank. This intimately-scaled show was presented in the tradition of Newfoundland storytelling in the kitchen or parlour. Following the performance, the artists conducted puppetry and storytelling workshops that gave students the opportunity to express their own stories with a focus on nuance, character, gesture, and the need to pay close attention to the details of a story.
Grand Bank Regional Theatre Festival (Lighthouse Productions)
Grand Bank
$13,000
April and May 2010
Lighthouse Productions will tour Joan Sullivan’s new play Cassie Brown: My Life in Non-fiction to junior high and high schools on the Burin Peninsula. The play incorporates personal monologues from Cassie Brown’s writings along with readings from Death on the Ice. It also features traditional Newfoundland and Labrador music about the seal hunt. The play will be followed by an energetic and interactive workshop on traditional songs, acting techniques, and theatre production.
Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra
St. John’s
$10,500
May 2-7, 2010
The Atlantic String Quartet will tour 14 rural schools in the Fogo Island and Gander Bay areas of the Nova Central School District. The presentation will be for all grade levels and will explore how different instruments make music; the broad variety of musical styles; how music is read; and how musicians play together. The quartet will play pieces in various musical styles by a variety of composers, and then discuss with students the characteristics and nuances of each piece.
Nickel Independent Film Festival
St. John’s
$5,000
Winter 2010
The Festival will tour Reel Youth to 10 schools on the Burin Peninsula and central region of the province. Reel Youth is a collection of films made by young people from all over the world. The films explore important issues in their communities and tell stories directly from a youth perspective. In addition to viewing a 40-minute screening of films, students will take part in a two-hour introductory filmmaking workshop with two filmmakers.
Fergus O’Byrne and Jim Payne
St. John’s
$13,000
November 16-27, 2009
Fergus and Jim will present an hour-long presentation of Newfoundland and Labrador songs, stories and dance tunes with discussion of their relevance to our culture and history. During this interactive presentation students will be questioned on aspects of their culture and how our history is told in our songs and music. Students will also take part in workshops where they will learn songs and tunes specific to their area and discuss traditional work, our relationship with our environment, and the role of traditional culture in our communities. The project will tour schools on the Baie Verte Peninsula and area.
Opera Road Show
St. John’s
$8,500
May 3-21, 2010
A production of the adapted bilingual opera Cinderella En Route will tour to schools on the Avalon Peninsula and central region of the island. This opera combines an imaginative fairy tale with French language content. In addition to seeing a fully produced opera with full sets and a cast of eight, students will explore the world of opera through workshops on vocal improvisational games, movement, and how to sing like an opera singer.
Soundbone Traditional Arts Foundation
Ladle Cove
$10,000
April 2010
Eric West, Jane Rutherford, Daniel Payne and Gail Tapper will demonstrate a variety of traditional music and instruments in an interactive performance for students. A series of workshops following the show will teach students traditional tunes, instrument techniques, and traditional dances. This presentation will tour schools in the Nova Central School District.
Stephenville Theatre Festival
Stephenville
$13,000
April and May 2010
The Festival will tour the play A Sculpin Named Sam to primary and elementary schools on the west coast and Northern Peninsula. Written by Ben Pittman, based on the poetry of Al Pittman, the play is designed with colourful yet simple sets, costumes, and lighting that portray life above and below the water near fisherman Jim Long’s stage. Typical children’s games are interwoven with explorations of peer pressure, bullying, and prejudice. The troupe will offer workshops on costuming, character creation, poetry, theatrical games, and a theatrical workshop on the wildlife and habitats of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Wonderbolt Productions
St. John’s
$13,000
April and May 2010
Wonderbolt Productions will present the high-energy clown show Upside Clown to students in grades K-6 at schools on the Northern Peninsula and southern Labrador. Upside Clown offers an exploration of the very act of clowning, its traditions, and the creative process of developing a clown character, all in an active and playful way that engages students in the process. Students will also participate in active, hands-on workshops of the skills they saw performed in the show including juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, and clown performance.
Truly smart: NLAC Arts Smarts grants in record numbers
November 19, 2009
From the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council:
ArtsSmarts funds record number of projects in Newfoundland and Labrador schools
November 19, 2009, St. John's, NL – A record number of ArtsSmarts projects will take place in schools across Newfoundland and Labrador thanks to a $60,000 funding increase from the provincial government. Thirty-six projects have been awarded grants for the 2009-2010 school year – 10 more than last year.
ArtsSmarts provides funding to schools to bring professional artists into the classroom to help teachers and students integrate arts activities into non-arts subject areas. For example, this year, students, teachers and artists are exploring Newfoundland and Labrador culture through songwriting; animal lifecycles through sculpture; and mathematical patterns through hip hop dance.
The program is administered in this province by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) and is funded through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Cultural Connections Strategy - a unique partnership between the Department of Education and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. Cultural Connections seeks to increase the presence of cultural content in the school curriculum and foster links between the arts and school communities.
ArtsSmarts encourages students to develop intellectual skills through active participation in the arts. It engages young people in artistic activity and nurtures creative thinking. It fosters an understanding and appreciation for the arts, inspiring the art supporters and practitioners of tomorrow.
“It gives us great satisfaction to be able to deliver this popular and rewarding program to even more schools throughout the province,” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC.
Since 1998, ArtsSmarts has awarded $1,116,335 to schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding increase raises the ArtsSmarts annual budget to $150,000.
Minister Announces Increased Funding for Cultural Connections Initiatives
November 18, 2009
From the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council:
Minister Announces Increased Funding for Cultural Connections Initiatives
Additional funding is being provided this year for three arts in education programs. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, together with Reg Winsor, executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC), provided details today while visiting students at Larkhall Academy.
“Each year, funding is provided through our Cultural Connections strategy to better connect artists with students,” said Minister King. “I am pleased to announce this year that an additional $100,000 is being made available, bringing the total amount for our arts in education programs to $320,000. This will mean more artists will meet more students, further increasing the presence of Newfoundland and Labrador culture, heritage and art in our schools.”
Three programs will receive funding, with the grants being administered by the NLAC.
“The NLAC is very proud of the success of ArtsSmarts, the Visiting Artist Program, and the School Touring Program,” said Reg Winsor. “It is a pleasure to partner with the Department of Education in delivering these innovative and engaging programs. This funding increase is proof that government truly believes in investing in our children and the arts in a meaningful way. We look forward to continued success with this partnership.”
The ArtsSmarts program seeks to integrate art throughout standard school curriculum, to develop intellectual and communication skills in children through active participation in the arts, and to enhance appreciation for culture and art.
The Visiting Artists Program (VAP) supports initiatives to bring the province’s artists into schools. Schools can apply for funding to have an artist, group of artists, or arts organization come to the school to do such things as present work, conduct readings, offer performances, and lead arts workshops with students. This program opens doors for teachers to invite artists into their classrooms.
The School Touring Program (STP) is an original program created through the Cultural Connections initiative. This program is distinct from ArtsSmarts and VAP in that it provides students with access to artistic experiences by providing financial assistance to professional artists and arts organizations for touring productions to more than one school. A full tour consists of at least 10 presentations/performances, or seven if the tour includes one school in Labrador. An artist or organization can only receive one STP grant per school year.
“It is important our young people feel a connection with fine arts, culture and heritage,” said Minister King. “Our artists and performers are world-class, and through Cultural Connections, they are going into our schools to show students first-hand what they are doing, and providing inspiration to a whole new generation of actors, musicians, writers and visual artists. Over the past several years, hundreds of visits have been made to schools, and we hope that through this initiative, our young people will become instrumental in expressing and supporting our culture and help define the province in years to come.”
Applications for the arts in education programs can be made to the NLAC. Schools apply for the ArtsSmarts and Visiting Artists Program, and individual artists, groups, and non-profit arts organizations apply for the School Touring Program. Information and application forms are available on-line at www.nlac.nf.ca or at the NLAC office, 1 Springdale Street, St. John’s, nlacmail@nfld.net, 709-726-2212 or toll-free at 866-726-2212
(C): Traditional copyright law a tank mine? Author Cory Doctorow on modes of publishing
November 17, 2009
Novelist and blogger Cory Doctorow is making money (!) by selling or giving away copies of his latest book on a varying scale. Some copies are digital, and some are bound. Publishers are nervous. Doctorow's actions and their results have implications for all the arts. Read more here at the Globe and Mail.
NLAC / Canada Council / Music NL Information Sessions: Labrador City, Happy Valley-Goose bay, North West River
November 17, 2009
Public information sessions
Labrador City, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, North West River
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC), the Canada Council for the Arts, and MusicNL will hold
Public Information Sessions on Arts Funding Opportunities
Labrador City:
Arts and Culture CentreSunday, November 22, 7 p.m.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay:
Lawrence O’Brien Arts CentreMonday, November 23, 7 p.m.
North West River:
Labrador Interpretation CentreTuesday, November 24, 7 p.m.
Learn about funding programs for individual artists, groups, not-for-profit arts organizations, not-for-profit arts festivals, community arts groups, and schools.FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Phone: (709) 896-9565 Toll Free (NL only): 1 (888) 896-9565More Labradorians availing of cultural travel fund
November 17, 2009
From the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2009, St. John’s, NL – More Labradorians are availing of an exciting travel fund that allows them to take part in arts and cultural activities. The number of grants awarded through the Labrador Cultural Travel Fund (LCTF) increased dramatically during the last six-month session: 47 grants were awarded between April and September 2009 compared with 15 during the previous six-month session.The LCTF, which was launched two years ago, is funded under the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Northern Strategic Plan and is administered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC).
“It’s great to see interest in the program flourish,” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC. “We knew it would take some time to get the word out, but through outreach and publicity, people are really beginning to embrace the various opportunities the LCTF affords.”
The LCTF provides financial assistance to residents of Labrador so they can travel to Newfoundland to participate in arts and heritage activities. It also funds Labrador organizations so they can bring in resource people from the island to conduct seminars, workshops or similar events.
Examples of eligible activities include: participating in arts festivals or competitions; attending arts or heritage fairs or workshops; receiving or being nominated for significant cultural awards; and participating in major arts performances or heritage presentations or conferences.
During this past granting session, several young people traveled to the island to take part in educational activities such as Camp Hollywood (a theatre camp for children aged five to 16), the Wonderbolt Circus Camp, and the Art Studio camp for children at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. The fund also assisted people like Dorrie Brown and Janet Paine to participate in Festival 500 as Come Solo Performers – an opportunity for individuals who are not with a registered choir to participate in the Festival. Labrador organizations brought in professional expertise to offer workshops, such as the White Elephant Museum which applied to have Karen Bulmer and two of her students from Memorial University travel from St. John’s to facilitate a Moravian Music Workshop. And several young people traveled to St. John’s to receive awards at the provincial Arts and Letters Awards.
This past granting session (April 1 – September 30, 2009) the LCTF awarded $81,921 to 47 applicants.
NLAC Information Sessions
November 10, 2009
From the NLAC mailing list comes this announcement of upcoming information sessions:
Public Information Sessions
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council will hold Public Information Sessions on arts funding opportunities in the following locations:
Ferryland
The Arts Centre-Kavanagh Premises – Monday, November 16, 7 p.m.
**New-Wes-Valley **
The Neptune II Theatre in the Barbour Premises – Thursday, November 19, 7 p.m.
Carbonear
The Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre – Thursday, November 26, 7 p.m.
Learn about NLAC funding programs for:
- individual artists
- groups
- not-for-profit arts organizations
- not-for-profit arts festivals
- community arts groups
- schools
For more information:
Phone: 726-2212 or long distance toll free 1-866-726-2212
E-mail: nlacmail@nfld.net
www.nlac.nf.ca
Janet McDonald
Communications Officer
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
1 Springdale Street
P.O. Box 98
St. John's, NL A1C 5H5New Provincial Dance Sector Organization
November 09, 2009
The following press release comes from DanceNL, a newly emerging sector organization committed to the development and promotion of dance in Newfoundland and Labrador. They're seeking input from the community to help jump start their mandate. Read below to find out how you can get involved!
Announcing the creation of DanceNL
We are pleased to announce the creation of DanceNL, Newfoundland and Labrador’s sectoral dance association. DanceNL is a brand new organization, whose mandate is to preserve, promote and support all forms of dance and dance activities throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. After consultation with members of the province’s dance communities, on Sunday, September 20, 2009, we formed a Founding Board whose goal is to create a formal board in one year’s time.
