To build a barn...

Just recently, I found myself on a Saskatchewan highway, heading back to the tiny, rural village where both my parents grew up. It was my baba Naclia’s 90^th birthday and I was making the 9-hour trip just to be there to celebrate with her and my extended family.

This little prairie village called Norquay was where I spent most of my childhood summers. I would run amuck in the large community garden behind my grandparent’s home in the town, listening as they spoke Ukrainian to their neighbours and marveling at how easy this exotic language rolled off their tongues.

Both sides of my family immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine. My dad’s theory is that a little impoverished village in the ‘old country’ simply picked itself up, got on a boat, and relocated to the prairies in Canada. This was my parent’s hometown.

I remember, as a young child, pestering my baba (which means grandmother in Ukrainian) until she would tell me stories about the trials and hardships her family experienced when they first came to Canada. She had tried to explain her experiences to me but I never really understood. My world was too soft and too easy and I was too young to make the leap.

Often when I speak now to people about ACE Communities initiatives, I refer to them as ‘barn raisers’. When I use this term, I back it up by using an example from my family’s life. It was my baba (on my mother’s side) who told me about the importance of community when she was young. There are many romantic stories of the homesteaders on the prairies that gloss over the challenges that they truly faced.

“When my parents landed in Canada,” she once told me, “there were no prairies, only forest. People always talk about how the prairies in Saskatchewan go on forever but the only reason they do is because we pulled the trees out with our bare hands. Can you imagine?”

I couldn’t imagine it at all.

The homesteaders were under a lot of pressure in those days to keep their ‘free’ land. Government obligations had to be met. This meant that acres of trees had to be cleared and that each family had to have an actual house built before the first year on their homestead was up.

And so, it was then that community not only meant the companies of others, it meant survival of both individual families and of the town itself. One neighbour helped build his neighbour’s barn and house and so their land was helped cleared in return. Connectivity was how they survived the initial harshness of their new life together in Canada.

I’m reminded of this community spirit whenever I return to my parent’s hometown. I’m reminded of how too often we wait for tragedy to strike before we unite as a community. Instead, as a child in my grandparents’ village, community came together to cook together in the town hall for a young couple’s wedding. They came together to harvest the autumn crops. And, of course, they often came together to build the occasional barn.

So tell me, what ‘barn raiser’ can you plan for your community?

What football taught me about community

Earlier this year, I decided to take the plunge and join an organized sport. Up until this point, many of my recreational ‘sporting’ activities have had a wee bit of lone wolf edge – like running and boxing, for example.

Recently, however, I found myself yearning for more of a community. I don’t know if it’s an age thing. If, instead of being compelled to nest like most women my age, I had the urge instead to cluster. I found myself wanting to spend some of my free time with like-minded ladies looking to challenge themselves and – hey – kick some butt doing it!

So I joined a full tackle woman’s football team called the Calgary Rage. Bet you didn’t see that one coming? And to be honest, neither did I! A friend from my boxing class asked me one day if I wanted to try out and I said: “why not!” And the rest, as they say, is history in the making.

What I realized quite quickly was that there was nothing like playing tackle football to take you out of your comfort zone, scare the living pants off of you, and make you bond instantly with a complete group of strangers. It was hard, it was exhilarating, and it made me push my own personal limits every time I hit the field.

I won’t say that I was ever reduced to tears, because there’s NO CRYING in football, but I can say that I constantly moved and inspired by the sheer willpower of the women who played with me.

Hold on… sound a bit like community building? If you have ever experienced the highs and lows of coming together as a community, then you might know where I am coming from.

So I thought that it was quite apropos to touch on a few parallels and share the lessons I have learned about community by playing for the Calgary Rage.

GO TEAM!

If ever you want to experience a true sense of being a team, you have to try playing tackle football. As I stared down the facemask of a 200+ lb offensive lineman waiting to squish me, I always found courage and drive in the fact that I knew that the rest of my defensive unit was watching my back.

