CategoryArts Touring Alliance Update
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CAPACOA Update: Tourism Strategy and the Performing Arts

The federal government unveiled a comprehensive tourism strategy last week. Taking a whole-of-government approach, the strategy acknowledges the contribution of festivals and performing arts organizations in realizing Canada’s full tourism potential.

Arts presentation and creative export acknowledged in the tourism strategy

As requested in CAPACOA’s brief on tourism, the strategy identifies the Canada Arts Presentation Fund and Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage as key programs in the strategy. Both programs are listed in the “empowering Canadian communities to develop tourism experience” section of the strategy and the investments of the 2019 federal budget are explicitly mentioned as allocations supporting the strategy. As a reminder, the 2019 federal budget committed $16 million over two years to the Canada Arts Presentation Fund and $24 million over two years to the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program and the Celebration and Commemoration Program.

The Creative Export Strategy is also identified as a contributor to the tourism strategy, under “Supporting Businesses and Empowering the Tourism Workforce”.

  • The fact that these time-limited investments in arts presentation and export (all are set to expire at the end of the 2020-2021 fiscal year) are mentioned in a longer-term tourism strategy is very meaningful. It creates a strong rationale for extending these investments after the federal election.  Please, take a moment to tell your Member of Parliament that you appreciate the tourism strategy and that you want the government to follow through on it after the federal election.

A new Canadian Experiences Fund

One of the key elements of the strategy is the new Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), a $58.5 million investment over two years. The CEF will enhance Canada’s tourism products and experiences across five focus areas:

  • winter and shoulder-season tourism;
  • Indigenous tourism;
  • inclusiveness, especially for the LGBTQ2 community;
  • rural and remote communities; and
  • farm-to-table, also known as culinary tourism.

The CEF will be delivered through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies. Not-for-profit organizations will be eligible. Eligible projects will support the growth and diversification of the tourism sector. These activities may include:

  • Planning and development of tourism products and services: improving or designing new tourism services and products such as tours, special events and festivals
  • Market readiness training: working with tourism associations to provide training to businesses to market their products, adopt foreign payment systems, manage cultural differences, etc.; and
  • Creating or improving tourism facilities: physical assets used by tourists such as trails, campgrounds, and shelters.

Any arts organization who fits with any of the Fund’s five focus areas should connect with local or regional tourism partners and explore options for a joint or solo application.

Other non-updates

There are still no news on how the new CAPF funding or the expanded Student Work Placement Program will be administered.  We are in touch with Canadian Heritage and we will share information as it becomes available.

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Contribution of Culture and Sport to GDP

Source: ATB Financial’s Economics & Research Team, April 30, 2019

Contribution of Culture and Sport to GDP

From music festivals and libraries to sporting events and video game design, Albertans both produce and enjoy a wide range of cultural and sports activities. In economic terms, these activities generated more than $6.1 billion of GDP for the province in 2017, or about 2.0 per cent of that year’s total GDP.

Culture-related activities account for majority, at 86.5 per cent of the total GDP. In per capita terms, that amounts to $1,248 of GDP generated per Albertan compared to $194 for sports activities. The national figures are $1,448 per person for culture and $180 per person for sport.

The largest sub-sector is audio-visual and interactive media at $1.9 billion (31.1 per cent of the total culture and sport GDP). According to Statistics Canada, this sub-sector “includes activities related to video game publishing, film, television and video production, as well as motion picture exhibition.”

The second largest sub-sector is visual and applied arts at just over $1.0 billion (16.3 per cent of the culture and sport GDP). Organized sport, which includes both professional and amateur sporting events, generated $349.5 million of GDP (5.7 per cent of the culture and sport GDP).

When it comes to jobs, 66,584 Albertans were employed in the culture and sport sector in 2017. Of these jobs, 53,739 were in culture and 12,845 were in sport. The number of jobs in culture slipped by 8.4 per cent between 2014 and 2017 while jobs in sports increased by 4.4 per cent. This suggests jobs related to cultural activities were hurt more by the recession than those related to sports.

https://atb.com/learn/economics/Pages/default.aspx

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Alberta Showcase 2019: Registration, Advertising, & Sponsorship!

Alberta Showcase 2019: Registration, Advertising, & Sponsorship!