DanceNL is about to begin its first project, the DanceNL Road Map. The purpose of the Road Map is to collect as much information as possible from as many communities as possible in order to discover who is dancing, what they are dancing and where they are dancing. At this time, the Founding Board wishes to begin the process of identifying individuals (dancers, choreographers, dance teachers, dance scholars) and groups (dance schools, dance performance groups, social dance groups) across the province.
The DanceNL Road Map document and website will serve as a vital reference to ensure our organization is inclusive of all forms of dance being practiced in our province. As well, it will act as a catalyst to network dancers, practitioners and dance enthusiasts giving us a stronger presence provincially, nationally and internationally.
We are looking to get the word out to dancers across the province. Board members include: Kristin Harris Walsh (chair), Martin Vallee (treasurer), Christina Penney (secretary), Calla Lachance, Richard Stoker, Sarah Stoker, Andrew Draskoy, Diana Leadbeater.
For more information, please contact:
Kristin Harris Walsh
info@dancenl.caACI on Facebook
November 04, 2009
ACI has a new Facebook group page that will contain information about upcoming ACI initiatives and events. If you're a Facebook member or know culture people in the province who are, you're encouraged to join and/or invite others.
Women's Work Festival -- call for submissons
November 02, 2009
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Deadline: January 4, 2010
for
Women’s Work Festival
A Works-In-Progress Play Reading SeriesTo be produced by RCA Theatre, She Said Yes!, and White Rooster Productions in celebration of International Women’s Week, March 2010
Theatre companies RCA Theatre, She Said Yes!, and White Rooster Productions are joining forces to present the fourth annual series of play readings by and about women, in celebration of International Women’s Week.
All submissions must be either by a female playwright or deal with a female character as the central figure. All plays must be unproduced, although previous workshops or readings of the work are permitted.
Scripts will be selected by Ruth Lawrence, Artistic Director of White Rooster Productions, Sara Tilley, Artistic Director of She Said Yes!, and Nicole Rousseau, Artistic Associate of RCA Theatre. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process via email no later than February 1, 2010.
Each script will receive a one-day dramaturgical workshop in February with a professional cast and dramaturge, followed by a staged reading in St. John’s between March 8-14, 2010. All playwrights, actors and dramaturges will receive a small honorarium for their work. The Festival does not cover any transportation or accommodations costs for out-of-town playwrights. All proceeds from the reading series will be donated to a local women’s shelter.
To submit your script:
Submit a hard copy of a full draft of your play, with a cover letter indicating your telephone number, mailing address, and email address, as well as your reasons for applying to the Festival, to:Women’s Work Festival c/o RCA Theatre
3 Victoria St, LSPU Hall
St. John’s, NL
A1C 3V2Or deliver by hand between 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday, to Nicole Rousseau or Amy House, RCA Theatre, 223-233 Duckworth, Ste 202, above Haymarket Square.
Announcement and Schedule for ACI AGM
October 21, 2009
ACI proudly announces the schedule for its 2009 Annual General Meeting and Conference in St. John's, including a valuable (but free to members) workshop on advocacy and lobbying by Canadian Conference for the Arts National Director Alain Pineau.
Come join us and help show the province and federal government the community in Newfoundland and Labrador is ready to advocate on behalf of the arts and culture sector! See below.
Register online now!
View the event on ACI's Cultural CalendarAdvocating for the Future of Arts and Culture
(Schedule below)
The Association of Cultural Industries of Newfoundland Labrador (ACI) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at the Masonic Temple in downtown St. John's, as well as an evening social event on Friday, November 20th at 7pm. (Go to http://www.acinl.ca/agm to register or call 709 738 4333.)
Under the theme “Promoting Arts and Culture”, the AGM will present a free policy and advocacy course to benefit ACI’s membership. Key highlights include:
- Opening: Alain Pineau, National Director of the Canadian Conference for the Arts (CCA) will address the social gathering on the evening of Friday, Nov 20th and help launch the conference weekend
- Course: "Policy 101" by Alain Pineau, CCA – an in-depth look at national and provincial government structures and advice on how to lobby and navigate them for advocacy and policy efforts
ACI encourages all interested people and organizations to register in advance either by going to http://www.acinl.ca/agm to register online, or by calling 709 738 4333 before November 1st, 2009. This conference is free and open to all members and associate members* of ACI.
ACI is Newfoundland and Labrador's prime point of contact for national and provincial advocacy and research efforts. As a contributing member of national organizations such as the CCA, the Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC), etc., ACI is able to provide representation on pan-cultural issues for the cultural workers and organizations of our province. When the Federal government comes to speak to a cross-section of cultural producers of NL, it comes to ACI, and in turn ACI brings the issues of
- If you are a member of the Craft Council, Music NL, the Writers' Alliance or VANL-CARFAC, you are already an associate member of ACI. ACI's Associate Membership is over 1,200 strong.
Schedule
Friday, November 20th (Masonic Temple, Bar)
7:00 - 10:00pm Networking Social
Join the ACI board, members, and CCA National Director Alain Pineau for a casual social event in the newly renovated bar area of the Masonic Temple (bring your business cards and literature!)
Saturday, November 21st (Masonic Temple, Main Room)
9:00 - 9:30am Welcome
ACI Executive Director George Murray
9:30am - 12:00pm Address
CCA National Director Alain Pineau delivers Policy 101
10:45 - 11:00am Break
12:00 - 1:00pm
Lunch (served on premises to all attendees)
1:00 - 3:00pm AGM
Elections and Business Meeting
3:00 - 3:30pm Wrap up
Five thank-you notes: Yann Martel's ongoing correspondence with Prime Minisiter Harper
October 09, 2009
Remember how author Yann Martel was sending books and recommendations to Prime Minister Stephen Harper? He's still at it, and in fact he's collected his letters to Harper in a new book called What Is Stephen Harper Reading?
Martel explains: "Initially I just wanted to say: 'Listen, books are important, books are an essential tool of reflection for a society and let me remind you of this by showing you all these wonderful books and what they can do to a reader."'
So far, the PMO has sent Martel five replies. " 'They're all sort of quite mechanical replies just acknowledging receipt of the book and 'Thank you for the letter' and that's it," said Martel."
Silence by a thousand arts cuts? BC's literary sector bleeds hard.
October 09, 2009
British Columbia's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts delviered bad news -- by telephone -- to various literary groups and publishers on Tuesday, October 6th.
Margaret Reynolds, Executive Director of the Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia, remarks: “It's a little ironic that the cultural sector is a pillar of the Olympic bid and just before the Games are supposed to start, we have a situation where arts funding is being slashed in every possible way.”
Read more at The Globe and Mail here.
Free Workshop for Board and Staff of Charitable Organizations: Managing Your Charitable Status
October 02, 2009
Free Workshop for Board and Staff of Charitable Organizations: Managing Your Charitable Status
These workshops are presented in NL by the Community Services Council NL in cooperation with the Charities File On Board. The Charities File on Board is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Revenue Agency.
For more information and full schedule visit the Community Services Council NL Website: http://www.envision.ca/templates/news.asp?ID=8775
St.John's - Tuesday 13 October 2009
Clarenville - Tuesday 27 October 2009
Corner Brook - Monday 2 November 2009
Gander - Wednesday 18 November 2009HELP FOR SMALL AND RURAL CHARITIES
The Charities File: On Board Launches Website and Training Events for Board Members
September 8, 2009: Small and rural charities are often overwhelmed by the paperwork and keeping up with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations. As volunteer board members change, transferring the knowledge and the files can be a challenge. The Charities File: On Board has launched a web-site and will be hosting a series of training events throughout Canada to help board members of small and rural charities.
Safeguarding an organization’s charitable status is essential for people who are passionate about their causes and communities. In 2007/2008, 1714 charities lost their charitable status for many reasons including failure to file the T3010 Annual Information Return. They can no longer issue charitable receipts nor receive funding from charitable foundations, not to mention the potential embarrassment.
CRA recognizes the dilemmas faced by volunteers of small and rural charities. It has funded The Charities File: On Board, among other projects, to help build capacity and assist with annual compliance reporting by creating training opportunities for the sector. We have developed four strategies:
The Treasurer’s Chest offers tools and templates for treasurers, bookkeepers, and finance committees
The Fundraiser’s Receipt Book has information, tips, and the latest CRA fundraising guidelines
Agenda Gems provides a year-round calendar of seasonal agenda items for boards and annual meetings
The Shoe Box contains the lists and rationale for storing and transferring key organizational documents
Training sessions delivered via webinars, tele-learning and local in-person workshops are now being offered around the country.
Visit The Charities File: On Board www.thecharitiesfile.ca for more information or to register.
The Charities File: On Board, a joint project of the Centre for Voluntary Sector Research and Development at Carleton University, the Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, and the Voluntary Organizations Consortium of BC funded by the Canada Revenue Agency.
For more information or to schedule an interview please call 613-520-2600 ext. 1835 or email paula_speevak-sladowski@carleton.ca
NLAC grant recepient? Want your work to be an NLAC Featured Project?
October 02, 2009
The NLAC promotes and celebrates some of the many projects they fund at the Featured Project section of their website.
This promotional opportunity is available to all NLAC grant recipients on a first-come-first-served basis.
A Featured Project consists of a photo/image of the artist and/or the work, a project description, applicable details, and an interview with the artist(s). Check out the current Featured Project at www.nlac.nf.ca.
Each feature stays up on the NLAC website for about two weeks; it is then archived under “past projects”.
Contact NLAC Communications Officer, Janet McDonald to get featured.
Note: please be sure to give plenty of notice (the earlier the better) – timelines and demand limit the number of projects the NLAC can accommodate.
NLAC Featured Project: Rocking the Cradle
October 02, 2009
New on the NLAC website:
Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre Company
in partnership with Tarragon Theatre presents
Rocking the Cradle
MUN Reid Theatre, St. John's, October 8th -18th, 2009
Rocking the Cradle, a new play by Des Walsh, explores the character of Joan and her desperate desire for motherhood in a troubled marriage. The play contrasts the physical and emotional emptiness of Joan with other vibrant relationships in the community.
The Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre Company received a grant of $43,313 this year through the Sustaining Program for Professional Arts Organizations.
Learn more at www.nlac.nf.ca
Talk on International Touring and the 10 Days on the Island Festival, Tasmania
September 29, 2009
Elizabeth Walsh from Tasmania's 10 Days on the Island Festival will present an information session for artists on opportunities to participate in this exciting festival. She will also discuss other international touring opportunities for artists.
When: 10 –11am, Tuesday October 6th
Where: John Cabot Building, 10 Barter’s Hill
Executive BoardroomWho: Elizabeth Walsh, 10 Days Executive Director
with Louise Moyes (who presented at 10 Days in 2009, as have Andy Jones, Dwayne Andrews, Crowd of Bold Sharemen, Artistic Fraud and Bill Ritchie).
Cost: Free
OPEN to Artists of all art forms
Places limited. To reserve please call Jill Bonnell at 772-5364 or email at jill.bonnell@pch.gc.ca
Talk sponsored by the Department of Canadian Heritage
Ten Days on the Island burst on to the cultural scene in 2001 with a unique celebration of island culture that firmly placed Tasmania on the world stage. Now eagerly anticipated and celebrated as Tasmania's premier statewide cultural event, Ten Days on the Island attracts an audience of over 160,000 people at more than 40 locations across the state. The multi art form program explores the cultural uniqueness of islands presenting international artists and acts from island locations alongside Australia's finest talent. Importantly, more than half of the program features Tasmanian artists.
Tasmania was very fortunate to secure the talents of well known and celebrated Artistic Director Robyn Archer for the first three festivals and extremely lucky that former Executive Producer of the event, Elizabeth Walsh has taken the reins for the 2007 and 2009 festivals.
"Ten Days on the Island covers all bases! Performance, visual arts, writing and good food. Where this festival trumps the others is in the variety of venues across the state and the wonderful atmosphere in which what is on offer can be enjoyed." Martin Ball, The Australian, 12 April 2005
http://www.tendaysontheisland.org/subpage.jsp?pageID=aboutus
John Hobday Award in Arts Management
September 22, 2009
Reminder: Grant-writing workshop TONIGHT
September 18, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council and
the Canada Council for the Arts will present a
Grant Writing Information Session for Writers
Friday, September, 18
7-9 p.m.
