Welcome to the Association of Cultural Industries Newfoundland & Labrador
ACI Hosts Two Public Meetings on the Future of Arts Advocacy
January 25, 2012
The Association of Cultural Industries of Newfoundland and Labrador invites members and the general public to two special events in February. First up on Friday, February 17th is a talk by Alain Pineau, National Director of the Canadian Conference of the Arts, given as part of his national tour for 2012. Mr. Pineau will speak to the future of arts advocacy in Canada as well as collect feedback on the massive changes the 66-year-old arts advocacy organization is undergoing as part of restructuring to meet the new realities of government engagement with the arts.
The next morning, Saturday, February 18th, ACI will hold a public meeting attended by our strategic planning facilitator to collect public opinion on similar issues facing the arts sector here in Newfoundland and Labrador to inform our next five-year plan. What is the state of the arts in our province? Are current investment levels satisfactory? How can arts organizations better represent the needs of the sector when advocacy itself is not eligible for funding support?
That afternoon, ACI will also hold its AGM for the general membership, and strategic planning session for the board.
Event 1 – Friday, February 17th, 2012
What: Alain Pineau, National Director, Canadian Conference of the Arts: “The State of the Arts in Canada and the Future for the CCA”
When: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Anna Templeton Centre, 278 Duckworth Street, St. John’s
Also: Social reception to follow at local pubEvent 2 – Saturday, February 18th, 2012
What: ACI Public Meeting: “The State of the Arts in Newfoundland and Labrador and the Future for ACI”
When: 10am – 12pm
Where: The Rocket, 2nd Floor, 272 Water Street, St. John’s
Also: ACI members and associate members are invited to stay for the AGM from 12pm – 1pm. The new board will stay for a strategic planning session from 1 to 5pm.Please come and add your thoughts and wisdom to ACI’s collective voice for the arts.
Contact ACI Executive Director George Murray for more details at 709 738 4333.
Fine Arts Programs in Jeopardy Across Canada?
November 29, 2011
This is posted on behalf of Glen Keeling, Councillor-at-Large, Fine Arts Representative, Grenfell Campus Student Union, Canadian Federation of Students:
From: Keeling, Glen A.
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 9:51 AM
To: Students; SWGC Staff; SWGC Faculty
Subject: FW: Fine Arts Programs at risk of closure across Canada- sign the NS needs NSCAD petitionAs many of you may have heard, Queens University in Kingston has suspended enrollment in its Bachelor of Fine Arts program for the 2012-2013 year. It has also stopped transfer into the program at higher years. A review of the program is to be conducted with the possibility of eliminating it due to budgetary restraints. This problem is no longer isolated.
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) is currently under review as well, with the Minister of Advanced Education appointing Howard Windsor with an open mandate including the possibility of merger, extreme fee increases or complete closure.
NSCAD is Canada's oldest Fine Arts degree granting institution and one of the most reputable Fine Arts institutions in Canada. The fate of NSCAD and Queens will set an important precedent for future reviews in other institutions.
Please take a moment to sign the NS needs NSCAD petition online and learn more at: http://novascotianeedsnscad.wordpress.com/
Recognizing that our own Fine Arts department is an integral part of the success of this university and community, we should fight alongside others against the devaluation and commodification of the arts. For more information or ideas on how you can help please contact me.
Thank you,
Glen Keeling
Councillor-at-Large, Fine Arts Representative
Grenfell Campus Student Union
Canadian Federation of Students- Local 36ACI AGM Reminder
November 16, 2011
This is a reminder that the Association of Cultural Industries of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACI) will hold its Annual General Meeting in St. John's at 9am on December 4th, 2011 at the LSPU Hall.
What: ACI AGM
When: Sunday, December 4, 9am – 12pm
Where: LSPU Hall, Victoria Street, St. John'sAll Associate and Full members, as well as new members joining on the day, are welcome to attend. Only Full Membership individuals and organizations who/that have paid dues on the morning of the AGM will be able to vote in the board elections.
Podcast of ACI on CBC
October 27, 2011
Below is a link to an mp3 of executive director George Murray speaking with CBC about ACI's election analysis and voter empowerment card. It contains a good rundown of issues facing the sector today and some excellent soundbites to use when advocating on behalf of the sector.
http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/nlwamgaloot2011102036347.mp3 (9.5mb)
ACI Releases Election Analysis and Culture Voter Empowerment Card
October 03, 2011
The Association of Cultural Industries has analyzed the election platforms of the three provincial parties in Newfoundland and Labrador and produced a document commenting on various promises and commitments to arts and culture. PLEASE SEE BELOW, and forward this page on to anyone you know would be interested.