Alberta Showcase 2019 is an arts marketing conference (music, theatre & dance) presented by the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta. This conference provides community theatre presenters from across our province the opportunity to see artists perform who might be suitable to bring to their community.

Now in its 42nd year, Alberta Showcase attracts an upwards of 400 presenters, agents, and performers throughout Alberta, Canada and the United States.

The conference also offers professional development workshops and a trade fair where artists, agents, and other arts professional stakeholders can market and attract customers to their business.

Alberta Showcase will be held October 17 – 20, 2019
Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

Register Online with Ticketpro Today!

https://ww2.ticketpro.ca/alberta-showcase.php

Want To Do More?

The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta has an opportunity for you to promote your business in advance as well as during Alberta Showcase 2019.

Purchasing sponsorship includes your logo uploaded onto our website, shared across our social media, and featured in our newsletter with a reach of over 2000 individuals.

In addition to our digital reach, sponsor logos are included in the printed signage, the Alberta Showcase program, the Alberta Showcase app, and audibly thanked throughout the Alberta Showcase conference.

 

Purchasing an advertisement in our program also includes the same advertisement uploaded onto our website, shared across our social media, and featured in our newsletter with a reach of over 2000 individuals.

Providing us with coupons or a flyer for the delegate bag, while not mandatory, would maximize your visibility.

 

With a deadline of September 15, the online ad would be up 4 weeks prior to our conference, giving our delegates a chance to plan their weekend.

Don’t miss this chance to reach over 300 delegates and support arts touring in Alberta. For more information email kennedy@artstouring.com or visit https://www.artstouring.com/shop

 

Don’t forget to download the app!

Developed by Favequest, the Performing Arts Canada app is your guide to showcases across the country. The app (available through Google Play and in the App Store) includes key information for the following conferences: Alberta Showcase, CAPACOA, Contact East, Manitoba Showcase, OSAC, Ontario Contact, and Pacific Contact

The Performing Arts Canada app is your conference guide and includes: Conference Schedule; Showcase Artists’ bios, photos and contact information;  List of Exhibitors; Delegate Connect, ATAA Member Events, Arts Touring Alliance Twitter & Facebook; And, so much more!

http://meaurl.com/PerformingArtsCanada

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Employment Opportunity: City of St. Albert – Sponsorship Development Coordinator

Employment Opportunity: City of St. Albert –

Sponsorship Development Coordinator

Organization: City of St. Albert
Website: www.stalbert.ca
Department: Community Services
Location: 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert
Salary: $67,379 – $81,977 per annum
Closing Date: March 11, 2019
Competition: # 19/46

OPPORTUNITY

The Community Services Department is currently recruiting for a Sponsorship Development Coordinator. St. Albert has a strong grassroots cultural community with a history of celebrating arts and culture. The City has a well established cultural department focused on nurturing and developing the arts and cultural sector through direct delivery of programs and services, partnerships and collaborations throughout the community. We are looking for a creative, collaborative individual to develop and implement sponsorship and donation strategies to support programs and initiatives offered by department including: the Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival of the Arts, Arden Theatre, St. Albert Children’s Theatre, Amplify program, Building Assets & Memories, Public Art, and other special projects/events.

The Sponsorship Development Coordinator is responsible for developing relationships with business and organizations to develop sponsorships and advertising sales for these programs and initiatives as well as building and maintaining relationships with corporate and private donors to support growth in revenues. This position will be responsible for executing prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities, which have as an objective, the development of short and long-term funding support of events within Community Services.

The person we seek has a strong understanding of the selling process combined with sponsorship, advertising, and group sales experience. We are looking for an excellent communicator who excels at customer service. This role will allow you to utilize your research and negotiation skills and apply your knowledge of Alberta Gaming and Liquor Control Regulations, non-profit and board governance and Federal Charitable (CRA) regulations.

In relation to event funding and development work, the Sponsorship Development Coordinator requires comprehensive knowledge of all business areas in the department, fund development, research and analytical skills, and the ability to write and prepare comprehensive proposals and final reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • At minimum, a 2-year Diploma in a related field (Public Relations, Business, Marketing, Arts/Culture) and 5 years of direct experience. Or, a Degree in a related field combined with 3 years experience.
    An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Direct experience negotiating, securing and executing annual and multi-year sponsorships.
  • Knowledge of professional and children’s theatre programming, cultural festivals, and general knowledge of community and social development programs and services.
  • A valid Class 5 driver’s licence is required.
  • Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) an asset, but not required.
  • Membership with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is an asset.