Eastern Edge Gallery
72 Harbour Drive, St. John's
Presenters:
· Katrina Rice – Program Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
· Peter Schneider – Program Officer, Canada Council for the Arts, Writing & Publishing Section
For more information:
Phone: 709-726-2212 or long distance toll free 1-866-726-2212 (NL only)
E-mail: nlacmail@nfld.net
Reminder: NLAC Community Arts Program project application deadline is Sept 30th
September 15, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) is now accepting applications for its:
Community Arts Program
to support projects by community based non-profit arts organizations and groups
Application deadline: September 30, 2009
(Projects must start on/after December 1, 2009)
Contact the NLAC for an application form and details:
The Newman Building, 1 Springdale Street
726-2212 or toll free 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only)
nlacmail@nfld.net www.nlac.nf.ca
And now -- The Once! NLAC Featured Project
September 14, 2009
The NLAC showcases The Once as this month's featured project. The Once released their first CD in June -- and the first run of 1,000 copuies is sold out. Read more here.
Reminder: NLAC Project Grants Deadline is TOMORROW, Sept 15th
September 14, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) is now accepting applications for its Professional Project Grants Program
for individual artists, groups, and non-profit arts organizations. Application deadline: September 15, 2009. (Projects must start on/after November
15, 2009).
Contact the NLAC for an application form and details:
The Newman Building, 1 Springdale Street
726-2212 or toll free 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only)
nlacmail@nfld.net www.nlac.nf.ca
Grant Writing Information Session for Writers
September 08, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council and
the Canada Council for the Arts will present a
Grant Writing Information Session for Writers
Friday, September, 18
7-9 p.m.
Eastern Edge Gallery
72 Harbour Drive, St. John's
Presenters:
· Katrina Rice – Program Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
· Peter Schneider – Program Officer, Canada Council for the Arts, Writing & Publishing Section
For more information:
Phone: 709-726-2212 or long distance toll free 1-866-726-2212 (NL only)
E-mail: nlacmail@nfld.net
Presentation: How Art Brings Us to Ourselves
September 04, 2009
The Rooms, in partnership with Memorial University’s Faculty of Arts, presents: How Art Brings Us to Ourselves.
Art matters. It matters to those who create it. It matters to those who love to look at it, experience it, and think about it. It even matters to those who are indifferent to it, or claim they don’t understand it.
Dr. Melinda Pinfold, Historian of Art, Design and Visual Culture, from the University of Alberta, explains how our experiences with art shape who we are.
Wednesday, September 16th, 7pm, The Rooms Theatre, Level 2
Deadline: Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
September 04, 2009
Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
Next Deadline September 30, 2009Groups who plan to apply for funding under the Building Communities Through
Arts and Heritage Program (BCAH) are reminded that the next application
deadline for all three program components is September 30, 2009.Program Components:
*Local Festivals (Recurring) – Events starting between April 1 and August
31, 2010*Community Historical Anniversaries Programming – Events starting between
January 1 and December 31, 2010
*100th anniversaries or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125
th, 150th, etc.)*Legacy Fund – Projects to be completed before March 31, 2012
*Restoration, renovation, or transformation of existing buildings
and/or physical landscapes for community useApplicants must provide written confirmation of support (financial or
in-kind) from their municipal government or equivalent authority.Further information, including the application form and applicant's guide,
is available at the Department of Canadian Heritage website:
http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/dcap-bcah/index_e.cfm If you have
questions concerning the program, contact Donna McMullin, Program Officer,
by telephone at (709) 772-8517, toll-free 1-866-811-0055, or by e-mail at
donna.mcmullin@pch.gc.caNLAC Deadline -- Community Arts Program Grants
August 31, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) is now accepting applications for its:
Community Arts Program
to support projects by community based non-profit arts organizations and groups
Application deadline: September 30, 2009
(Projects must start on/after December 1, 2009)
Contact the NLAC for an application form and details:
The Newman Building, 1 Springdale Street
726-2212 or toll free 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only)
nlacmail@nfld.net www.nlac.nf.ca
City of St. John's Artists' Infrastructure Committee Reports
August 31, 2009
The Artists' Infrastructure Committee (AIC), a sub-committee of the City Arts Advisory Committee, has released a brief update on its activities researching arts and culture space issues in St. John's:
August 31, 2009
COMMITTEE CONFIRMS NEED FOR ARTS SPACE IN THE CITY
In November 2008, the City of St. John’s held a public meeting to present a report on the feasibility of a mid-size theatre.
At the meeting, it became clear that there is a critical lack of space for almost everything connected with the creation of art – not just for a mid-size theatre but also for rehearsal, studios, and offices. The Artists Infrastructure Committee (AIC), which is a sub-committee of the City’s Arts Advisory Committee, was struck to further clarify this need. Since then, the Committee has sent out an electronic survey and held focus groups with members of the arts community.
“The committee’s research has found remarkable consensus,” says Councillor Hickman, committee member. “The need for space continues to outpace capacity. Most artists are struggling with inadequate space, poor ventilation, and little to no storage.”
The Committee’s next steps are to:
- Consult with experts in the field of cultural infrastructure development
- Provide regular opportunities for public input, including a website
- Create a conceptual plan, funding strategy, and governance plan for the construction of a centre for the arts, a sustainable funding approach for it and for cultural infrastructure in general.
“Artists make an enormous contribution to the City,” says Councillor Hickman. “Cultural infrastructure is as essential to our City’s growth as any other kind of infrastructure.”
For further information:
Councillor Hickman
576-80452010 PACT Conference and AGM
August 31, 2009
2010 PACT Conference & AGM
in
Cow Head, Newfoundland
Toronto, August 27, 2009 – The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and its longstanding Member Theatre Newfoundland Labrador are proud to announce that the 2010 PACT Conference & AGM will take place at Cow Head, Newfoundland, in the heart of beautiful Gros Morne National Park, on the west coast of the island.
The PACT Conference is the cornerstone of PACT’s Professional Development Programme and is a highly-regarded event amongst the industry professionals. The conference is a unique opportunity for theatres from across the country to come together to share ideas, learn and network. It takes place every year over four days in a different location in the country.
Organized in conjunction with Theatre Newfoundland Labrador’s Gros Morne Theatre Festival, the Conference is expected to gather 130 delegates including the artistic directors and general managers of PACT theatres, presenters, provincial and federal arts funders.
The Festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2010, is a major performing arts festival in the region. Audience members converge all summer long at the Warehouse Theatre and the Ethie Room of the Shallow Bay Motel where 8 plays play in repertory from late May to mid September.
Details about the variety of events on offer at the Conference, including plenary sessions, panels, workshops and social events will be announced in the fall.
The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres is a member-driven organization that serves as the collective voice of professional Canadian theatres. For the betterment of Canadian theatre, PACT provides leadership, national representation and a variety of programs and practical assistance to member companies, enabling members to do their own creative work.
Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador (TNL) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating and producing professional theatre which reflects the lives and diversity of its audiences on the province's west coast, extending to Labrador and across the island of Newfoundland.
--30--
For more information, please contact:
Clelia Farrugia, Membership Development Manager, PACT, Toronto, ON.
Email: cleliaf@pact.ca, Phone: 416.595.6455 ext.16.
Gaylene Buckle, General Manager, Theatre Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL.
Email: tnl@theatrenewfoundland.com Phone: 709-639-7238
NLAC Deadline -- Professional Projects Grants
August 18, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) is now accepting applications for its Professional Project Grants Program
for individual artists, groups, and non-profit arts organizations. Application deadline: September 15, 2009. (Projects must start on/after November
15, 2009).
Contact the NLAC for an application form and details:
The Newman Building, 1 Springdale Street
726-2212 or toll free 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only)
nlacmail@nfld.net www.nlac.nf.ca
First Weekend Club & Women in Film and Television–Atlantic take "The Baby Formula" on a tour of Atlantic Canada...
August 17, 2009
First Weekend Club, in partnership with Women in Film Atlantic, will be expanding its wings August 22nd through August 25th and bringing Alison Reid's "The Baby Formula" to Atlantic Canada, touring the film through St. John's, Halifax, Fredericton, and Charlottetown.
First Weekend Club is a non-profit organization that strives to build audiences for great Canadian films through grassroots initiatives such as special screenings, Q&As with talent, premiere parties, movie alerts and much more! As a free film club, the organization informs and engages members about new films and creates a buzz for the crucial First Weekend of a film's release.
"The Baby Formula" marks the first film that First Weekend Club is touring in Atlantic Canada.
"We are really excited about working with Women in Film to bring 'The Baby Formula' to Atlantic Canada", says Anita Adams First Weekend Club's Executive Director. "We first discovered this gem of a film at the Whistler Film Festival and have since worked with the filmmakers and distributor to bring it to more cities across Canada, beyond just Vancouver or Toronto."
Canadian cinema faces a unique challenge due to the vastness of the country and the powerful competition from across the border. First Weekend Club strives to bridge those gaps.
"Films are an expression of our culture and have the incredible power to bring us closer together despite any physical distance," says Adams. "That is why we feel it is so important to bring great Canadian cinema across the country and we are very excited to be bringing our first film to Atlantic Canada."
"The Baby Formula" revolves around two adventurous women in love and desperate to have their own biological child. They take a chance on an experimental scientific process and make sperm from their own stem cells, making Athena and Lilith the first women in the world to give birth to each other's babies. Pregnant with humour and unexpected twists, their journey tailspins out of control when their families discover there is no father.
Audiences can enjoy a screening of "The Baby Formula", followed by a Q&A with director Alison Reid throughout the following cities:
ST. JOHN’S Screening:
Saturday, August 22, doors open at 7:00pm/screening at 7:30pm
The Inco Innovation Centre Theatre, Memorial University
Q&A and light reception with Director Alison Reid
Tickets: $10 / $8 WIFT-AT Members Available at the door.HALIFAX Screening:
Sunday, August 23, doors open at 7:00pm/screening at 7:30pm
The Company House, 2202 Gottingen Street, Halifax
Q&A and light reception with Director Alison Reid
Tickets: $10 / $8 WIFT-AT Members Available at the door.FREDERICTON Screening:
Monday, August 24, doors open at 6:30pm/screening at 7:00pm
Charlotte Street Arts Centre, 732 Charlotte Street
Q&A and light reception with Director Alison Reid
Tickets: $10 / $8 WIFT-AT Members Available at the door.CHARLOTTETOWN Screening:
Tuesday, August 25, doors open at 7:00pm/screening at 7:30pm
The Guild (corner of Richmond and Queen St. - Charlottetown)
Q&A with Director Alison Reid
Tickets: $8 Available at the door.Join First Weekend Club for free and hear when Canadian films hit Canadian screens first at www.firstweekendclub.ca
Join WIFT-AT and support the training professional development and celebration of Women in the Atlantic film and television communitywww.wift-at.com
Support Canadian Film!
NLAC Featured Project: TNL’s Gros Morne Theatre Festival 2009 features entire David French Mercer Family Saga
August 17, 2009
Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador's 2009 schedule includes all the Mercer family plays written by David French. Read more here.
Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada: Call for Proposals
August 12, 2009
International Perspectives on the Art and Tradition of Storytelling
Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada National Conference and AGM
Wednesday, July 28 to Sunday, August 1, 2010
St. John's, Newfoundland, CanadaJoin the Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada for a 5 day conference as part of the 400th anniversary of English settlement on the much-storied island of Newfoundland, with workshops, professional development, concerts, tours, story slam, and international symposium.
The 2010 Conference Planning Committee invites you to submit proposals for consideration in the following two categories:
1. Professional Development Workshop
2. Panel Discussion Participants- Professional Development Workshops (90 minutes)
Attendees at the 2009 SCCC conference listed workshops on Collecting Oral History, Newfoundland and Labrador Ballads, Stories behind the Storyteller (life stories and practical experiences of storytellers), Vocal Warmups, Storytelling and the Internet, and Storytelling in Education as their top choices for workshops for 2010. Other topics identified included Mask and/or Clown, Storytelling Techniques, Grant Writing, Press Release Writing, Stories with Music, Critiquing, Researching Stories, and Body/Movement workshops. The committee will be looking for innovative approaches, hands-on practical workshops for storytellers at different levels of their careers and workshops that will help tellers with the business of storytelling: addressing marketing, technology, and other tools for working storytellers.
