Archive for January, 2010

Alberta Arts Days

January 15th, 2010 by Culture Days

For three days, September 18 – 20, 2009, the province of Alberta was animated with 571 events in 116 communities – from classrooms to concert halls, from libraries to choir lofts and sidewalks to studios. Albertans everywhere brought the spirit of their communities to life.

In 2010, Alberta Arts Days will take place September 17 – 19.

Alberta Arts Days is produced by the Alberta government’s Ministry of Culture and Community Spirit in collaboration with hundreds of activity organizers, creators, as well as other branches of government including the Ministry of Education. Launched in September 2008 as a 1-day affair, Alberta Arts Day was subsequently extended to become a 3-day celebration in 2009. In its second year, Alberta Arts Days has more than tripled its number of participating communities and community-led celebrations.

For information on being part of the Alberta Arts Days experience, please visit the Alberta Arts Days website.

In 2009, to inspire Alberta Arts Days events across the province, Alberta Culture and Community Spirit formed partnerships with five performing arts facilities, asking them to each host an Alberta Arts Days Flagship Celebration Event.

The 5 Flagship sites were Fort McMurray’s Keyano Theatre, the Fine Arts and Multi Media Centre in Olds, the Esplanade in Medicine Hat, the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts in Calgary and the Myer Horowitz Theatre in Edmonton. All Flagship events took place throughout the day on Saturday, September 19 and were free to the public.

Some examples…

Edmonton – Myer Horowitz Theatre and Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
  • Performance Showcase (The Myer Horowitz Theatre) : A free performance by Mike Plume, The Dudes, and a special guest appearance by hip-hop artist — and Edmonton’s Poet Laureate — Cadence Weapon.
  • Arts Day Block Party (Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium) : The Northern Jubilee hosted an Arts Days Block Party, featuring workshops, a new media art exhibition and live music.
Calgary – EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts
  • Open House and Arts Market : 27 visual artists, over 45 arts organizations and nearly 100 performers were featured in workshops, interactive events, displays and performances.
Fort McMurray - Keyano Theatre
  • Highway 63 (Keyano Recital Theatre) : A theatrical production set in Fort McMurray, researched and written by theatre students across Canada, Highway 63 explores the challenges and captures the spirit of living in the centre of Alberta’s oil sands economy.
  • Art in the Making : The public was invited to get a behind-the-scenes look at Keyano College’s rehearsal hall and studios, and to watch artists in action creating drawings and sculptures.
Olds – Fine Arts and Multi Media Centre
  • Community Showcase (TransCanada Theatre) : Jo Hikk headlined the Olds Community Showcase, which also featured performances from the region’s best musicians and performing arts groups.
  • Art Exhibit : Free art workshops were offered to the public. Art exhibits and displays featured works by local artists and arts groups.
Medicine Hat – Esplanade
  • Artisans Fair (front grounds of the Esplanade) : Artists from Medicine Hat and the surrounding region showcased their talents through performances and displays. The Fair introduced the public to an array of artistic styles and media, ranging from fibre art to sculpture and ceramics.
  • Esplanade Art Gallery Tours : The Gallery offered tours by some of the very artists whose works were on display.
  • Evening Concert featuring M.A.S.S instruments : Paramedic performed using M.A.S.S. instruments. The M.A.S.S instruments are huge, architectural marvels that hang from the ceiling of Esplanade’s main lobby and engulf spectators into experiencing music in a way they’ve never done before.
View Comments | Posted in Alberta, provincial updates | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Québec’s Journées de la culture

January 15th, 2010 by Culture Days

Produced annually since 1997 by Culture pour tous, Québec’s Journées de la culture is an internationaly-recognized province-wide event and the inspiration for initiating the Canada-wide Culture Days initiative.

In 1997, Journées de la culture already involved 725 different organizers (including creators and organizations) across artistic and cultural disciplines in 16 urban and rural regions throughout Québec. In that first year, 163,000 individuals participated in the 3-day event.

The movement continues to grow every year. In 2009, more than 300,000 people showed up for Journées de la culture. This 13th edition of Journées de la culture saw over 8,000 artists, artisans and cultural workers participate in 331 cities and towns throughout the Québec province. Even the municipalities participated more than ever: In 2008, there were 180 municipal organizers; in 2009, there were 238 municipalities that organized activities for the weekend event. To date, nearly 300 municipalities have signed the official Declaration of Journées de la culture!

In 2010, Journées de la culture will take place September 24 – 26. To register an activity with Journées de la culture, please visit their website.