HOURS OF WORK

We offer a compressed work schedule of 72 hours bi-weekly (Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 5:00 with a regular day off [RDO] every two weeks). There will be the occasional requirement for extra and evening hours, which could include attendance at meetings and events.

COMPENSATION

$67,379 – $81,977 per annum. In addition, the City of St. Albert offers a generous and comprehensive benefit package.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain a satisfactory police information check.

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their cover letter and resume via the City of St. Albert employment website www.stalbert.ca/employment

CLOSING DATE March 11, 2019

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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Arts Presenting Impacts Both Creators and Communities

Arts Presenting Impacts Both Creators and Communities

The report on the Vitality and Impact of Arts Presenting has been released! This report casts light on a broad range of presenting practices and clearly reveals the positive impacts that presenters have on both the Canadian arts ecology and on communities across the country.

Among key findings are clear trends towards increased community engagement and greater efforts to build positive relationships with Indigenous artists and communities.

We invite you to join your colleagues from across Canada for a web conference on March 14th to further discuss the highlights of the report.

Sign up here

This initiative was led by CAPACOA and Hill Strategies, with the support of numerous presenting networks and associations, and the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Read the report here

Register for the webinar here

 

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OnStage Workshops 2019

OnStage 2019 Workshops

The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta presents OnStage, a program offering professional feedback to artists who are interested in touring dates in Alberta. OnStage gives musicians, singers, and performing groups an opportunity to meet with a panel of professional musicians and community presenters who are all familiar with Alberta Showcase. Artists present a 10-minute showcase then get feedback from each of the panelists. The panel will react to the performance, critique promotional materials, and can also recommend future directions for artists.

OnStage Edmonton

Sunday, March 10, 2019
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

MacEwan University
Allard Hall Theatre Lab
11110 – 104 Avenue, Edmonton

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 4, 2019

OnStage Calgary

Sunday, March 24, 2019
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Studio Bell
Performance Hall
850 – 4 St. SE, Calgary

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 18, 2019

OnStage: Artist Applications

Artist Applications for the OnStage Workshops are subject to a $25 processing fee plus applicable taxes. ($25 + 5%GST = $26.25CAD)

How do I apply?

Contact kennedy@artstouring.com to pay your application fee and send the completed application form and support materials.

OnStage performance slots are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

There are only 6 performance slots available per workshop so get your application in today!

https://www.artstouring.com/onstage/

 

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BVJ Homegrown Stage 2019

BVJ Homegrown Stage is open to applications for 2019!

Homegrown Stage Submission Information

  • The Homegrown Stage is certainly a stage on which to showcase your talent. The real magic of this showcase event is uncovering so many passionate artists who practice and perform for the love of music.
  • In order to be eligible for the showcase, you should be at least 18 years of age or less.
  • Vocalists/Singers – Solo, duets, trios and vocal groups accepted.
  • Genres of music accepted are; country, rock, pop, and folk.
  • No Bands
  • Soloists with accompaniests will be accepted.
  • A panel at Panhandle Productions will review all submissions and select acts based upon quality of their voice, vocal ability and technique.
  • A total of 6-10 Semi-Final acts will be invited to play on the Homegrown Stage at Big Valley Jamboree for a one (1) song performance in a one hour segment between August 1-4, 2019
  • Two (2) acts will be selected from each Semi-Final and will be asked to return to Two Rounds of  Finals on August 4th at 12:00 p.m & 3:00 p.m.
  • One (1) Peoples Choice Award will be selected during each of the 6 Semi-Final hours.
  • The Winner of the top position will be selected at the finals on August  4th between 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. and then will be whisked away to Main Stage to be featured in a one (1) song spot during Prime Time 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. August 4th, 2019.

Application Process

The process to the Homegrown Stage and Main Stage BVJ, is to:

  • first fill out a “Homegrown Stage Application Form” below
  • send application to irma@imacmanagement.com
  • send link of your performance video via email to irma@imacmanagement.com
  • once approved you will be contacted to Audition
  • after your audition and if you’re approved you’ll be pre-qualifying at VENUE-TBA (YEG) and then performing at the semi-finals at the Homegrown Stage during BVJ August 1-4, 2019

Please download the Homegrown Stage Information Package and review all information.
Please download the Homegrown Stage Application Form and follow all instructions at the bottom of the Form

Contact: Irma Macpherson irma@imacmanagement.com

Deadline for submissions is: March 15, 2019

Due to the large number of submissions priority will be given to earlier submissions.