Who May Apply:
We welcome proposal submissions from anyone. Presenter does not need to be a member of Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada(SC-CC). Non-members are strongly encouraged to join SC-CC if their proposal is accepted. Workshops will be funded to a total of $300 per workshop, and presenters are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and conference registration costs.- Panel participants - International Perspectives on the Art and Tradition of Storytelling
As part of the 2010 Conference, one day will be devoted to panel presentations on international perspectives on the art and tradition of storytelling. The morning will focus on the oral tradition of storytelling, while the afternoon will focus on contemporary performance, art and use. We are seeking representatives of national, regional, state, or provincial storytelling organizations and academic programs who would be willing to address issues of current focus or concern to their organizations or areas.
Who May Apply:
We welcome proposal submissions from anyone, though official representatives of established groups are preferred. Presenter does not need to be a member of Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada(SC-CC). Non-members are strongly encouraged to join SC-CC if their proposal is accepted. Panel participants will be given an honorarium of $50, and participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and conference registration costs.Please include • a one-two paragraph description of your proposal
• a copy of your recent CV or artists profile
• complete mail, telephone and email contact informationSend to:
SCCC2010proposals@gmail.com
Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2009. Only successful applicants will be contacted, by mid November.- Professional Development Workshops (90 minutes)
So you want to speak out on copyright
August 07, 2009
The federal government is asking five questions:
- How do Canada’s copyright laws affect you? How should existing laws be modernized?
- Based on Canadian values and interests, how should copyright changes be made in order to withstand the test of time
- What sorts of copyright changes do you believe would best foster innovation and creativity in Canada?
- What sorts of copyright changes do you believe would best foster competition and investment in Canada?
- What kinds of changes would best position Canada as a leader in the global, digital economy?
ACTRA offers some great guidelines on how one might answer.
Copyright reform: who wants what
August 07, 2009
A good overview of different stakeholders and their "wish lists" for copyright reform.
Speak Out on Copyright
August 07, 2009
Get the facts, the stats, and the latest on the ongoing copyright reform consultations here at speakoutoncopyright.ca.
Lock and key an answer to digital rights management?
August 07, 2009
Digital rights management, the spark and carbuncle of the ongoing copyright reform consultations, must balance security, artists' rights, consumers' pleasure and innovation. Read more at cbc.ca here.
ACTRA President Ferne Downey on copyright reform
August 06, 2009
"Since Canada's current copyright law is older than Napster – which arguably single-handedly revolutionized the digital media world – it needs to be modernized, for the sake both of artists and consumers.
Why is copyright reform significant to Canadian performers? Because it is an opportunity to ensure that we are fairly paid for our work as audiovisual artists and that we have rights to protect the integrity of our work and our image, just like performers in most of Canada's major trading partners, such as the European Union. A balanced copyright law will make sure artists' rights are not just protected, but strengthened."
In this piece published in today's Toronto Star, national president of ACTRA explains why copyright reform matters to every artist.
Arts Funding Opporunities: Date Added for Grand Falls-Windsor
July 31, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC), MusicNL, and the Canada Council for the Arts will hold
Public Information Sessions
Placentia - Placentia Arts Centre Tuesday, August 4,12 p.m.
Grand Bank - Grand Bank Regional Theatre Wednesday, August 5, 12 p.m.
Clarenville - St. Jude’s Hotel Thursday, August 6, 12 p.m.
Corner Brook - Glynmill Inn Monday, August 10, 3:30 p.m.
Stephenville - Arts and Culture Centre Tuesday, August 11, 12 p.m.
Cow Head - Shallow Bay Motel Friday, August 14, 12 p.m.
Gander - Hotel Gander Saturday, August 15, 4 p.m.
Grand Falls-Windsor - Hotel Robin Hood Sunday, August 16, 1 p.m.
Note:
· The NLAC will visit all locations
· MusicNL will join them in Placentia, Grand Bank, Clarenville, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Cow Head, and Grand Falls-Windsor
· The Canada Council for the Arts will join them in Corner Brook, Stephenville, Cow Head, and Gander
Learn about funding programs for individual artists, groups, not-for-profit arts organizations, not-for-profit arts festivals, and community arts groups.
For more information:
Phone: 726-2212 or long distance toll free 1-866-726-2212
NLAC Featured Project: Rosalind Ford, Upper Amherst Cove: Wheeling
July 31, 2009
Textile artist Rosalind Ford’s exhibit *Wheeling *is currently on view at The Sprout restaurant in St. John’s. The work consists of a hanging installation of 50 screen-printed, life size puffins. Read more here.
(C) Copyright Consultations -- make noise
July 28, 2009
The federal government's copyright consultations are happening now. Yes, now, in the depths of summer. And the government's copyright consulation site is up and asking for input. So if you like collecting at least some of the royalties, house take or fees you've earned, or even if you just like paying the rent beause hey, your art is your livelihood, you might want to help inform the government on the realities of being a "creator" in Canada.
BC projects 50 % arts funding cut-- and BC Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister says he's "not hearing complaints"
July 28, 2009
As reported in today's Globe and Mail, British Columbia projects a cut to provincial arts funding of 50%. That, of course, means cutting arts funding in half. But BC Minister for Tourism, Culture and Arts, Kevin Kreuger, assures everyone:
“I am not hearing complaints at all from the arts and cultural community,” Kreuger said on Victoria-based radio station C-FAX's Eye on the Arts show earlier this month. “I don't think anyone is lighting their hair on fire at what is coming down the pipe.”
This decision comes despite the ministry's own research indicating that "for every $1 invested in the arts, the province gets back $1.38."
Meantime, Vancouver-based Alliance for Arts and Culture has gotten no response to repeated requests to meet with the minister.
Such drastic policy changes can happen anywhere. ACI works to keep the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and other stakeholders, informed on the issues, obstacles and challenges already facing artists and cultural workers in this province and so aid in wise resource management for the present and the future. To that end, ACI's objectives include:
* Developing a strong voice for the cultural industries;
* Aiding the human resource development of the cultural industries;
* Promoting the image of the industries to government and the public;
* Raising the profile of cultural workers;
* Maintaining dialogue with government regarding policy and programs;
* Enhancing the quality of life of cultural workers;
* Ensuring the long term sustainability of a healthy, dynamic, diverse and self-renewing cultural sector;
* Facilitating and promoting artistic and economic development within the cultural industries province-wide and
* Ensuring that public funding polices and programs have the flexibility and foresight to encourage initiatives that deepen the interaction of the arts and society.Update: Arts Funding Opportunities Public Information Sessions
July 24, 2009
Please note: in the original release, the last two dates were incorrect.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC), MusicNL, and the Canada Council for the Arts will hold Public Information Sessions
Placentia - Placentia Arts Centre Tuesday, August 4,12 p.m.
Grand Bank - Grand Bank Regional Theatre Wednesday, August 5, 12 p.m.
Clarenville - St. Jude’s Hotel Thursday, August 6, 12 p.m.
Corner Brook - Glynmill Inn Monday, August 10, 3:30 p.m.
Stephenville - Arts and Culture Centre Tuesday, August 11, 12 p.m.
Cow Head - Shallow Bay Motel Friday, August 14, 12 p.m.
Gander - Hotel Gander Saturday, August 15, 4 p.m.
Note:
· The NLAC will visit all locations
· MusicNL will join them in Placentia, Grand Bank, Clarenville, Corner Brook, Stephenville, and Cow Head
· The Canada Council for the Arts will join them in Corner Brook, Stephenville, Cow Head, and Gander
Learn about funding programs for individual artists, groups, not-for-profit arts organizations, not-for-profit arts festivals, and community arts groups.
For more information:
Phone: 726-2212 or long distance toll free 1-866-726-2212
Visiting Artists Program: 50 projects funded
July 24, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) awarded $30,765.35 in grants to 50 projects through the Visiting Artist Program (VAP) between February and June 2009.
The VAP provides funding for schools to pay individual artists, groups of artists, or arts organizations to work with students in a wide variety of artistic disciplines such as visual art, theatre, dance, writing, music or film. Projects include activities such as performances, readings or workshops and are generally short term, ranging from a couple of hours to a few days.
“The Visiting Artist Program gives students the opportunity to explore the arts first-hand with practicing professional artists,” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC. “These projects are often aligned with the school curriculum and highlight the importance of the arts as an integral part of the education of our youth.”
The program is supported through a partnership with the Cultural Connections Strategy of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA), and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC).
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the school year. There is no deadline, but schools must submit an application at least two weeks before the artist or group is due to come to the school. An artist or group can participate in up to six VAP projects each school year.
And the successful applicants are ...
July 23, 2009
Here is a list of organizations and festivals which did receive funding from the federal government's Marquee Tourism Events Program.
Marquee Tourism Program
July 23, 2009
This is the federal government program in the news for turning down a funding bid from Montreal's Divers/Cite Festival.
"Regional fairness" -- federal funding and unknown percentages?
July 23, 2009
Montreal's Divers/Cité, despite meeting all criteria, have been turned down for their bid of $155,000.00 under the Marquee Tourism Events Program. Industry Minister Mr. Tony Clement says it is a matter of regional fairness, that Quebec received about 42 per cent of the total funds. However, Liberal MP and heritage critic Pablo Rodriguez raises the following question: “Was there a rule there saying that there's a certain percentage per province? I didn't hear that. ” Read the full story here at gloabeandmail.com.
Arts Funding Opportunities: Public Information Sessions
July 22, 2009
Arts Funding Opportunities
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC), MusicNL, and the Canada Council for the Arts will hold public information sessions:
*Placentia - Placentia Arts Centre Tuesday, August 4,12 p.m.
*Grand Bank - Grand Bank Regional Theatre Wednesday, August 5, 12 p.m.
*Clarenville - St. Jude’s Hotel Thursday, August 6, 12 p.m.
Corner Brook - Glynmill Inn Monday, August 10, 3:30 p.m.
Stephenville - Arts and Culture Centre Tuesday, August 11, 12 p.m.
Cow Head - Shallow Bay Motel Saturday, August 15, 12 p.m.
Gander - Hotel Gander Sunday, August 16, 4 p.m.
*Please note: Sessions in Placentia, Grand Bank and Clarenville will be with the NLAC and MusicNL only; the Canada Council for the Arts will be present at all other locations.
Learn about funding programs for individual artists, groups, not-for-profit arts organizations, not-for-profit arts festivals, and community arts groups.
For more information:
Phone: 726-2212 or long distance toll free 1-866-726-2212.
Polyphonic and music distribution
July 22, 2009
These developments have potential distribution ramifications for all the arts.
Neighbouring Rights Collective of Canada proposes royalty increase
July 22, 2009
One of the many proposals before the Copyright Board of Canada.
(C) Copyright Reforms -- update
July 21, 2009
Here's the latest on how the federal government is moving to change copyright laws.
(C) Copyright Discussion Forums
July 21, 2009
In the coming weeks, the Government of Canada will be hosting a nationwide consultation on copyright modernization. As a creator or publisher, this presents a critical opportunity for you to have your say on copyright and its implications in our increasingly digital environment - issues that directly affect your livelihood.
There are a number of ways you can participate, including an online submission centre, a discussion forum, or by attending one of the town hall meetings, live, or via interactive webcast.
Two town hall meetings are scheduled (one in Montréal on July 30, and one in Toronto on August 27), both hosted by Minister Tony Clement and Minister James Moore. Interested participants can attend the meetings live** or over the Internet via interactive webcast. ** This means that Internet users can submit comments and questions in real time from their computers.
Space is limited so we urge you to register as soon as possible. Registration, FAQs and more information on the meetings is available by clicking here.
NLAC featured project: 19th Annual Festival of New Dance
July 16, 2009
Presented by Neighbourhood Dance Works, the Festival of New Dance runs July 21-26.
Internet throttling and distribution: Bell's turn
July 14, 2009
Bell states its case to the CRTC on how and why it directs internet traffic.
(C) Copyright -- who?
July 14, 2009
The latest on the federal government's proposed copyright reforms.
Internet throttling and distribution, continued: the carriers' view
July 13, 2009
Internet carriers Rogers and Bell state their case for slowing P2P uploads to the CRTC this week. Today, the plea from Rogers.