ACI has also produced another culture voter empowerment card, this time with questions specific to the culture sector in our own province. This card is designed to assist voters interested in asking candidates about their commitment to the arts and culture sector. It can be downloaded by the public at under the publications tab above, or by clicking on the following link:
http://www.acinl.ca/publication/16/download
For questions or commentary, please call Executive Director George Murray at 709 738 4333, or send emails to execdir@acinl.ca.
September 28, 2011
For Immediate ReleaseACI EXAMINES PROVINCIAL PARTY ELECTION PLATFORMS WITH AN EYE TO CULTURE SECTOR INVESTMENT
The Association of Cultural Industries of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACI) has examined the election platforms of the three provincial parties with an eye to culture sector promises. (Direct excerpts from the platforms appended below.)
"Investment in the culture sector is a no-brainer for any party hoping to govern this province," says ACI executive director George Murray. "Every dollar spent in this sector pays off in major dividends -- and the clearest, most direct route to ensure the health and development of the sector is to ensure that NEW investment reaches the professional artists and arts organizations of Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether through increases to the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) to provide marketing assistance, or through other funds such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC), making sure money directly reaches our producers, not just those who benefit from the work of our producers (e.g., the tourism industry), is the best way to keep the sector vibrant, healthy, and growing. After all, there would be no cultural tourism industry in our province without our world-class, highly-professionalized cultural producers."
Synopsis and Analysis
Progressive Conservative (read the PC "Blueprint"):
The most comprehensive cultural plan seems to come from the incumbent Progressive Conservative party, but many of its items are extant budget items – i.e., not so much promises of new investment, but rather promises to continue at existing levels of investment. New investment promises include:
- another increase to the Labrador Cultural Travel Fund (note: does not address travel for island-based artists).
Much of the PC platform deals with tourism, which, while related to culture, does not constitute direct investment in the professional artists and professional arts organizations. New culture-related tourism sector promises include:
- capitalize on tourism marketing opportunities with relation to major cultural events (note: more emphasis on culture as a tourism draw should translate to more direct investment in the professional artists and arts orgs of the province to assist in the research, development, production and dissemination of these events and products);
- work directly with artists who have been successful in the tourism market to develop new product development strategies (note: this is already ongoing through the CEDP program);
- celebrate the success of the Fogo Island Arts Corp and Shorefast Foundation.
Liberal (read the Liberal "Red Book"):
The Liberal party platform largely does not address the safety or stability of current investment programs, such as CEDP, but does include the following new items:
- establish a Premier’s Council on Arts, Culture and Creative Cities and Towns to create a stronger link between government and creative communities (note: a Provincial Arts Advisory Committee already exists);
- "investigate" audience development programs and strategies;
- short-term investments to help attract key events and attractions (note: this translates effectively to one-time cash infusions. Also, this sounds more like bringing cultural attractions in than investing in events currently under production in the province).
NDP (read the NDP Platform):
The New Democratic Party's platform contains only one line directly addressing culture, but its promise is very specific:
- increase the budget of NLAC to bring it in line with the national average for arts councils (note: this means effectively doubling the budget from a per capita investment of $4 to $8 – something ACI has been advocating for three years).
Culture Days This Weekend!
September 28, 2011
ACI is proud to the provincial nexus and administrator for Culture Days, the national grassroots movement to highlight arts and culture in the very communities in which they are created.
Check out what's going on in your community on the Culture Days website:
Culture, Place and Identity at the Heart of Regional Development
August 29, 2011
ACI executive director George Murray sat on the planning committee for this international conference through the North Atlantic Forum.
Please view the website here, and the brochure as a pdf here.
The Sensuality of The Maturing Woman
August 15, 2011
Posted on behalf of ACI member Tina Dolter (visit Tina Dolter at http://www.tinadolter.com/)
PRESS RELEASE:
Tina Dolter Exhibits
The Sensuality of The Maturing Woman project
at **Propeller Centre **
for the Visual Arts
984 Queen Street West, TorontoSeptember 14 to 25, 2011
Opening reception – Thursday, September 15, 6 – 9 pm.Newfoundland and Labrador artist Tina Dolter takes as her inspiration the creativity, wisdom, and sensuality of the maturing woman in a series of paintings apply titled The Sensuality of the Maturing Woman – Celebrating the Fine Art of Aging Well.