Selections committee will notify Family Stage applicants in late March as to their status.

https://www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/bvj/information/contact/artist-submissions

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2019 Alberta Showcase: Artist Applications Open!

2019 Alberta Showcase Artist Applications Open!

Deadline to Apply: April 1st

Don’t miss your chance to grace the main stage and connect with Alberta arts presenters.

Artist Applications are processed through the I Want to Showcase website.

I Want to Showcase is a collaboration between partner performing arts conferences whose goal is simple: to offer performing artists a showcase application site that’s easy to navigate, understand, and use.

http://www.iwanttoshowcase.ca/alberta-showcase-2019/

Now in its 42nd year, Alberta Showcase brings touring artists together with community presenters searching for artists for special events, concert and performance series, and community celebrations. It is three days of showcasing the top performance artists interested in touring Alberta, that will inspire you!

Every October the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta brings together presenters from across Alberta who are searching for performing artists who will tour in their communities. Many of the soft-seat presenters offer subscription series. Some are simply cafes with one off concerts and events. They are looking for a diverse, challenging line-up of artists with broad audience appeal. Alberta Showcase 2019 will take place October 17-20 at the Shell Theatre in the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta (just 30 minutes north of Edmonton). All applications are reviewed by a jury of presenters, performers, and promoters, and the top applicants are selected to showcase over the weekend.

Have questions or looking for advice?

Check out our Artist Applications Page: 

https://www.artstouring.com/alberta-showcase/showcase-applications/

Contact us: info@artstouring.com 

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Arts Touring Alliance Professional Development Sponsorship Workshops with Presenter Cameron Smillie

Arts Touring Alliance Professional Development 
Sponsorship Workshops with Presenter Cameron Smillie

Saturday, February 23     Calgary
Sunday, February 24     Edmonton

Registration Deadline: February 12

The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta is pleased to host an interactive and fun day looking at steps to securing sponsorship.

Valuable for both Presenters and Artists, this one-day session will start off with basic strategies and evaluating sponsorship packages that members may already have in place. It will end with some role playing so participants are comfortable going back home with ideas they can implement immediately.

Everyone will receive a sample contract template and benefit bundle template to modify for their home town.  Samples of benefits at past events will be shared by the speaker.

Calgary – Saturday, February 23, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport
123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary

Hotel Discount Available:  If booking a hotel room, please indicate that you are attending the ATAA Sponsorship Workshop for a discount on your room.

Continental breakfast and soup/sandwich lunch included

Deadline for discounted hotel rate: February 4th

Edmonton – Sunday, February 24, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Delta Edmonton South
4404 Gateway Blvd. Edmonton

Hotel Discount Available: If booking a hotel room, please indicate that you are attending the ATAA Sponsorship Workshop for a discount on your room.

Continental breakfast and soup/sandwich lunch included

Deadline for discounted hotel rate: February 4th

To Register Email:   kennedy@artstouring.com

Fee:     $25.00 + GST = $26.25.  

Payment accepted by credit card or cheque. When registering please indicate which payment you prefer.

With over 25 years experience, Cameron Smillie wears many hats in both the corporate and performing arts world.  Under his company, Live at the Hippo Pool Events Inc., he has the distinction of having presented more of Canada’s Ballet Jorgen engagements than any other presenter, over 30 at last count.

His knowledge and experience in securing sponsorship is vast. To date, he has worked to secure sponsorship for over 60 presented engagements and is therefore sought after by national arts conferences to speak and give advice on this important subject.   His webinars, ‘The Value of Sponsorships – 101 Introduction and 201 Intermediate, have been popular as well and we are delighted to have him come to Alberta and share his knowledge with our members.

Live at the Hippo Pool Events provides consulting services across Canada to a range of clients including the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, Alberta Ballet, Elora Community Theatre; Brampton Arts Council, Ballet Jorgen Canada, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Menaka Thakkar Dance Company and Ballet Kelowna.