They break guitars, don't they? (fun for Friday)
July 10, 2009
Hailifax band Sons of Maxwell finally got some satisfaction from United Airlines -- or at least they got United's attention -- with their song and video on Youtube called "United Breaks Guitars." Just one more piece of evidence that sometimes the best weapon artists have is, well, their art.
Internet throttling and distribution
July 10, 2009
For now, the main issue is with independent films and P2P distribution, but these questions have ramifications for all the arts. Read the latest here.
NLAC's featured project: Old Tyme Country Music Jamboree
July 09, 2009
Presented by the Bluegrass and Old-Time Country Music Society, in partnership with the Town of Bay Roberts, this two day event is the Society's 5th annual music festival featuring bluegrass and old-time country music concerts and workshops. The society aims to foster the awareness, development, and growth of bluegrass and old-time country music in the province. Read more at the NLAC website.
Artsits' Infrastrcutre Committee to hold focus group meetings on arts space in St. John's
June 25, 2009
INVITATION TO ATTEND FOCUS GROUPS ON ARTISTS' SPACE
The AIC (Artists' Infrastructure Committee) would like to thank all artists for filling out the survey on office, studio, and rehearsal space. They received a huge number of responses. There is a clear need for studio, rehearsal, and office space, and there seems to be zero storage space in the City. Also, grants are still small and finding money to pay for rent of space is still a challenge.
The Artists' Infrastructure Committee would like to take the next step … to sit down and talk to fellow artists about this situation at two focus group meetings: June 29th and July 13th at Rabbittown Theatre from 3-5 p.m. (In case you can’t make one date, hopefully you can make the other).
They will introduce you to the committee who is doing this work and provide an overview of the results of the survey. They will also provide an overview of the history of lobbying efforts to date, and the reasons why they believe they can carry this work forward, plus hold an in-depth discussion about the many different kinds of needs there are and some of the models that are possible, finishing with a reception, hosted by the City of St. John’s, but at the Rabbittown Theatre.
Please respond to Lynn Cooper at 576-8394 and specify which date you’d like to attend.
Demand far outweighs money available for arts grants says NLAC
June 25, 2009
June 25, 2009 St. John’s, NL – An increase in artistic activity has created a challenge for the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC). The Crown agency recently awarded $296,855 in arts grants under its Professional Project Grants Program. While this was good news for the 94 artists, groups and organizations that received funding, it was small comfort for the 111 eligible applicants who weren’t funded.
The Professional Project Grants Program supports creation, production and professional development in dance, film, multidiscipline, music, theatre, visual arts, and writing. Grants are awarded through a competitive application and peer assessment process.
In this latest granting session, the NLAC received a record number of applications – up 60% from the fall 2008 granting session, and 20% from this time last year. With no increase to its annual budget, Council was able to fund just over a quarter of the amount requested. Many grant recipients received only a fraction of the amount needed to realize the projects outlined in their applications. (See table below comparing grant results for spring 2009 vs. fall 2008.)
“The quality of applications has been getting higher and higher in recent years,” says Carmelita McGrath, chair of the NLAC. “Peer assessment committees are faced with the unenviable task of deciding whether to provide partial funding to several worthy applicants, or full funding to a few.”
In March 2006 the provincial government made a commitment to double the NLAC’s budget over three years, bringing it to $1.8 million. That welcome increase stimulated arts activity and the resulting success stories are evident.
“The NLAC has met and surpassed its original objectives to stimulate artistic activity,” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC. “More artists are aware of our programs and increased maximum grants have encouraged more applications.”
The NLAC expects the number of applications to continue to grow; the available funding no longer meets the needs of this increased artistic activity.
“We’ve made gains, but now we’re beginning to see losses,” continues Winsor. “We’re seeing a decrease in both the number of grants awarded, and the average grant. Compared to the rest of Canada, we have slipped once again, in terms of per capita investment in our artists and are now third from the bottom.”
The opportunity – and challenge – ahead is to build on this commitment to ensure continued excellence in arts creation and public enjoyment of the arts as a shared vision for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
The Professional Project Grants Program has two grant deadlines a year: one in the spring and one in the fall. The next application deadline is September 15, 2009 (for projects starting on or after November 15, 2009.)
Comparison of grant results: spring 2009 vs. fall 2008
Spring 2009
Fall 2008Total Amount Requested
$1,055,949
$622,379Total Amount Awarded
$ 296,855
$295,150Percentage of Amount Awarded
28%
47%Total Applications
205
126Total Grants Awarded
94
76Percentage of Grants Awarded
46%
60%Average Grant
$3158
$3884NLAC awards $500,000 in sustaining funds to professional arts organizations
June 15, 2009
June 15, 2009, St. John’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) has awarded $500,000 to 18 organizations through its Sustaining Program for Professional Arts Organizations (SPPAO). The program supports administration and production costs associated with operating a professional arts organization.
The SPPAO operates on a three-year cycle in which new applicants can apply only in the first year of the cycle. The program is currently in Year Two of a granting cycle. Organizations are guaranteed at least 75% of their initial grant for the next two years, as long as they maintain the same level of activity, and funding for the program does not change.
The organizations currently funded through the SPPAO are:
Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland - $20,000
Atlantic Jazz Initiative - $15,000
Eastern Edge Gallery - $36,687
Lighthouse Productions - $15,000
Neighbourhood Dance Works - $25,000
Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Council - $20,000
Newfoundland Independent Filmmaker’s Co-operative - $35,000
Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra - $55,000
Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre Company - $43,313
Resource Centre for the Arts Visual Gallery - $20,000
Rising Tide Theatre Association - $60,000
Sound Symposium - $20,000
Stephenville Theatre Festival - $15,000
St. Michael’s Printshop - $25,000
St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival - $15,000
Theatre Newfoundland Labrador - $45,000
Tuckamore Festival - $15,000
Wonderbolt Productions - $20,000
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council is very pleased to offer continued support to these great organizations and the valuable work they do,” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC.
Applications are evaluated by a committee of artistic peers based on artistic vision, production activity, and administrative management. The next application deadline for new applicants to the SPPAO is February 15, 2011.
CHRC: Arts organizations improve compensation levels yet still lag behind other sectors
June 11, 2009
Arts organizations have shown progress in improving compensation levels for their employees but are still facing challenges in providing compensation and benefits in line with the general not-for-profit sector, according to a study released today by the Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC).
The National Compensation Study for Management and Administration in Not-for-Profit Arts Organizations 2009, an update of a similar study released in 2003, revealed that there have been improvements in compensation levels for a majority of the occupations studied among arts organizations of all sizes.
Trends identified by the study include:
Organizations with operating budgets of over $5,000,000 had higher real wage increases than the general marketplace from 2003 to 2008 (about 15% vs. just under 6%).
Relative to 2003, the frequency of benefits being offered by arts organizations has increased, especially for smaller organizations. The prevalence of extended health, dental, life and other insurance has almost doubled for these organizations. However, similar to 2003, the scope and frequency of benefits across the arts sector is disproportionately lower than other sectors.
Retirement savings plans are also now more prevalent in larger organizations.
There has been an increase in organizations offering incentives other than monetary bonuses, including paid time off (an increase to 34% from 19%) or flexible working arrangements (working from home)."This study suggests that more attention is being paid to the importance of compensation in maintaining and nurturing a strong cohort of cultural managers," noted Susan Annis, Executive Director of CHRC. "However, the scope and frequency of benefits offered across the entire not-for-profit arts sector continues to be disproportionately lower than what is found in other industry sectors."
The comprehensive study reports on data for 218 organizations within the not-for-profit arts sector compiled in October and November of 2008. Data was gathered on base salary, employee benefits and perquisites, as well as a number of other human resources issues. Twenty-one benchmark occupations were analyzed. Participant organizations were grouped into five categories according to operating budget: under $100,000; $100,000 to $250,000; $250,000 to $1,000,000; $1,000,000 to $5,000,000; and over $5,000,000.
The study was undertaken with financial support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Department of Canadian Heritage.
The full compensation survey can be found on CHRC's web site.
The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) is committed to strengthening the cultural labour force, and strives to be at the centre of vision and forward thinking in the area of cultural human resources development. CHRC brings together representatives of arts disciplines and cultural industries in the cultural sector to address the training and career development needs of employers and cultural workers including artists, technical staff and managers.
NLAC supports artists through its Professional Artists’ Travel Fund
June 09, 2009
June 9, 2009, St. John’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) has awarded $21,554 in travel grants to 23 artists from across the province between October 2008 and March 2009.
The Professional Artists’ Travel Fund (PATF) provides funding to professional artists to take part in unexpected activities that will enhance their artistic careers. Such activities could include the presentation, development or celebration of the artist’s work; receiving or being nominated for an official honour or award; unexpected opportunities to work under an artist/teacher; or to access specialized equipment not available in Newfoundland and Labrador.
To be eligible for a grant, applicants must be residents of Newfoundland and Labrador and considered to be professional in their field. Professional artists are defined as those: who are recognized by their peers as practicing artists; whose work is available to the general public on a regular basis; who earn a portion of their living from their work; who demonstrate a long-term commitment to their discipline.
Starting this spring, the Professional Artists’ Travel Fund operates three granting sessions per year (as opposed to two which was previously the case). The granting sessions are: April – July; August – November; and December – March, with $10,000 available for each session. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funds are depleted for a given granting session.
“This is a very popular program,” says Reg Winsor, NLAC Executive Director. “With two six-month granting sessions, funds were sometimes being depleted half way through each session. We’re hoping this new funding structure will make funding opportunities more fairly and evenly distributed throughout the year.”
A grant of up to $750 is available for travel within the province, and up to $1000 for travel outside the province. Eligible costs include return airfare, bus or train tickets, local transportation, hotel/accommodation and per diems. Applications are evaluated by a peer assessment committee made up of two members of Council.
Press Release: ACI Facilitates Town Hall Meeting on Arts and Culture with Federal Ministers
June 08, 2009
For Immediate Release
ACI FACILITATES ARTS AND CULTURE TOWN HALL MEETING WITH FEDERAL MINISTERS
In early May, ACI approached MP Siobhan Coady about the need for an Arts and Culture Town Hall meeting at which cultural producers and audiences could gather in a spirit of cooperation to air their concerns to the Government of Canada. Coady was receptive and invited MP Pablo Rodriguez, Opposition Critic for Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, to attend.
ACI has helped plan and facilitate the June 29th meeting and encourages all of its 1200+ member and associate-member organizations and individuals, as well as any other interested parties not yet affiliated with ACI, to attend. Come voice your Arts and Culture concerns to Ottawa.
- When: Monday, June 29, at 7pm
- Where: Masonic Temple, 6 Cathedral Street, St. John's
- Who: MP Siobhan Coady, St. John's South/Mount Pearl, MP Pablo Rodriguez, Opposition Critic for Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
- What: Arts and Culture Town Hall
(View this event on ACI's Cultural Calendar at http://acinl.ca/event/330)
"The cultural industries in Canada account for almost 7.5% of the GDP each year [The Conference Board of Canada]", says ACI Executive Director George Murray. "The culture sector is a vibrant contributor to our national economic fabric. It is natural that Ottawa would want to consult with sectors in which resource and funding investments yield so much positive growth for all of Canada."
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For more information or comment, please contact ACI Executive Director George Murray at 709.738.4333
ACI is a pan-provincial, pan-cultural not-for-profit organization serving as a unified voice, acting as advocate, and performing research on behalf of professional artists and arts organizations in Newfoundland Labrador. In 2008, ACI celebrates 10 years of advocacy. ACI is continually working to provide a nexus for communications between artists and arts organizations, the government, and the public.
Town Hall Meeting on Arts and Culture
June 05, 2009
MP for St. John's South - Mount Pearl Siobhan Coady hosts a Town Hall Meeting on Arts and Culture Monday, June 29, 2009 at the Masonic Temple, 6 Cathedral Street, starting at 7pm. Special guest: MP Pablo Rodriguez, Critic for Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
CHRC announces launch of Culture Sector HR Study 2009
May 21, 2009
The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) is pleased to announce that, with the financial support of HRSDC, it will be undertaking a Culture Sector HR Study, a major review of human resource issues in the cultural sector. This national study will update the knowledge and information acquired five years ago through the sector study entitled Face of the Future.
