Knowledge Café

The Knowledge Café will take place on Saturday, October 24th during Alberta Showcase.

This is a peer learning program which takes the form of a series of 25-minute, concurrent roundtable discussions in a small group setting. This event will feature two sets of sessions with topics repeating in the second round. Participants will be encouraged to choose THREE of the SEVEN topics listed below and move to the location of their first topic-choice.

1. The Business of Show Business and the Magic of Marketing
(Location: Nutrien Soccer Field B)
 
Hosted by: Russell Comrie (Marketing Strategist) and Debbie Wilson (Performing Arts Business Educator)
 
Your art is your passion, but your career is your business. A clear business plan can help you define where you want to go and, just as importantly, how to get there. Join Russell and Debbie for a practical conversation about building your business plan and choosing the marketing tools and strategies that will help you reach the right audience.
2. Safety and Your Theatre
(Location: Tommy Banks Green Room)
 
Hosted by: Don Waddle, ATAA Production Technical Director
 
No presenter wants a technician, performer, or patron to be injured during a show. What does theatre safety look like today — both for front and back of house? What are the rules? What are you required to do? How can you ensure the safety of everyone?
Join Don to discuss what is required to create the safest possible venue while still delivering the best experience for everyone.
3. Creating a Sincere Land Acknowledgement
(Location: Scotia Bank Room)
 
Hosted by: Phyllis Sinclair, Cree Canadian Singer-Songwriter
 
When a land acknowledgement becomes something we simply read because it is expected of us, it can lose its meaning and purpose. This session invites you to look at how to create your own meaningful acknowledgement that is connected to the land, histories, and Indigenous communities in your area.
4. Spotlight on Arts Audiences
(Location: Nutrien Soccer Field A)
 
Hosted by: Lorraine and Barry Robinson
 
A continued conversation from the ATAA spring professional development session. How do we attract new audiences and give them a reason to come back? Lorraine and Barry Robinson are continuing the discussion sparked by the Rozsa Foundation’s research into growing audiences. Together, you can look at practical ideas and recommendations for creating a more engaging experience – one that encourages audiences to return again and again.
5. AI – Pros and Cons in the Arts and Culture Sector
(Location: Lions Pride)
 
Hosted by: Katrina Ingram,
Founder/CEO, Ethically Aligned AI
 
The impact that AI has on our sector is multifaceted. There are opportunities but also challenges. Where do you see value? What’s holding you back from using it? Join Katrina to discuss this rapidly evolving issue and the possibilities of integrating it into your life and organization.
6. Contracts/Riders – The Devil is in the Details
(Location: Lions Mane)
 
Hosted by: Lauren Thomas,
Strathcona Performing Arts Centre (Bonnyville)
 
A straight-talk session about the important points in a performance contract and understanding what they mean, i.e., realistic artist requests on a rider, the difference between an offer sheet and a contract, radius clauses, insurance. All key details that help everyone stay protected and on the same page.
7. Canada Council – Alberta Focus Initiative
(Location: Shell Theatre Lobby)
 
Hosted by: Francine Cunningham, Canada Council for the Arts
 
Learn more about this $25 million initiative launched by the Canada Council for the Arts to strengthen engagement, address historical funding imbalances, and support the vibrant arts community in Alberta.
 
The conversation will highlight the funding opportunities available to both artists and arts organizations.