Initially conceived as a continuing series of paintings, Dolter will include women of Toronto in the third instalment of her painting project. The first exhibition of this work in 2005, featured women from her home-based community of Corner Brook, Newfoundland. The second instalment exhibited at Christina Parker Fine Art, St. John’s from March to May 2011, featured women of St. John’s. Now the third edition of The Sensuality of the Maturing Woman opens at Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts, with a curated exhibition of all components of the series featuring the addition of women from Toronto.
Dolter’s painting project is a universal theme that explores the feminine allure, and the positive influence maturity and life experience have on the perception of female attractiveness together with the idea of the female as the centre of human sensual power. It is comprised of nearly two dozen portraits of women from varied and diverse backgrounds, between the ages of 40 and 85, experiencing the most creative and dynamic time of their lives.
The exhibition opens at Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts with an opening reception on Thursday, September 15, 2011, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Opening remarks will be offered by Moses Znaimer. Tina Dolter will be in attendance.
Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts, 984 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON M6J 1H1
416-504-7142; Hours Wed/Sat 12-6; Sun 12-5
gallery@propellerctr.com; www.propellerctr.comFogo Island Arts Corp Open Call for Residencies
June 10, 2011
This messages is posted on behalf of the Fogo Island Arts Corporation: open call for residencies in 2012 – 2013
Deadline is July 31st
Fogo Island Arts Corporation is a contemporary arts experiment on Fogo Island and Change
Islands.The Arts Corp takes a leading role in regenerating the islands by delivering an integrated strategy incorporating the arts, geo tourism and social enterprise.
The Arts Corp sees art and creativity as powerful means for stimulating and enhancing a resilient social ecosystem, while working as an integral partner to other approaches. All of the Arts Corp’s programmes interact at every level, progressing through close dialogue with each other and a diverse group of partners and collaborators. Each programme focuses on themes inspired by Fogo Island and Change Islands’ unique place and people while reaching out beyond the islands to mainland Canada and internationally.
The Arts Corp seeks out, initiates, develops and directs a spectrum of collaborative, interdependent processes that bring together, as well as engage and create advantages for a wide range of parties on an equal footing. From visiting to local artists, local people to ‘strangers’, island‐ to foreign‐based entrepreneurs, local fishermen to environmentalists, all making use of the Arts Corp’s assets, including its studios, project spaces, diverse use of media and its staff.
Arts Corp activities have two intertwined elements – an international Residency Programme and a Production Programme, both of which engage with locally inspired as well as transnational processes.
Application information for residencies in 2012 ‐ 2013:
Visual artists, curators, writers and filmmakers can apply for residency on Fogo Island in 2012 ‐ 2013. Residencies are from 3 to 6 months. Visiting professionals are provided with a studio (work space) and a house to live in. Individuals selected to the programme can apply for stipend to cover materials and living costs on the island and for travel (to and from Fogo Island only).
Deadline for applications is July 31 2011 (post stamp date).
A list of successful applicants will be published on our website by the end of September 2011.
For guidelines and application forms please go to ‘how to apply’ on our website: www.artscorpfogoisland.ca.
Applications should be sent to:
Application Committee
FOGO ISLAND ARTS CORPORATION
Highway 334 – suite 100
Fogo Island NL A0G 2X0
Newfoundland – CanadaApplications are accepted by regular mail only. The application material will not to be returned.
Niquae McIntosh
arscorpresidency@gmail.com
FOGO ISLAND ARTS CORPORATION
Highway 334 – suite 100
NL ‐ A0G 2X0 ‐ CANADA
www.artscorpfogoisland.caSpring in Your Step
June 07, 2011
Western and Southern Newfoundland outdoors events happening this week!
Let’s Celebrate Spring Outdoors!
There is always something new to discover after winter’s end. Our weekend of events will get you exploring. Whether it’s caving, geocaching, ziplining across Steady Brook Falls, hiking scenic trails or learning about our forests, we have something for the beginner or avid outdoor enthusiast.
It’s time to stretch your legs, breathe in the fresh springtime air and let us put a “Spring In Your Step”. Join us for an activity filled weekend that will get you prepared for a fabulous summer of hiking and outdoor adventure activities!
Visit http://springinyourstep.ca/schedule/events/ for a schedule of events.