Following an extensive RFP process which elicited several excellent proposals, CHRC has engaged the Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) to carry out the study. The CBoC will work under the direction of a national Steering Committee which includes a mix of employers and workers with subject matter and HR expertise. The CBoC's approach to the work will be highly consultative, in order to ensure that their findings reflect the current realities of the sector.
The Culture Sector HR Study will have two phases.
Phase 1 will consist of a literature and documentation review and a review of existing Labour Market Information (LMI) data in order to identify LMI gaps in Broadcasting; Film and Television; Digital Media; Book and Magazine Publishing; Music; Live Performing Arts; Visual Arts and Crafts; and Heritage (Libraries, Archives, Museums and Built Heritage). This Phase will also include consultations early on in the process to gather immediate information on the effect of the economic downturn on cultural employers and workers. CHRC will release the results of Phase 1 in December 2009.
Phase II will consist of identification and analysis of HR issues; and the formulation of key findings and suggested recommendations. It will be released at a national cultural sector roundtable in June 2010.
The study's findings and recommendations will inform the strategic planning process and project proposals of CHRC over the coming years.
The Steering Committee met for the first time on April 14, 2009, and will meet again on four other occasions over the course of the project. CHRC will keep the sector informed and up-to-date on the progress of this very important study; and from time to time assist the consultants in their data gathering and consultation process.The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) is committed to strengthening the cultural labour force, and strives to be at the centre of vision and forward thinking in the area of cultural human resources development. CHRC brings together representatives of arts disciplines and cultural industries in the cultural sector to address the training and career development needs of employers and cultural workers including artists, technical staff and managers. To become a member of CHRC please visit their website.
This project is funded by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program.
EVA Winners to be announced May 29, 2009
May 20, 2009
The winners of the EVA Awards will be announced in VANL-CARFAC's annual ceremony. Categories are the Long Haul Award, the Large Year Award, sponsored by The Leyton Gallery of Fine Art, the Emerging Artist Award and the Kippy Goins Award, sponsored by Drs. Angus and Jean Bruneau. This year the ceremony will also include the presentation of CARFAC National’s Advocate Award, which will go to an artist from this province who has made a lasting contribution to visual arts advocacy.
Seating for this event is limited, so if you are interested in attending, please contact Cyril at 738-7303 or vanl-carfac@nf.aibn.com. The ceremony takes place at the Rooms Lecture Theatre. Free.
At 9 pm there will be a reception in the 3rd Floor Atrium of the Rooms, which all are welcome to attend. Cash Bar.
Friday, May 29, 2009, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm
The Rooms Lecture Theatre, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John's, NL, Canada
Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award -- call for nominations
May 15, 2009
City of St. John's Birthday Celebrations -- call for proposals.
May 15, 2009
City of St. John's will be celebrating its birthday again this year from June 19th to 21st. This weekend of events is a partnership between the CIty and community and arts groups. If you would like to participate, please send a short (one page) proposal, with a budget, to Bernadette Walsh, Special Events Coordinator. Please pass this email along to anyone who might be interested in participating.
The proposal should outline;
Event description
People involved
Where the event will take place
When the event will take place
How this event will help celebrate St. John's birthdayMaximum financial contribution from the CIty is $1,000.00 per event.
Deadline for application is May 29th at 4:00 p.m.
Tonight! NLAC Awards Show Highlights on CBC-TV
May 12, 2009
Arts Awards Highlights on CBC TV
TONIGHT, 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in most of Labrador)
Tune in to CBC Television for a special half-hour program featuring highlights from the 24th annual NLAC Arts Awards.
NLAC Labrador Cultural Travel Fund
May 11, 2009
Labrador Cultural Travel Fund promotes cultural exchange
May 11, 2009, St. John’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) has awarded 15 travel grants through the Labrador Cultural Travel Fund (LCTF) to support cultural exchange between Labrador and the island.
The LCTF provides travel assistance to residents of Labrador so they can participate in arts and heritage activities on the island. It also funds Labrador organizations so they can bring in resource people from the island to conduct seminars, workshops or similar events. Eligible activities may include: participating in arts festivals or competitions; attending arts or heritage fairs or workshops; receiving or being nominated for significant cultural awards; and participating in major arts performances or heritage presentations or conferences.
The LCTF is funded under the provincial government’s Northern Strategic Plan and is administered by the NLAC. It provides $100,000 a year in travel assistance and covers up to 90% of the total travel costs to a maximum of $1500 per individual applicant, and $5000 per group (of at least four individuals). The program operates on a six-month cycle; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funds are depleted for a given granting session. Applications are evaluated by a peer assessment committee made up of two members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC).
This past granting session (October 1, 2008 – March 31, 2009) the LCTF awarded $33,567.18 to 15 applicants. Recipients included: Amos Lyall who traveled from North West River to attend the St. John’s Storytelling Festival; Festival 500 Labrador Region who brought members of the Newman Sound Men’s Choir from St. John’s to Happy Valley-Goose Bay to conduct voice workshops; and The Flummies who traveled from North West River to Corner Brook to attend the ECMAs (where they won Aboriginal Recording of the Year).
Sculpture -- Request for Proposals, City of Mount Pearl
May 11, 2009
Request For Proposals
Public Art/ Sculpture
Centennial Park Sculpture
The City is requesting proposals for a sculpture design that interplays with water and that symbolizes and celebrates the urban energy, innovative vision, and civic pride of the citizens of Mount Pearl.
An information session will be held on May 14th at 2:00 p.m. in the Sir James Pearl Room, Mount Pearl City Hall, 3 Centennial Street, Mount Pearl.
Submissions must be received at 3 Centennial Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 1G4 and be clearly marked “RFP – Centennial Park Sculpture” to the attention of Ms. Bronda Aylward, Manager of Economic Development and Business, by no later than 3:00pm, Monday, July 6, 2009. Facsimile or e-mail submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
To obtain a copy of the detailed Request for Proposals or for further information, please contact the Mount Pearl Planning and Development Department by telephone: 748-1096 or by e-mail: baylward@mountpearl.ca.
Lunchtime Concert Series -- Call for Expressions of Interest
May 11, 2009
Every Friday from July 3rd to August 28th the City of St. John’s provides free outdoor lunchtime concerts to the citizens and visitors of St. John’s. The concert series is designed to provide an eclectic mix of styles that represents the musical community of the City. Bands or ensembles interested in performing are asked to submit:
• CDs or tapes
• Band bios and photographs
• List of all instruments and vocals
• Support materials such as posters, reviews etc. may also be submitted
• Full contact informationPlease note, incomplete submissions may not be considered by the Jury. Submissions must be received no later than May 29th , 2009 at 4:00 p.m. to:
Lynn Cooper
Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Culture
City of St. John’s
348 Water St.
St. John’s, NL A1C 5M2For further information phone 576-8394 or lcooper@stjohns.ca
NLAC Arts Awards Show -- Highlights on CBC-TV
May 07, 2009
Tune in to CBC Television for a special half-hour program featuring highlights from the 24th annual NLAC Arts Awards. Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in most of Labrador).
Podcast: CBC's Q, with Jian Ghomeshi -- Artists and their dayjobs
May 06, 2009
You can jump to the CBC site from here (just scroll down a bit) to download the podcast of the May 4, 2009 episode of Q.
"Book jacket artist Chip Kidd* Panel discussion on artists and their day jobs* politics of classical pianist Krystian Zimmerman."
NLAC School Touring Program Deadline
May 06, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) is now accepting applications from artists, arts groups, and non-profit arts organizations for its
School Touring Program to support significant touring productions to schools throughout the province.Application deadline: 15 June 2009, for tours between 14 September 2009 and 18 June 2010.
Contact the NLAC for an application form and details.
Phone: 726-2212 or long distance toll free 1-866-726-2212 (NL only)
The Newman Building, 1 Springdale Street, St. John’s, NL
nlacmail@nfld.net
Or visit: www.nlac.nf.ca
NLAC Award Winners Announced
May 04, 2009
**Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council presents its annual awards **
Saturday May 2, 2009, St. John’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) held its 24th annual Arts Awards Show and Gala tonight at the Reid Theatre in St. John’s. The annual Arts Awards honour the accomplishments of Newfoundland and Labrador’s artists.
The six award winners are:
Arts in Education Award: Rob Power (performer and music educator)
Patron of the Arts Award: Drs. Jean and Angus Bruneau
Hall of Honour Award: Rick Boland (actor)
Hall of Honour Award: Central Newfoundland Visual Arts Society (CNVAS)
Rogers Arts Achievement Award: James Anderson (photographer)
CBC Emerging Artist Award: Kellie Walsh (choral conductor)
Artist of the Year Award: Sherry White (screenwriter, filmmaker and performer)
NLAC Chair Camelita McGrath said, “This year’s winners represent artists who are achieving excellence in their fields both at home and away. We are proud to honour them here tonight and celebrate their accomplishments. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”
Nominations for the awards are submitted by the arts community, arts organizations and the general public. Members of Council vote by secret ballot to select the finalists and winners.
Winners of the Artist of the Year, Emerging Artist, Arts in Education, and Arts Achievement Awards receive a $2000 cash prize and a piece of artwork. Winners of the Patron of the Arts Award receive a piece of artwork. Inductees into the Hall of Honour receive a framed certificate.
CBC -- Jian Ghomeshi on artists and their dayjobs
May 04, 2009
Broadcasting right this minute. Podcast will be available later.
NLAC Arts Awards Show -- Saturday night, 8pm, Reid Theatre
May 01, 2009
Not to be missed.
Parking is available in Lots 1A and 15B. Tickets are on sale at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre Box Office: 729-3900. Tickets are $20 - with proceeds going to the Cultural Assistance Plan for Emergencies (CAPE Fund).
Finalists are:
Artist of the Year 2008 – recognizes the art or activity of a person, group or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008. The finalists are:
* Duo Concertante – classical chamber music ensemble
* Justin Simms – filmmaker
* Sherry White – screenwriter, filmmaker and performerArts in Education 2008 – recognizes an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to arts in education in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008. The finalists are:
* Robin Grant – visionary, writer and youth activist
* Rob Power – performer and music educator
* Christina Smith – Newfoundland musician and teacherEmerging Artist 2008 – recognizes new and undisputed talent. It is awarded to an emerging artist, group or arts organization that has earned significant recognition for a piece of work or a generally out-sized impact on the scene. The finalists are:
* Curtis Andrews – percussionist, composer and teacher
* Riddle Fence – journal of arts and culture
* Kellie Walsh – choral conductorHall of Honour
* Rick Boland – actor, writer and director
* Central Newfoundland Visual Arts Society (CNVAS)These awards will be officially presented at the Arts Awards ceremony on May 2.
Arts Achievement and Patron of the Arts
Two more awards will be presented on May 2nd: Arts Achievement 2008 and Patron of the Arts 2008. (Council does not prepare a list of finalists in these award categories.)
The Arts Awards Show – host and entertainment
Well-known theatre director Danielle Irvine returns this year to produce and direct the show. The theme she has chosen to work with is “Anything is Possible”.
“Reflecting over the past year it was inspiring to see, both as a province and as an arts community, all the amazing places Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have found themselves,” said Irvine. “Our Premier has been quoted as saying “anything is possible”, and that has launched our theme for this year.”
The NLAC is delighted to have actor and comedian Phil Churchill host the show, along with musical hosts the Terri Lynn Eddy Band. The evening will include performances by Anahareo White-Malone and Wonderbolt Circus, East Rock Crew, and The Once.
Artwork and Prizes
Also unveiled at today’s news conference was the artwork that will be presented to the winners in five of the award categories. This year’s artwork was created by Torbay sculptor John Goodyear. Each piece is a one of a kind sculptured hollow form made from American Walnut. They are approximately six inches in diameter and four inches in height and consist of two layers: a thick bark-like outer layer, which has an eroded appearance that reveals the inner form. The inner form consists of what appears to be an intricate organic web like structure. These pieces are based on the concept of erosion; the revelation of a lost and secret gift that has been exposed due to the erosion process.
New federal cultural funding -- Marquee Tourism Events Program -- call for proposals
May 01, 2009
Industry Canada has just launched a new cultural funding program called Marquee Tourism Events Program, and they're calling for proposals. Deadline is May 8, 2009. From an Industry Canada Media Relations e-mail:
"The deadline for Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications under the first all for proposals is May 8, 2009. Funding decisions for events taking
place at the beginning of the summer will be made in a timely fashion, given the economic stimulus nature of the program. Additional calls
for proposals will be launched later this year. Details to follow.The recipients that have been announced so far, i.e. on April 27 are listed on http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/04601.html ."