That was the key. If we all did our jobs to support each other while we played, the Rage was a well-oiled machine. Our corners covered the passes that the defensive line couldn’t. The linebackers contained the running plays and there was always the safety at the back as the final line of defense. But when we didn’t do our jobs, when we yelled words of blame instead of encouragement, the team fell apart.

Like with community building, the more supportive you are with those on the front lines with you, the more likely you will succeed as a team.

Become an excellent leader

You want to make an impact? Become an excellent leader… One of the captains on my football team was a National-team running back named Erin. She is one of those athletes who always plays with heart, give it her all during practice AND during games, and expected us to do the same – without a doubt.

Erin acted as the Sheppard of an eclectic team made up of stay-at-home moms, businesswomen, jocks, and babes of all sorts of ages and backgrounds, constantly leading by example and tirelessly encouraging us to explore our potential.

One of her favourite Calgary Rage cheers as we got ready for our games: “You mess with one of us, you mess with all.”

I think we often overlook the grassroots leaders in our communities as we are too quick to look to our elected officials for guidance. Instead, look to those you know who lead by example and who truly cares about the potential and wellbeing of his or her community. Or, more importantly, become one of those leaders yourself.

Always protect your quarterback

Once in awhile, this past season, I was able to squeak onto the offensive line. One of the biggest tragedies I discovered, for an offensive lineman, is to be in a play where your quarterback gets sacked (which mean being tackled for you football newbies….).

It made me wonder how many times, unintentionally or not, we let our own communities’ quarterbacks take a hit for us when they shouldn’t have. Are we as community members stepping up enough to protect our visionaries and our community playmakers? If the answer to that is “no’ or even “maybe’, then we all need to dig a little deeper and be willing to throw some blocks for those willing to put themselves out there.

When it comes to community (and to football), the ones protecting the quarterback are as important as the quarterback themselves.

Never leave anything on the field

One of the things that our Rage defensive coach always demanded was that we never left anything on the field. What he meant by that was that we always pushed ourselves to give it our all and more. You knew that you accomplished this when, tucked away into bed that night, you had no regrets.

Our coaches also said that if you were to fail, do it going 100%! This was always my favourite saying. Football is a sport that really shows a player’s heart on the field. But, like with everything, no matter what, mistakes happen. Those mistakes sting less, however, when they happen when you are really, really sincerely trying.

My biggest lessons have always happened in community development and in football when I have HUGELY fallen flat on my face. No true lessons, or results for that matter, happen when you kinda, sorta make an effort.

Its not always about winning and losing…

The biggest thing that I took away from my first season of football was that winning and losing wasn’t the be all and end all. The biggest thrill came from pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, testing my potential, and learning something new.

And what I found I loved most about playing football, in the end, was the true bond of a team, of a community that eventually became like a football family. Without a doubt, playing the game was tough but I always found strength in the fact that I knew that I was never alone on the field.

Mess with one, you mess with all. Now how is that as a slogan for community?

A changing culture

What defines a culture? I found myself contemplating this during a recent visit to Ireland. Stereotypically known for their pub life and fighting spirit, the Ireland of today is much different than what many of us might expect.

As a Canadian, I have spent considerable time in Ireland. In fact, I lived there for three years. So during my recent visit to the country, I was pleasantly surprised at the upswing in terms of the Irish embracing a more active and healthier lifestyle.

There was a time in Ireland, however, when socializing meant going to the pub. Unfortunately, this led to copious amounts of drinking and the fracturing of the family. There was even a movement founded in 1898 where individuals formed a group called the Pioneers. Members of this group took what they called the ‘pledge’ or were ‘pinned’ which meant they abstained from drinking alcohol. This practice continues even today.

There is no denying, though, that the Irish still love a pint and a good laugh in the pub.

So what did I notice about this new Ireland? The largest thing I noticed was the movement away from the pub as being central to everyone’s leisure time. Sure, families still went to the pub for Sunday dinner but it was no longer the ONLY gathering place.

