Election 2011: What about arts and culture?

Election 2011: What about arts and culture? I stole this title from an email from the Canadian Conference from the Arts (CCA). As an arts advocacy group, the CCA has been keeping an ever-watchful eye on the latest election campaign hullabaloo around the arts and culture sector.

And to be honest, I’m glad that someone is. I’m a bit of a lazy monkey when it comes to politics. If I had a choice between watching a political debate or watching paint dry, I might lean more towards the paint. Or at least catch the debate highlight reel.

I do, however, understand the importance of being aware and informed. So for those like me, who might be more inclined to read the ‘cheat notes’ version when it comes to politics, here are some reputable places to begin your election 2011 research.

1) The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) website

Who are they? The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) is the national forum for the arts and cultural community in Canada. It provides research, analysis and consultations on public policies affecting the arts and the Canadian cultural institutions and industries. The CCA fosters informed public debate on policy issues and seeks to advance the cultural rights of Canadians.

During the election period, the CCA has been posting analyses and information relevant to the arts, culture and heritage sector. They have also been watching as each party articulates their political platform with relation to arts and culture. So keep checking their 2011 election page for new updates.

This website also has handy things like a fantastic ‘CCA Federal Election Doorstep Kit’ so that you can ask informed questions when the campaigners come a knocking.

2) The Canadian Arts Coalition ‘Arts Vote Toolkit’

Who are they? The Canadian Arts Coalition (CAC) is a collaborative non-partisan movement spearheaded by a group of national arts service and membership organizations. They are united in the belief that the future of our citizens, their towns and cities and the nation itself depends on a rich, vibrant and diverse arts and heritage community. Since its inception, the CAC has successfully lobbied for increased support for the arts through the Canada Council for the Arts and the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Their contribution to informing Canadians about the importance of arts and culture during this election period is a virtual ‘Arts Vote Toolkit’. Here you can find items like:

• The Arts: a story we all share – A document to share with candidates

• Talking with Candidates – Key questions and tips to use when candidates knock on your door

• Key Statistics on Arts and Culture – The arts have a big impact on our economy and our society. Here are some relevant statistics to illustrate that impact.

• Elections Canada – Information on where to vote, what you need to bring and who your local candidates are.

Has being informed ever been so easy?

3) Imagine Canada Election Kit

Who are they? Imagine Canada is a national charitable organization whose cause is Canada’s charities and nonprofits. They support and strengthen charities and nonprofits so they can, in turn, support Canadians and communities they serve.

To help us mere mortals wrap our brains around this election, Imagine Canada has also created a 2011 Election Kit. This particular kit includes, among other tools, a number of briefing notes on key issues facing the sector that have been identified through their National Engagement Strategy.

They also have a very valuable DOs and DON'Ts for Charities info sheet targeted for those interested in taking political action during an election campaign.

So there you go! Not only are there are plenty of ways out there to get informed, you now have the tools to become an advocate in your area for the importance of arts, culture, and heritage.

Funding for the Alberta Arts Days

A few weeks ago, I hosted a teleconference info session on the new upcoming grants for this year’s Alberta Arts Days. Don’t know about the Alberta Arts Days? Then check out this link to learn more about the event itself.

If you haven’t heard the big news, Alberta Culture and Community Spirit will be granting funds this year, through an open call, to various Designated Celebration Sites. Up to five applicants will have the chance to become Alberta Arts Days Feature Celebration Sites; which means they will be eligible to receive a maximum grant of $20,000. An additional 55 applicants will be selected as Host Celebration Sites, making those hosts eligible to receive a maximum of $5,000.

I hosted my teleconference this month with the hopes that an increased number of smaller communities and rural areas would become involved in the Arts Days activities this year. This is due in main part, of course, to my love of the arts but also hinged on a sneaking suspicion that there might be a push by the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit to increase participation in rural Alberta.

I think this line in their info document kind of tipped me off: “When selecting successful applicants, Alberta Culture and Community Spirit will ensure that a variety of locations are chosen across the province.” Hey? See what I’m saying?

So if you happen to be an enterprising, rural community with a passion for the arts… take note and, more importantly, take action!

Now, I would like to pause here and officially declare that I AM NOT an employee of the Alberta Arts Days. I am simply passing this info on in good faith. If you would like to contact those who are ACTUALLY working for the Alberta Arts Days, see the info posted below.