Expo '67 Fountain, Sir Richard Squires Bldg., Corner Brook
May 10, 2011
CORNER BROOK -- On Wednesday, May 11th at 4:30, members of the community will be gathering at the Sir Richard Squires Building to toss coins in the Expo '67 Fountain.This action is meant to raise awareness of this beautiful work within the city and to express support for its continued presence in the city. This piece's future in Corner Brook has recently been placed in question as Government plans to take down the work without a firm timeline to place the work back on display.
The Fountain was built in the late 1960s by Bohumil Elias for use in the Expo '67's Czechoslovakian pavilion and later brought to Corner Brook's Sir Richard Squires Building by Premier Joey Smallwood. A spectacular piece of art in the community and the source of childhood memories for citizens, the continued presence of this piece and its proper restoration are of key concern to the community.
For more information, please see: http://www.facebook.com/cbfountain
To send your comments to our MHA and appropriate Ministers please see: http://www.cbfountain.co.cc
City of St. John's Arts Procurement Program Submissions
May 06, 2011
This message is posted on behalf of the City of St. John's:
The City of St. John’s is now receiving submissions to its annual Art Procurement Program.
Digital submissions can be dropped off at City Clerk’s Office, 4th Floor, City Hall from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:00am to 4:00pm. Deadline is Monday, May 30th , 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
For program guidelines and submission information, please refer to the City’s website at www.stjohns.ca follow the Quick Links to Forms and Permits Arts and Culture section or contact Rhonda Rose-Colbert at rcolbert@stjohns.ca or at 576-8394.
Daily Spotlight: The Domestics
April 29, 2011
Sandy May and Ian Cornelissen are, domestically speaking, The Domestics. Their musical collaboration began in the winter of 2008 and has produced a sound and style described as "saltwater country meets Bonnie and Clyde". Joined by bandmates Steve Pike, Adrian Collins, Chris Donnolly and Mark Bragg, their songs have a classic quality delivered in modern fashion and blend country twang with 1960's rock 'n roll rhythms, melodic pop sensibilities, and clever, introspective lyrics.
Although they are "married…with a band", Sandy and Ian have been known to take their intimate, living room style, performances on the town as a duo. The Domestics have shared stages throughout Atlantic Canada with such artists as NQ Arbuckle, The Skydiggers, Rah-Rah, The Burning Hell, B.A. Johnson, Al Tuck, Rose Cousins, and Mark Bragg.
Most recently, The Domestics were awarded both FACTOR and MUSICNL New Talent Demo Grants in support of their new album release State & Arrow.
For more information regarding The Domestics, please visit http://www.thedomesticsmusic.com/.
Culture Days: RSVP for our upcoming tele-info sessions!
April 29, 2011
RSVP for our upcoming tele-info sessions
Every other Tuesday at 2 pm ET until the Culture Days 2011 events of September 30, October 1 and 2, toll-free telephone conferences are held for anyone interested in learning more about how to participate. National and regional staff are available on these calls to answer questions and provide guidance to help you make the best of your Culture Days experience, from planning and connecting with others in your area to promoting and presenting your activity. Don't miss this opportunity to exchange with organizers who have joined or are planning to join the Culture Days movement!
Click here to RSVP or stay informed of upcoming sessions.
Our next tele-info session on Tuesday, May 3 at 2 pm will answer questions from Arts Service Organizations and their constituents on topics such as:
- Organizing or hosting participatory activities with local artists
- Providing and seeking venue options
- Timing public outreach initiatives during Culture Days
- Sharing knowledge and content through the Culture Days network
- Promoting citizens' cultural awareness and participation
Our following tele-info session on May 17 at 2 pm ET will be dedicated to heritage organizations such as museums, archives, public art galleries, parks and historic sites. Special guest and 2011 activity organizers will be on the line to tell you about the opportunities that Culture Days offers for showcasing cultural heritage and the work of preservation experts.
We look forward to hearing from you! RSVP now to receive the free dial-in number.
NLAC: Arts Awards this weekend!
April 29, 2011
NLAC Arts Awards this weekend!
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council presents the 26th annual Arts Awards.
Six awards will be presented during an evening of great entertainment.
Directed by Berni Stapleton and hosted by actress/comedian Amy House, the show will feature performances by The Dardanelles, actor Frank Holden, dancer Sarah Joy Stoker, and the 5 Plays in 5 Minutes Ensemble.
Tickets: St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre box office
Price: $20
Phone: 729-3900
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Reid Theatre (MUN Campus, St. John’s)
Parking available in lots 1A and 15B.
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) 726-0619