CCA's National Cultural Strategy Strategy Workshop Report
April 24, 2009
Read the Canadian Conference of the Arts' report on their March 12, 2009 National Cultural Strategy Building Workshop. Topics include federal funding issues, the arts and the economy, and arts in education.
NLAC Announces 2009 Arts Awards Show finalists and lineup
April 08, 2009
The NLAC has announced its Finalists, Hall of Honour inductees, host, entertainment, and artwork announced for 2009 Arts Awards Show. See excerpt from the press release below.
Finalists
Finalists were announced today in three award categories:
Artist of the Year 2008 – recognizes the art or activity of a person, group or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008. The finalists are:
- Duo Concertante – classical chamber music ensemble
- Justin Simms – filmmaker
- Sherry White – screenwriter, filmmaker and performer
Arts in Education 2008 – recognizes an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to arts in education in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008. The finalists are:
- Robin Grant – visionary, writer and youth activist
- Rob Power – performer and music educator
- Christina Smith – Newfoundland musician and teacher
Emerging Artist 2008 – recognizes new and undisputed talent. It is awarded to an emerging artist, group or arts organization that has earned significant recognition for a piece of work or a generally out-sized impact on the scene. The finalists are:
- Curtis Andrews – percussionist, composer and teacher
- Riddle Fence – journal of arts and culture
- Kellie Walsh – choral conductor
Hall of Honour
- Rick Boland – actor, writer and director
- Central Newfoundland Visual Arts Society (CNVAS)
These awards will be officially presented at the Arts Awards ceremony on May 2.
Arts Achievement and Patron of the Arts
Two more awards will be presented on May 2nd: Arts Achievement 2008 and Patron of the Arts 2008. (Council does not prepare a list of finalists in these award categories.)
The Arts Awards Show – host and entertainment
Well-known theatre director Danielle Irvine returns this year to produce and direct the show. The theme she has chosen to work with is “Anything is Possible”.
“Reflecting over the past year it was inspiring to see, both as a province and as an arts community, all the amazing places Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have found themselves,” said Irvine. “Our Premier has been quoted as saying “anything is possible”, and that has launched our theme for this year.”
The NLAC is delighted to have actor and comedian Phil Churchill host the show, along with musical hosts the Terri Lynn Eddy Band. The evening will include performances by Anahareo White-Malone and Wonderbolt Circus, East Rock Crew, and The Once.
Artwork and Prizes
Also unveiled at today’s news conference was the artwork that will be presented to the winners in five of the award categories. This year’s artwork was created by Torbay sculptor John Goodyear. Each piece is a one of a kind sculptured hollow form made from American Walnut. They are approximately six inches in diameter and four inches in height and consist of two layers: a thick bark-like outer layer, which has an eroded appearance that reveals the inner form. The inner form consists of what appears to be an intricate organic web like structure. These pieces are based on the concept of erosion; the revelation of a lost and secret gift that has been exposed due to the erosion process.
Tickets
Tickets for the Awards Show and Gala (Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m.) are now on sale at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre Box Office, 729-3900. Tickets are $20 with proceeds going to the Cultural Assistance Plan for Emergencies (CAPE Fund).
Bios and photographs are available on request.
For more information contact:
Janet McDonald
Communications Officer
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
(709) 726-2212
jmcdonald@nf.aibn.com"Will Canada be the only member of the G-20 to sit out the burgeoning worldwide market for content in all of its formats?" -- CCA
April 08, 2009
The Canadian Conference of the Arts just released their latest bulletin, Canadian Cultural Exports: A Growing Success Worth Investing In:
"The numbers reveal a relative success story for the arts and culture sector with exports doubling from $1.5 billion in 1997 to $3 billion in 2006. Interestingly enough, growth in imports of cultural goods and services for the same period went from $1.5 billion in 1997 to $2.8 billion in 2006. This more modest rate of growth could however be largely due to the re-evaluation of the Canadian dollar over the period, which makes imports cheaper. That being said, taken together these figures represent a small cultural trade surplus for Canada in 2006."
Surplus? Yes, surplus. The CCA goes on to say:
"Will Canada be the only member of the G-20 to sit out the burgeoning worldwide market for content in all of its formats? This is a question only our leaders will be able to answer. Let us be sure that they are asked the question at every turn until a new strategy emerges."
ACI Comments on Provincial Budget
March 27, 2009
The Association of Cultural Industries of Newfoundland Labrador (ACI) attended yesterday's budget announcement in St. John's and wishes to congratulate Premier Danny Williams and Finance Minister Jerome Kennedy on making difficult budget decisions in tough times.
There were no cuts to arts and culture, the sector most often hit in other jurisdictions during times of belt-tightening. The Williams government defined the arts and culture sector as "pure gold" in the budget speech and is obviously dedicated to investing in its development and growth. If tourism is one of the engines that drive this province, arts and culture is the gasoline.
In 2004, ACI researched and wrote the white paper that would inform the Williams government's groundbreaking 2006 document Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture. This unprecedented 3-year plan for culture expires this month, and we know that as late as August of 2008 the government was in consultation with the sector, and hard at work developing a new plan to build on the enormous success and momentum created since 2006. This new plan was expected to significantly increase the scope of Creative Newfoundland and Labrador, building upon the foundations for success and professionalization therein. However, with the global economic downturn come reduced economic expectations at home.
This new budget seems to suggest a 1-year stop-gap solution for the culture sector, rather than the hoped-for new 3-year strategy. The budget largely maintains the status quo in the arts and culture sector with only minor increases to funding for the Film Development Corp and the Arts and Letters Awards, as well as a continuation of the $250,000 pledged in 2008 to make up for cuts to Federal export programs.
ACI thinks it may indeed be prudent to not develop a new 3-year plan during times of reduced expectations. The arts and culture sector has come too far forward with Creative Newfoundland and Labrador to risk taking any step backward.
By this time next year, ACI hopes the fortunes of the sector will improve commensurate with the economy, and that we will see continued efforts on the part of the government to develop the culture sector, a key component in our province's tourism, recruitment, and retention strategies.
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For more information or comment, please contact ACI Executive Director George Murray at 709.738.4333 or execdir@aci.nfld.net
ACI in Ottawa to Attend CCA's National Cultural Strategy
March 18, 2009
ACI's Executive Director George Murray was in Ottawa late last week to attend the CCA's symposium on developing a national arts and culture strategy in the face of a hostile federal funding and political environment.
The talks included strategies on developing a unified voice and developing a set of priorities and messages for the likelihood of another federal election this year. The two days of talks and meetings included key arts and culture groups from around Canada and will be followed by a report from the CCA. Watch this space for updates as they become available and links to the eventual report.
By keeping close ties to federal advocacy groups like the CCA, ACI maintains its national position as Newfoundland Labrador's go-to advocacy group representating the pan-cultural sector in our province.
Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
March 11, 2009
The latest on the activities of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. ACI testified before the Committee on March 4.
The Telegram reports on ACI's appeance in Ottawa
March 05, 2009
ACI in Ottawa to tesify on federal culture cuts
March 05, 2009
The Association of Cultural Industries (ACI) was in Ottawa Wednesday March 4, 2009, by invitation of the Federal Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, to testify about the impact of last year's cancellation of PromArt and Trade Routes (export and touring programmes) has had on the cultural producers of Newfoundland Labrador.
These cuts, totalling about $20 million, and taking effect at the end of this month, all but eliminate support for artists and organizations trying to either export their work abroad through tours and shows, or to bring foreign buyers here to Canada. The Federal government cited inefficiencies in program administration and structure as reasons for cancellation, but has yet to show whether this money will be reallocated to agencies with proven track records, such as the Canada Council for the Arts.
In the Atlantic provinces, many organizations and individuals have taken advantage of this funding in the past, including the Atlantic Canada Film Festival and the ECMAs, who use about $60,000 to bring foreign buyers here for the benefit of our local musicians. Without this funding these programs face cancellation. Here in NL artists and groups such as Duane Andrews, Andy Jones, Alca Productions, Rattling Books, Duo Concertante, the St. John's International Women's Film Festival, and dancer Louise Moyes have all taken advantage of this funding to reach an international audience. For example, Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador has used PromArt funding the in past to develop its exchange programme with groups in Tasmania, by touring productions there. According to Artistic Director Gaylene Buckle, this has resulted in tourism to the Gros Morne Theatre Festival quadrupling in the last two years.
The NL provincial government has kicked in $250,000 in 2009/10 to cover the funding gap these cancellations will create in the province.
ACI will also testify on the impact of the recent announcement of lines controversial lines in the current budget tabled by the Conservative government.
NLAC deadline approaching -- Professional Project Grants
February 16, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) is now accepting applications for its:
Professional Project Grants Program (for individual artists, groups, and non-profit arts organizations)
Application deadline: 17 March 2009
(Projects must start on/after 15 May 2009)
Contact the NLAC for an application form and details:
The Newman Building, 1 Springdale Street
726-2212 or toll free 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only)
www.nlac.nf.ca nlacmail@nfld.net
NLAC Information Sessions in Labrador
February 12, 2009
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council will hold Public Information Sessions in the Labrador Straits and the South East Coast of Labrador
Topics will include:
- The Labrador Cultural Travel Fund
- All other Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council programs
- Provincial and federal cultural funding programs
**Schedule **
- L'Anse Au Clair: Thursday, February 19, 7 p.m. Northern Light Inn
- Port Hope Simpson: Friday, February 20, 7 p.m. Alexis Hotel
- Charlottetown: Monday, February 23, 10:00 a.m. Charlottetown Community Hall
- Forteau: Tuesday, February 24, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. E.M. Taylor Resource Centre
- L'Anse Au Loup: Tuesday, February 24, 7 p.m. Paula’s Place
**Meet with Labrador Cultural Outreach Officer Donna Roberts **
Donna Roberts will be visiting the Labrador Straits and the South East Coast of Labrador from February 18-26. She will be available to meet with individuals and groups who wish to discuss potential projects or learn more about the application process.
*
Please contact Donna to make an appointment:*Phone: (709) 896-9565 Toll Free (NL only): 1 (888) 896-9565 E-mail: droberts@nf.aibn.com
While in the Labrador Straits Donna can be reached at The Northern Light Inn 931-2332, and while on the South East Coast of Labrador she can be reached at the Alexis Hotel: 960-0228.
Heritage Minister encounters criticism on arts funding
February 11, 2009
A lot of criticism is being levelled at the culture component of the Conservative budget, but some of it is misdirected. People are concentrating on last year's news: the cuts to PromArt and Trade Routes. Yes, they were ill-advised cuts that were politically and ideologically motivated; yes, they were a slap in the face to working artists; but the Conservatives have received the message, in some regards, with the culture vote in November's election cutting their chance of forming a majority government.
While other sectors are receiving massive bailouts, the very profitable culture sector (7% of the GDP) is getting very little. There's only really $160 million of "new" money here: $100 million for "festivals" and $60 for infrastructure (with the bulk of the culture money in the budget going to television.) ACI is concerned that the numbers the government is releasing are not only misleading in terms of what will be spent, but also in terms of actual new money reaching the artists and organizations working on the ground. In short, there is no new money for the creation of art.
Further, they've somewhat broadened what they're defining as "culture" to include some questionable new categories. So the money for festivals could end up going to a soccer festival or a beer garden somewhere. Is this money really more about the APPEARANCE of funding the arts than helping art get created? It's highly visible outcomes make it look like the government is spending lavishly in the sector when all it's doing is providing places for photo ops.
There's also money for infrastructure, but it's unclear how this will be spent and why.
Depressingly, the $25 million in new money actually going to artists is actually only for foreign artists. While this might seem like a good way to promote cultural exchange and increase Canada's reputation internationally, it would easier to support this prize if it weren't at the expense of the funding of art on the ground here at home.
Statistical profile of artists in Canada
February 09, 2009
Hill Strategies, an independent research firm, has undertaken a statistical profile of the arts sector using 2006 census data. The results are surprising to some, but perhaps not to others.
The report highlights 10 key facts about artists in Canada:
The average earnings of artists are very low.
- The average earnings of artists are $22,700, compared with an average of $36,300 for all Canadian workers.