Of course, another way to receive official info is to take a look at this info sheet provided on the Arts Days website. Here you’ll also find the official application form and very handy items like a sample budget. How fantastic is that!

I would also recommend that you pay close attention to the project objectives as I’m guessing that the more you reflect these objectives, the better your chances will be to receive funding.

And here they are for your perusal:

• provide free, family-friendly events;
• highlight local art and artists;
• involve local talent;
• involve youth;
• partner with other organizations in the community; and
• include a multicultural component.

During this same conference call, some participants brought up a series of really good questions not outlined in the info sheet mentioned above. On a side note, do make this Arts Days Info sheet your new best friend as it is packed full of extremely useful and important information.

Seeing that I didn’t have the answers, I have now consulted with someone who did. Below are the questions that arose from our conference call and the answers (as interpreted by me) from an Arts Day representative.

1) If two organizations from one community apply for an Alberta Arts Day Grant, would they cancel each other out?

No. But you will be in direct competition with each other. It is useful to note that one of the priorities of the Alberta Arts Days this year is to encourage partnerships between organizations in each community. Any application demonstrating partnerships will be looked upon favorably.

So get out there and chat with others in your community as you might have the perfect collaboration opportunity just waiting for you!

2) Is this a one-time funding opportunity?

The long-term goal for Alberta Arts Days is for community events to be self-sustainable. So it will really be up to you to make sure that your event or project is sustainable for the long haul. Be creative... look for new partnerships and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit!

3) Can I apply for liability insurance for my project?

Yes… having stated that, however, an applicant’s budget will be graded on overall merit, and if a large portion of their proposed budget is simply going towards insurance (ex. 50% of their budget), they may not score very high.

4) If I have received funding from other government agencies for my event, will this decrease my chances to receive an Alberta Arts Days grant?

No – quite the opposite! The Alberta Arts Days encourages applicants to seek out other funding for their events. They can’t foresee any conflicts to date.

Now… if you are looking to possibly use Alberta Arts Days funding as match funding for OTHER grants, it might be a different story (like for Travel Alberta, for example). That is where you will need to do a little bit of research and contact those alternate funders.

5) Can I apply to be a host for a Feature Celebration site if my organization was already one last year?

Yes!

6) If I’m unsuccessful in my application to be a Feature Celebration site, can I apply to be a Host site?

Yes, but PLEASE indicate this interest in your proposal letter.

7) If I have an event like an artist fair/sale where artists are selling their artwork, will this make us ineligible?

No, you can sell artwork at events or other merchandise like band t-shirts, for example.

However, if you are charging admission for your event (like tickets to a concert), you CAN’T use Alberta Arts Days Funding towards that particular event as well.

8) Can municipalities apply?

No! See the info sheet for a list of eligible types of organizations.

9) Can my event be outside of the dates outlined by the Alberta Arts Days (September 30 – October 2, 2011)?

This would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis so I would suggest contacting the Alberta Arts Day Staff.

10) Who can I contact then with my questions about the Alberta Arts Days?

Jason Flammia is one staff person working on this project: 780-644-2422

Or email: artsdays@gov.ab.ca

11) When is my application due?

Submissions are accepted until 4:30 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

Oh – and please don’t forget that you will need to provide one original and four copies of completed submission packages. I would hate to see anyone miss out because of a technicality!

So good luck and I look forward to seeing all of the fabulous events happening around the province this fall!

Janet Naclia, Creative Cultural Liaison

ACE Communities

jnaclia@aceleaders.ca

Transforming the King Edward

A few months ago, I was asked to join a community advisory committee for a project spearheaded by the Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA) and The Calgary Foundation (TCF). The goal of this project – the transformation of a 100 year-old sandstone school called the King Edward in South Calgary into an arts incubator.


As you might imagine, I was a tad intrigued. The vision for the King Edward School site, as spelled out by the CADA project’s leader Reid Henry, was for an integrated, mixed-use hub. It’s aim? To provide a dynamic and collaborative environment focused on the incubation and advancement of professional arts practice, social innovation and community development. And it just so happened that the arts, social innovation, and community development are three of my favourite things.

It was a committee position made in heaven. And really, what are the chances of that?

