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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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Sled Island 2019 Volunteer Opportunities

 Sled Island Music & Arts Festival which is held annually at 30+ venues across Calgary’s downtown core. Our 13th edition will take place from June 19 – 23, 2019. Each year, hundreds of volunteers help us make the festival possible. In return, volunteers receive a free festival pass that gives them access to all Sled Island music, comedy, art and film events, discounts for goods and services at select businesses around the city and many more perks! It also gives them an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and to get acquainted with Calgary’s music and arts community.

There are many volunteer roles available such as admitting festival goers at venues, helping with the installation of art exhibits, or serving drinks at various events. We need a variety of talents to fill our wide range of positions and can accommodate different schedules and abilities. This year, in order to foster added engagement of youth participation with the festival, we have reduced the amount of volunteer participation for those who are 16 & 17 years old to only 8 hours.

Inclusivity is incredibly important to us here at Sled Island, and we want to ensure that all Calgarians have the chance to participate in this diverse and one-of-a-kind festival. Folks can also find more information on our website at sledisland.com/volunteer or by contacting us at volunteer@sledisland.com.

Volunteer registration is now open!

Kyle Visvanathan (He/ Him) & Paul McMillan (He/ Him)
Sled Island | Volunteer Coordination Team

Volunteer for Sled Island 2019!
Visit sledisland.com/volunteer for more details

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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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Two Little Birds by Diyet and the Love Soldiers

Inspired by the desire of youth to break away and be free. To seek freedom from imposed rules and becoming something that you do not want to become and finally finding some sort of redemption and peace from those wild and reckless years.

Two Little Birds by Diyet and the Love Soldiers

Conceived by Alistair Maitland
Video by Alistair Maitland and Brendan Preston

—

Diyet & The Love Soldiers is alternative country, folk, roots and traditional with catchy melodies and stories deeply rooted in Diyet’s Indigenous world view and northern life. Backed by Love Soldiers: husband and collaborator, Robert van Lieshout and Juno Award winning producer, Bob Hamilton; this multi-instrumental trio from the Yukon has a sound that can fill a big stage or capture an intimate room.

More About Diyet & The Love Soldiers >>

Bookings via Maverick Cooperative: http://maverickcooperative.com/diyet-and-the-love-soldiers/

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Call for Applications: MASA 2020

MASA 2020
MARCHÉ DES ARTS DU SPECTACLE D’ABIDJAN

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The 11th edition of the MASA, the Marché des arts du spectacle d’Abidjan, will take place in Abidjan, in Ivory Coast, from March 7 to 14, 2020.

MASA is Africa’s largest performing arts conference and it takes place every 2 years in Abidjan. It brings together artists from Africa and elsewhere and its objectives are:

– to support creativity and good quality productions;

– to facilitate the movement of artists and their works within Africa and throughout the world;

– to train artists and key professionals in the production field;

– to promote African Performing Arts.

The MASA has just opened its Call for applications! Dance, Theater, Music, Storytelling, Stand-up Comedy and Slam Companies can apply before June 30, 2019 to be part of the 2020 Official programming.

Read the eligibility criteria by clicking HERE and learn more about the MASA by consulting their Website:

https://www.en.masa.ci/

Eligibility Criteria: https://www.en.masa.ci/masa-2020-call-for-applications-for-the-categories-of-storytelling-dance-stand-up-comedy-music-and-theater

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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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Tim Isberg – 25 Years After: Songs and Stories from a Canadian Soldier in Rwanda

25 Years After: Songs and Stories of a Canadian Soldier in Rwanda

Singer, songwriter and soldier, Tim Isberg returns to Festival Place for a special evening and tribute, 25 Years After: Songs and Stories of a Canadian Solider in Rwanda, April 18, 2019.

Using song, stories and photography, Tim Isberg shares his personal account in his year as a UN Military Observer in Rwanda amid the best and worst humanity had to offer. Tim has entertained audiences in many corners of the world. He brings well-crafted songs to the stage, and a unique and endearing array of life experiences he shares in a way that makes each listener feel connected. Tim recently celebrated the release of his third studio album, Running on the Edge, in February.

25 Years After: Songs and Stories of a Canadian Soldier in Rwanda
April 18, 2019 – 7:30 pm
Festival Place – Sherwood Park, AB
Tickets: $32 – $36

Tickets are available through the Festival Place Box Office (https://festivalplace.ab.ca/festival/view/buy or 780.449.3378) or through Ticketmaster.ca

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Now Accepting Expressions of Interest for Canadian Arts Presenters to attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Now Accepting Expressions of Interest for Canadian Arts Presenters to attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

https://capacoa.ca/en/news/field/1721-edinburgh-2019

Expression of Interest Closing Date:March 25, 2019
Event dates:   17 – 23 August 2019
Notification:   Early May 2019

About the Opportunity

Expressions of Interest for Canadian Arts Presenters are now open for support to attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival August 17 – 23 August, 2019.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, which in 2018 spanned 25 days and featured more than 55,000 performances of 3,548 different shows in 317 venues.

It is an open access (or “unjuried“) performing arts festival, meaning there is no selection committee, and anyone may participate, with any type of performance. The official Fringe Programme categorises shows into sections for theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.

Project Objective

  • to promote the discoverability of the Canadian artistic scene through the interaction of professional Canadian presenters at the 2019 Edinburgh festival
  • to build strong international networks in the performing arts
  • to tour international artists working in partnership with venues across the country.

Eligibility Criteria 

Presenters must meet the following criteria:

  • Must have previous experience hosting international work.
  • Must have the human and financial resources to program international work.
  • Demonstrate the ability to return home and champion the work you have seen to your region and network.
  • Must have the capacity to build relationships across networks in Canada to promote International projects.
  • Must have the knowledge of the Canadian performing arts sector to able to act as an ambassador for Canadian artists on the International scene.
  • Must be willing and can demonstrate a willingness to encourage international exchange and collaborations

CAPACOA will be responsible for:

  • Airfare from Canada to Edinburgh, Scotland
  • 6 night’s accommodations
  • Organization of travel arrangements
  • Co-ordination of meetings and schedule during the event

The presenter will be responsible for:

  • Ground transportation and per diem
  • Performance Tickets
  • Submitting a final report to CAPACOA

Complete the form to express your interest.

Your expression of interest does not guarantee participation. If you have any questions please contact Sue Urquhart at sue.urquhart@capacoa.ca.

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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.