Instead, I noticed that people stayed in more and socialized at home with family and friends. There is also a big movement to be physically active. When I lived in Ireland, I was the only person in my area who jogged… I was that crazy Canadian prodding away in the continual rain. As I watched the road in front of my in-law’s house a few weeks ago, I noticed numerous new groups of people walking and jogging together.

On a grander scale, walking groups have taken a hold in Ireland. These organized groups head to the local mountains for ‘cultural walks’ that wind through ruins and old monuments. This has actually become a considerable economic driver for many parts of the country as people of all fitness levels can partake in these scenic walking tours.

So why the change? Interestingly enough, one of the big drivers of this change was the downturn in the economy. This meant that people tended to not only stay in but they now also looked for cheaper ways to recreate. Welcome to the free and great outdoors! Smoking also became banned in the pubs which, while welcomed by many, did change the face of who frequented the local watering hole.

Improvements in the quality of houses also made the people more prone to stay home side as there was now more room to entertain. Contemporary practices geared towards more involved parenting are also keeping younger parents more involved in family-related activities.

Because, ultimately, you know what you know. But now, Ireland knows the benefits of an active lifestyle that is engaged with their families. While the old school pub culture may be fading away in Ireland, a whole new healthier culture is emerging.

And sure you still might have a pint in the pub but now it’s after a five-hour hike through the Cooley Mountains. And as the Irish will try and tell you, those are the times that the calories in those pints of Guinness really don’t count.

For more info on the walking culture of Ireland, check out these great links:

For more info on the walking culture of Ireland, check out these great links:

Go Visit Ireland Walking Adventures

Go Ireland Independent Walking Tours

Irricana's Grasshopper Gallery & Co-op

The space was green. And I mean really green… But it was a green that was funky, artsy, and very cool. It was, in fact, the perfect stage setting for Irricana’s undiscovered gem – the Grasshopper Gallery.

Or perhaps I should clarify that it was a new discovery to me. I had been visiting Irricana recently as part of the launch of the new multi-purpose floor of their recreation center. Also participating in the event happened to be local artist Brenda Campbell. It was like destiny that we should meet – or more to the point – she came over to introduce herself and quite enthusiastically said that I needed to visit the Grasshopper Gallery.



She, of course, was right. Over the years, my career in the arts has taken me to various international art spaces. Of all of these spaces, my favourite ones have been those that were not simply exhibition spaces but bumping grounds where the arts and community met. Queue Irricana’s Grasshopper Gallery.

The first thing that I discovered about the Grasshopper was that it wasn’t only an exhibition space; it was also an artist co-op. The idea of forming an art co-op in Irricana had been a dream that Brenda Campbell has had for many years. As an artist herself, Brenda understood how cost prohibitive trying to “go it alone” could be for most struggling artists. And the so the idea for the Grasshopper Gallery AND Irricana Artist’s Co-op was born.



With some seed funding from the Federal Government’s Rural Development Fund awarded to the Canadian Badlands Ltd. for several initiatives, forming an art co-op in Irricana was put into motion. The gallery and co-op officially opened their doors on July 10, 2010, in the old newspaper office located on Irricana’s main street.

Brenda says that it took old style elbow grease and a ‘work bee’ (much like a knitting bee but participants come out to help get a job completed) to get the gallery space to the state it is at now. Members of the co-op also take turns manning the gallery as part of their commitment to the project.



This commitment to community spirit is what defines the Grasshopper Gallery. Not only has become a funky ‘third space’ where artists can meet and discuss ideas with colleagues or interested community members, it also aims to promote the arts and artists in Irricana and the surrounding areas by offering a wide variety of classes, lectures and a retail gift store.



Hoping to work with other local businesses and even stretch their reach into the tourism trade, the vision for the artist’s co-op in Irricana includes being diversified and interesting enough to help foster some economic developmental spin offs for both themselves and the town itself.

I know that I will be keeping a watchful on them and encourage you to do the same. You never know what artistic gems are yet to be discovered in rural Alberta.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Irricana Artist’s Co-op is invited to contact Brenda at bcampbell@efirehose.net.

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/