If you aren’t familiar with the project, the repurposing of the King Edward School is to turn the building into an arts-focused, multi-tenant facility that co-locates a range of office, programming and collaboration space for not-for-profit arts and community organizations. It is also envisioned as a dedicated studio space for inpidual artists and creative entrepreneurs working in and across multiple sectors.

In theory, bumping or third spaces such as cafe and event areas are also planned for the building with the goal that they would provide arts-infused gathering places for the facility and broader community, providing opportunities for small-scale performances and community events.

And it doesn’t stop there! The idea for the remainder of the site around the school is a possible cluster of live/work residential uses, amenities and public spaces that reinforce the purpose, and enhance the sustainability, of the art incubator itself. This might mean the first-ever (in Calgary) affordable housing opportunity for artists and their families. Hurrah!

The benefits of restoring and adapting the King Edward School as a mixed use, arts-focused facility focuses on three key scales - each delivering a range of social, economic, environmental and cultural outcomes.

These three areas are, in a nut shell: 1) The Building – focused on the community of artists and non-profit organizations that are tenants or that access the building’s services and spaces 2) The Neighbourhood - the immediate local communities in proximity to the site and 3) The City - the broader community of artists and citizens across the city/region.

By establishing a critical mass of secure, affordable, stable and functional spaces for artists and arts-focused not-for-profit organizations, the rejuvenation of the King Edward School could:

• Provide a thriving and sustainable environment that meets the critical space needs of many artistic disciplines and arts organizations in Calgary’s challenging real estate market

• Promote synergies and connections between tenants to maximize their productivity, creativity and impact (e.g. project collaborations, networking, sharing equipment, resources, knowledge, and skills)

• Help small organizations financially grow or stabilize, supporting their capacity to advance their charitable or non-profit mission

• Cultivate a culture of professionalism and entrepreneurship

• Enhance artists’ financial wellbeing and quality of life

• Enhance the quality of life of the community physically surrounding the King Edward site

• Put Calgary’s art scene on the international map

Now you might have noticed my use of the word ‘could’, ‘might’, and ‘aims’. This is because this is still a process in the works. CADA is currently in its due diligence phase, working to see if this project can/will be embraced by both the geographical community it affects (as in south Calgary) as well as the larger arts community at large.

I am dying to hear your thoughts on the matter. What would an arts incubator mean to your community?

To find out more about the potential arts incubator project in Calgary see: http://www.transformkingedward.com/

Diversity Friendly Communities

Some say that the universe has a plan. Well, its been finally realized by us at ACE that ACE Communities has a process. No wait, let me amend that…ACE Communities IS a process – a process for change.

When the ACE Communities initiative first came into being it was slated as a project designed to enhance quality of life in rural Alberta by strengthening community leadership, collaboration, and innovation through recreation, parks, arts, culture. After over three years of ACE in action, the project has evolved into a community development process that can now be applied to other issues and challenges.

This is where things get even more interesting. Are you ready?

Rather recently, ACE received the good news that we are the recipient of a grant from the Province of Alberta’s Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund (HREM Fund). I should officially thank ACE Director Brenda Herchmer here for that bit of grant writing chutzpah.

ACE Communities will be using these monies for or a Diversity Friendly Communities project in rural Alberta.

If you weren’t aware, the goal of the Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism (HREM) Fund is "full participation of all Albertans." In the context of the fund, "full civic participation" means that all Albertans have the opportunity to be involved in and benefit from all aspects of society without encountering discrimination because of their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, disability, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, or the other characteristics protected in the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Specifically, this means that Albertans have the opportunity to participate in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of the province without discrimination. The goal of the upcoming ACE Communities Diversity Friendly Communities project is to help initiate community change using recreation, parks, arts, culture, and heritage as a vehicle that will increase community capacity to: 1) Foster equality and reduce discrimination and racism and 2) Remove organizational barriers that exclude some Albertans.

Soon ACE Communities will be seeking four rural Alberta communities who are interested in participating in the ACE Diversity Friendly Communities project. And if you are thinking that rural Alberta isn’t ready for such a project, you might be greatly surprised.

On a recent teleconference on the subject, a diverse group of community leaders in rural Alberta came together to discuss their sense of readiness. Leaders in Trochu outlined the many ways they have welcomed Filipino newcomers into their town and expressed their concern that they might lose these new additions to their community to the pull of large cities like Calgary.