- The gap between artists' average earnings and overall labour force earnings is 37%.
- To bridge the earnings gap and bring the average earnings of artists up to the same level as the overall labour force would require an additional $1.9 billion in earnings for artists.
- The average earnings of artists are only 9% higher than Statistics Canada's low-income cutoff for a single person living in a community of 500,000 people or more ($20,800).
- 62% of artists earn less than $20,000, compared with 41% of the overall labour force.
- Six of the nine arts occupations have average earnings that are less than Statistics Canada's low-income cutoff for a single person living in a community of 500,000 people or more ($20,800).
A typical artist in Canada earns less than half the typical earnings of all Canadian workers.
Note: The median is a measure of the earnings of a "typical" worker in various occupations. Half of individuals have earnings that are less than the median value, while the other half has earnings greater than the median.
- For artists, median earnings are only $12,900.
- A typical artist in Canada earns less than half the typical earnings of all Canadian workers (median earnings of $26,900).
- A typical artist, on their own, lives in a situation of extreme low income: the median earnings of artists are 38% below the low-income cutoff for larger urban areas ($20,800).
- In six arts occupations, median earnings are less than or about equal to $10,000. This means that a typical actor, artisan, dancer, musician or singer, other performer or visual artist earns only about $10,000 or less.
Artists' earnings decreased, even before the current recession.
- Between 1990 and 2005, the average earnings of artists decreased by 11% (after adjusting for inflation).
- In the overall labour force, average earnings grew by 9% during the same timeframe (after adjusting for inflation).
- The 11% decrease in the average earnings of artists between 1990 and 2005 is due to a 14% decrease between 2000 and 2005, after adjusting for inflation. Even without an inflation adjustment, artists' average earnings decreased by 3% between 2000 and 2005.
- All nine arts occupations saw substantial decreases in average earnings between 2000 and 2005, which contributed to a decrease for all nine occupations over the longer timeframe (1990 to 2005).
- The earnings gap between artists and the overall labour force increased from 23% in 1990 to 37% in 2005.
There are more female than male artists, yet women artists earn much less than men.
- The 74,000 female artists represent 53% of artists. In the overall labour force, 48% of workers are women.
- On average, female artists earn $19,200, 28% less than the average earnings of male artists ($26,700).
Aboriginal and visible minority artists have particularly low earnings.
- Aboriginal artists have particularly low average earnings ($15,900), a 39% gap when compared with all Aboriginal workers in the Canadian labour force. The average earnings of Aboriginal artists are 30% lower than the average for all artists.
- With average earnings of $18,800, visible minority artists earn 38% less than the average earnings of all visible minority workers in Canada.
Economic returns to higher education are much lower for artists than for other workers.
- University-educated artists earn 38% more than artists with a high school education. In the overall labour force, those with a university education earn more than double the average earnings of those with a high school education.
- The percentage of artists with a bachelor's degree of higher (39%) is nearly double the rate in the overall labour force (21%).
- Artists with university credentials at or above the bachelor's level earn $26,800, which is 53% less than the average earnings of workers with the same education in the overall labour force ($57,500). In fact, the average earnings of university-educated artists ($26,800) are less than the average earnings of overall labour force workers with a high school diploma ($28,000).
Many artists are self-employed.
- At 42%, the percentage of artists who are self-employed is six times the self-employment rate in the overall labour force (7%).
- The average earnings of self-employed artists ($15,200) are 51% less than the average earnings of all self-employed workers in Canada ($31,000).
There are relatively few opportunities for full-time work in the arts.
- Nearly twice as many artists as other workers (42% vs. 22%) indicated that they worked part-time in 2005.
- Artists are employed for fewer weeks per year than other workers. In 2005, 68% of artists worked most of the year (40 to 52 weeks) compared with 77% of the overall labour force.
There has been substantial growth in the number of artists since 1971, but the rate of growth is decreasing.
- The number of artists in Canada grew much more quickly than the overall labour force between 1971 and 2006. There were three-and-a-half times as many artists in 2006 as in 1971. This is a much higher increase than the doubling of the overall labour force.
- The rate of growth in the number of artists has decreased during every period since 1971: 85% in the 1970s, 40% in the 1980s, 29% in the 1990s, and 7% in the shorter period of 2001 to 2006.
- The number of artists grew by much more than the overall labour force between 1971 and 2001 but less than the overall labour force between 2001 and 2006.
Artists, as a group, are becoming more diverse, older and better educated.
- Artists from visible minority groups more than doubled in number between 1991 and 2006 (123% growth).
- Artists 45 or older more than doubled in number between 1991 and 2006 (121% growth).
- There were 90% more artists with a university certificate, diploma or degree in 2006 than in 1991.
- There were 61% more artists with a college certificate or diploma in 2006 than in 1991.
- In comparison, there were 38% more artists and 22% more workers in the overall labour force in 2006 than in 1991.
Starving artists?
February 06, 2009
ACI President Amy House speaks to The Telegram
February 04, 2009
ACI President Amy House speaks to the Telegram on the importance of arts and culture to our society. This is the long-running problem for advocacy organizations like ACI -- how do you communicate to governments and the public that while the cultural sector creates jobs and brings many more dollars in investment than it consumes, that the deepest essence of the sector is not quantifiable in terms of dollars and cents. "Value" is such a loaded word, and the cultural industries, public and governments need to recognize that along with the practical monetary concerns of running the sector must come the protection of our freedom to create, and therefore build our identity. Amy House does a good job presenting that conundrum here.
Budget breakdown
January 30, 2009
Hush money for the arts?
January 27, 2009
More on the Conservative budget's arts funding and what it might mean. Is the Harper government trying to fix its mistakes of last fall when it underestimated the culture vote, or is this all political?
$160 million for arts and culture?
January 27, 2009
Amongst the leaked promises in the federal budget: $160 million for arts and culture. But where and how will this money flow?
Q- CBC Radio One (national): Are the Conservatives the New Party for Arts and Culture?
January 22, 2009
And we're back!
January 22, 2009
Yes, it's cold out, but the daylight defies the night, a few minutes at a time. Winter can be a productive time in the cultural sector. Shows are in rehearsal; artists are creating new work; museums are installing new exhibits.
And ACI is right there alongside you as we continue to develop acinl.ca to -- well, make your life in the cultural sector just a little easier. The Cultural Calendar is getting heavy use and just might be the best spot to see at a glance just what's on the go here in the province. The Mentorship and Training Database is standing by; both mentors and apprentices can enter profiles and conduct searches. And the ACI Job Board brings you cultural job postings -- all in one easy place.
Keep checking back for updates here on the ACI Blog, too, as we help you stay on top of cultural issues in the province, in the country and around the world.
Questions? Comments? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
-- ACI.
Happy Holidays from ACI
December 17, 2008
ACI wishes one and all a happy holiday season. Our offices will close on Friday, December 19th and reopen on Friday, Jan 2.
Over the holidays the website will undergo several upgrades to increase efficiency and "useability". This means the process for creating and managing Cultural Calendar events and Mentorship profiles will be streamlined, and backend changes will be made to the database to decrease load times for visitors. In all, this should make your experience better and faster. If you have questions, concerns, or note any bugs, please feel free to forward them to our webmaster.
Also upcoming in the New Year, is the Cultural Jobs Board -- a new tool that will allow users to post jobs related to the Newfoundland Labrador cultural sector. Just like the Cultural Calendar, the jobs board will be visible to and searchable by the general public, but only those signed up with a MY ACI account (see link in top right), will be allowed to post listings.
Remember in your last minute gift-buying plans that art, whether visual, music, literary, craft, media, or tickets to dance or theatre performances, makes for great giving.
Happy New Year.
MY ACI Dashboard Fixed
October 09, 2008
If you experienced an outage yesterday in which you were unable to use your MY ACI dashboard to add and manage your profile and events, you should know everything seems to be working now. Sorry for any inconvenience.
In the future, if you encounter any problems or bugs, or even if you just have suggestions for useability, please send an email describing your problem to: execdir@aci.nfld.net.
New ACI Board Elected at AGM in Gander
October 02, 2008
ACI's Annual General Meeting and Conference was held on September 26 and 27 in Gander and was a rousing success. Besides workshops, discussions, and panels on the new ACI website, communications plans for artists, and export challenges facing NL artists, we also held our business meeting and elections. The new Board is below, and an Executive (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary) will be elected from within this Board at the first Board meeting, scheduled for early November.
Thanks to all those who came out, and welcome to our new members and those just joining the ACI Board for the first time. For members unable to attend
ACI BOARD
Artistic Sectors:
Fine Craft – Susan Furneaux (Craft Council)
Dance – Catherine Wright
Literary Arts – Théa Morash (WANL) *
Music Arts – Maxine Stanley (MusicNL) *
New Media/Film – _____________
Theatre – Amy House
Visual Arts – Sara Tilley (VANL) *Geographic:
Eastern Newfoundland – Geoff Adams *
Central Newfoundland – Kim Wiseman *
Western Newfoundland – Tina Dolter *
Labrador – Dorrie Brown *Cultural:
Francophone – Xavier Georges
Aboriginal – ________________Ex Officio:
Past President – Audrey Feltham
*New to ACI Board
Welcome to the new ACI culture blog for Newfoundland Labrador
September 05, 2008
As part of our ongoing mandate to promote and provide space for communication between our stakeholders (eg, the professional artists and arts organizations of the province, the public, and the government), ACI has developed this blog where we will occasionally post on pan-cultural current issues of interest.
One of the challenges of running a pan-provincial organization in Newfoundland Labrador is getting out to all the nooks and crannies of invested, dedicated artists and organizations scattered here and there. Besides the financial challenges, there is also the matter of human resources and time. We just can't cover it all. So we re-envisioned the ACI web portal as a place where the communities we represent can come together to inform each other: of events, training opportunities, job postings (coming!), and issues at the provincial and federal levels that affect us all.
We see this blog space as an extra tool of communication and commentary, allowing ACI to point out items that might be of interest, while also providing space for the community to comment. If you have any pan-cultural items (ie, news that affects all or many aspects of arts and culture) you think might be suitable for posting, please send to execdir@aci.nfld.net
If you want to post a comment on any item, you simply need to create a MY ACINL account and start posting. Remember to tag yourself to your primary artistic subsectors (ie, dance, theatre, music, visual, etc) when you create your account so your artist profile will appear in those subsector listings.
We look forward to hearing your opinions on items we post. And while some issues might inspire passion and even anger, we encourage everyone to keep their words on topic and respectful.
Register Now for ACI’s 2008 AGM
September 05, 2008
The 2008 AGM, to be held in Gander, is now accepting advance registrations. Please click here for the registration form and schedule.
ACI Launches New Web Portal
September 05, 2008
In 2008, ACI celebrates 10 years of advocacy and representation on behalf of the professional artists and arts organizations of Newfoundland Labrador! As part of this celebration, we have undertaken a radical redesign of our primary communications portal: the ACI website.
This beta website you are about to explore is highly interactive and reminiscent of popular social network tools such as Facebook and MySpace. It is the result of an enormous amount of work and energy over the past year, and is designed to support ACI's goal to be a nexus for communications between the various stakeholders in the arts and culture sector in our province. Included in this update are three main new modules:
- A fully interactive Cultural Calendar
- An interactive and searchable Mentorship and Training Database
- New fluid artistic sector pages that include organizational and artist profiles
Users wishing to simply find information on cultural events or mentorship and training can use the site as a search tool. Users wish to add events to the cultural calendar or create mentor/trainer profiles can sign up (free, quick and easy) and create a basic profile that will allow them to use the growing power of the site. (See the links in the top right corner of any page to create a profile and/or log in.)
The new ACI web portal is a living, breathing work in progress and will be updated and tweaked as necessary. Future modules and tools are already in development and will be added to the site when ready. We are taking suggestions from the public on how to improve the useability of the site, what kinds of new modules would be useful for the community, and any tips on how we can better facilitate communications between the cultural producers, their publics, and the government.
Please direct your suggestions (and report any errors or difficulties you may encounter)to us by clicking on this email link: execdir@aci.nfld.net
Since its inception in 1998, the Association of Cultural Industries (ACI) has served as a unified voice for the myriad of cultural workers across the province. As a cross-disciplinary association, ACI has addressed vital issues that span the sector and seeks to encourage the wise growth and resource management necessary to strengthen and enhance the arts.