Leaders from Chestermere and Killam expressed their commitment to long-term plans to make their communities more ready for diverse populations. One leader in Drayton Valley explained how the town’s MSP already does have a diversity lens but they are still struggling to engage with the shadow population (as in transient workers drawn to their community by the oil patch).

And yet another leader is hoping to apply for the project to help mend relations with a neighbouring First Nations community.

So the process and the opportunity is out there. Do you think you are ready to become an ACE Diversity Friendly community? Keep your eyes on the ACE Communities site for more on this great project!

The Big C - Creativity

I think it might be official. I’m one-of-a-kind. Well, I’m most definitely unique. Those who know me personally, of course, might not refute this point – for good or for evil! Technically, though, when I refer to this uniqueness, I actually mean it on a professional level.

Admit it… how many Creative Cultural Liaisons do you know?

When I was first interviewed for my current role at ACE Communities, I was informed by the interview panel that much consideration – and debate! – had gone into the particular wording of this position’s title.

For those who don’t know, A.C.E. actually stands for Active, Creative, and Engaged communities. In essence, the strategic creation of the Creative Cultural Liaison position within the ACE Communities portfolio meant not only the creation of an ambassador for the big ‘C’ – Creativity of A.C.E, but also acknowledged ACE Communities’ belief in the importance of arts, culture, and heritage in the sustainability of Alberta’s rural communities.

The role of creativity in community building is a hot topic as of late. Many of you are familiar with Richard Florida’s theories in The Rise of the Creative Class arguing that it’s the creative economy (powered by the likes of artists, musicians, architects, designers, and entrepreneurs) that will eventually make or break many communities.

According to Florida: Arts, culture and heritage = energized spaces and more inclusive philosophies.

In 2006, the organization, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCRI), put out a report entitled: The Art of Community. This report illustrated how weaving art and culture into program initiatives can lay the foundation for newcomers and the receiving society to find common ground and work together to build vibrant communities in which everyone has a stake (a shout out to Susan Coombes in Alberta’s Human Rights and Citizenship Department for sending me that resource).

Princeton University furthered this investigation by completing a literature review on the impact of arts and culture. Their study focused on three types of claims: "1. first, claims that the arts build social capital; 2. second, claims that the arts improve the economy; 3. third, claims that the arts are good for individuals. "

Need I say more? And this is not even touching on how the big C also refers to resilience and the ability to creatively roll with the punches when it comes to challenges in our communities. Creativity goes beyond the ‘arts’ per se, to also represent innovative problem solving, visionary mapping of community assets, and thinking outside of the proverbial box.

So, I can happily say that I’m proud to be unique. I am willing, however, to share my creative title with anyone who wants it. Let’s start a movement… come forth Creative Cultural Liaisons (and equivalents) and let’s all unite under the big C flag! Your communities will be better for it.

A safe place to be...

Have you seen it yet? You know, the video of that crazy dancing guy at a music festival who eventually inspires a whole group of people to join him (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-1_-P016Ns).

I was sent this video recently as an example of the mechanics of leadership. Someone had added a voiceover to this video of the dancing man illustrating how equally important both followers and leaders are to any viable movement. As you will see when you watch the video, the speaker points out that while a leader takes a risk when they throw themselves into the fray, the same can be often said for the first follower.

This made me think about the idea of risk when it comes to community building. Many people who have ever attempted to build community know that risk is part of the equation… the risk of failure, the risk of re-opening old community wounds, the risk of causing conflict, and the risk of alienating the people you are trying to serve.

During my time at ACE Communities, however, I’ve seen the risk of what happens to communities if they don’t attempt to change and to engage with others. We know that communities who don’t attempt to move past the barriers that have constricted them, whether it be societal, political, or economic, are the least likely to make it through the long haul.

Risk… well, it’s a darn risky thing. One bright spot I have noticed lately is how the arts, culture, and heritage can be used as a non-threatening, universal way to start the community engagement process. People seem more open when you speak to them in terms of how they spend their leisure time, how they celebrate their culture, or how they remember their past.

Ask them about health care, infrastructure, or the economy, on the other hand, and watch them get their dukes up.

In 2002, the Canada West Foundation created a report entitled: “Culture and Economic Competitiveness: An Emerging Role for the Arts in Canada.” This report reviewed and considered studies from around the world to identify the following benefits from arts and culture:

1) Improves mental and psychological health including enhanced personal motivation, feelings of connectedness to others, a more positive outlook on life, reduced sense of fear or isolation and increased confidence, sociability and self-esteem.

2) Arts promote intercultural understanding and validates diversity through cultural festivals, historical presentations, exhibits.

In other words, it makes us feel better about ourselves, our neighbours, and just plain helps us get along. And isn’t that where the community building really needs to start.

After all, I might dance in a way that is different from you, with different steps and different rhythms, but we can all agree that the act of dancing together can do something amazingly positive for the spirit. Just look at our famous dancer from the above video and tell me that it doesn’t make you smile… if just a little.

How did I measure up?

Where Christmas ‘tis the season for plum pudding, the New Year is the season for accountability. So I’m slurping back the yearly cleanse, hitting the gym with a brand new level of enthusiasm, and have sadly shoved all remaining shortbread cookies into the darkest, deepest recesses of my freezer (that cleanse does have to end sometime!).

One thing I have learnt during my time with ACE Communities is the importance of self-reflection. We all need to take time to think about the ways in which we are approaching our lives, our work, and our communities.

I thought that it might be fun… well, at least interesting, anyway, to take a look at my new year’s resolutions from 2010 and see how I actually did.

Here are my resolutions as posted in my last year’s blog. So… deep breath – here we go:

1) I will stop and make a meaningful connection with at least one person every week in my neighbourhood.

Yes – off to a good start already! I have, in fact, stepped it up and can say that I know my neighbours even better and am glad for it. Not only did I hold an open house for all of the proverbial block this Christmas (and LOVED it!), I’ve finally made it over to dinner with another newer neighbour that I really liked and wanted to connect with. So ah ha! Not looking too shabby so far.

2) I will listen earnestly to someone else’s opinion everyday without judgment.

Eeeekk! Well, I am trying but I find that I often still have to use all of my free will not to jump into a conversation and give my two cents before giving any real thought to what someone might be telling me. I was in a meeting today, however, and made a conscious effort to be an active, non-judgmental listener and it was worth it. But lets just keep this on the list for 2011.

3) I will spend extra time every day scratching the bellies of my basset hounds – even when I feel like I don’t have the time or the patience.

Check and check! And I actually think back to this resolution occasionally when my basset is squeaking (yes, they do actually squeak – very enthusiastically, as a matter of fact) and the LAST thing I really want to do is scratch her belly. Makes me feel better every time I do, though, so thank you resolution number three!

4) I will make every effort to improve my mind with new ideas and rise to all challenges.

It’s my new mantra. BRING IT ON… I say.

5) When I workout, I will give it my all no matter how much I think I might upchuck.

You know, I’m actually on board with this one and have even added some new crazy additions to my routine. Pilates, anyone? Hey… they are harder than they look. Ask my butt muscles. They’ll tell you.

6) I will always stop to help those in need – the lady who looks lost on the street, the mini-van stuck in the snow bank, the gentleman looking for the last dollar for his bus ticket.

Sadly, I’m bereft to say that I can’t think of one example of how I really rose to this challenge in 2010. I’m just too darn busy running off to my next appointment or meeting to even stop and really look around. So move this resolution to the top of the list as a goal for this year – its time to pay more attention to the situation of my fellow human.

7) I will eat fewer pastries because I know they are bad for my cholesterol.

Gah. Now why do you think I’m doing that cleanse. I just can’t resist… I don’t eat meat or fast food or drink excessively. I try to only eat organic and shop locally. Can’t a girl get a break… a pastry or a cookie? Is it ok if its peanut butter and I desperately need the protein? La sigh.

8) I will spend more quality-time with my parents. Because, you know, I really like them.

I love ‘em when I see them! They’re busier than me but we did manage to bond over the holidays and it was the best Christmas yet.

9) I will make an effort to speak to my very dear ‘out-of-town’ friends at least once a month.

You know, I don’t know why this is so hard because I do LOVE speaking to my friends. Yet, months can go by without me picking up that phone. So as soon as I’m done this blog, its time to get the finger dialing. In fact, I resolve to speak to one ‘out-of-town’ friend every month no matter what.

10) I will increase my volunteer-work because it really does feel good to help others.

I’m so committed to this one that I now even have my basset hound Cleo (the squeaky one) volunteering. We go to senior care centers and let them scratch her belly. So its win win for everyone. I have an appointment lined up already.

How did you all do last year with your resolutions?