Reflections

Louise Sicuro, Executive Director of Culture pour tous, notes:

When we started 13 years ago, we were in Québec’s fragile economic, social and political context. The public finances were at the forefront of people’s mind and the role of the government was being called into question not only in the field of culture but in that of education as well. The labour crisis was in full swing and examples of social exclusion were undeniably on the rise. So when Premier L. Bouchard announced in the spring of 1996 that he was holding a summit to review state priorities with “zero deficit” as his rallying cry, cultural leaders decided that they would prepare for the event by outlining what was to become the platform for Journées de la culture.

We put forward the idea that it was in the best interests of artists and cultural workers to plan and launch a voluntary and militant movement intended to promote a better understanding of culture and the arts among their fellow citizens. We also hoped that this joint venture, involving many members from Québec’s cultural circles, would be supported not only by the government, as an integral part of its cultural mission, but also by other nerve centres like the education and business communities and the municipalities.

In sketching out what would eventually become the Journées de la culture, we sought to go beyond the concept of audience development and draw closer to the ideas of cultural rights and inclusiveness. Thus we made a deliberate decision to put the ideal of cultural democratization back on the public agenda after years of cultural policies and decision driven exclusively by the pursuit of the so-called artistic excellence. It was urgent to foster a new form of cultural mediation by multiplying spaces of trust where people could come together and exchange ideas on the processes involved in art training, art-making, art conservation and dissemination within the large field of culture.

Higlights from previous years

“Talking Windows” at the Marquette Street Galleries – On a residential street in Montréal, 30 professional artists exhibited their works in windows of citizens’ homes for the viewing pleasure of passerbys. In collaboration with homeowners, the artists were on site for the event to explain their work and creative process to the public, transforming the street and neighbourhood into an accessible forum for exchange and dialogue on the art.

Pointe-À-Callière Museum of Archaeology and History – the public was invited to participate in an archaeological dig simulation accompanied by a guide-activity leader; everyone learned about the history of the City while having fun.

Parcours Interculturel – four collective works of art were produced as part of Diversity Rally and Quebec’s Week of Intercultural Encounters, all involving participation by immigrant citizens.

Montreal Centre for Contemporary Textiles invited the public to create woven and knitted scarves for use in the annual État d’urgence organized by ATSA (Socially Acceptable Terrorism / Action terroristes socialement acceptable).

Artists in Their Environment (Outaouais) – more than twenty professional artists and artisans offered a country outing for the public to the places that help them create. Workshops were presented on ceramics, painting, photography, sculpture and stained glass.

Foot rally – Mont-Laurier Regional Historical Society – participants explored the streets of the city looking for answers to 110 questions. They traced the city’s history and discover its rich heritage. Later, with members of the Society, they put the information together and discuss their findings.

An Evening in the Past (Angliers) – The Chantier Gédéon invited everyone to experience an evening of traditional legends and songs in the unique atmosphere of an old-time logging camp.

Sound Technology at Institut Trebas (Ville Marie) – an introduction was offered in the audio production process for the sound recording, film, television, and new media industries, in a professional recording studio.

The Creative Experience from A to Z with Nycole Blanchette Création-Danse (St-Élie de Caxton) – visitors took part in learning a group choreographic piece under the direction of the artist. They learned about her creative approach, interpreted by various artists through multidisciplinary work. Visitors were invited to bring their own supper, join in a community evening, talk about the creative experience and stay as long as they liked.

View Comments | Posted in Québec, for activity organizers, provincial updates |

Culture Days in Manitoba

January 15th, 2010 by Culture Days

Bringing together a host of collaborators with new and existing initiatives, Culture Days Manitoba is moving quickly towards a province-wide launch in September 2010. Activity organizers, artists and other cultural professionals and amateur or community-based groups are needed to bring their (your!) unique touch to the celebration. Each provincial initiative is supported by a volunteer group known as the Provincial Task Force. Charged with facilitating connections and helping to promote and develop provincial events, the Provincial Task Forces also help liaise between provinces to encourage continuity and to share expertise. For a list of Manitoba Task Force members, which broadly represents cultural leadership from across the province, including urban, rural, Francophone, Aboriginal, arts education, support, and cultural industries groups, please click here.

To get involved with Culture Days Manitoba, please contact the Manitoba Task Force.

News:

  • The community of Flin Flon held its first Culture Days planning meeting to look at how the community will participate in the September 2010 launch! Representatives from the Flin Flon Arts Council, the City of Flin Flon, the Flin Flon Indian / Métis Friendship Centre, the school division, local museum, and Canadian Parents for French were all present for the meeting.
  • Other cities contacted so far include The Pas, Churchill and Thompson.
  • Task Force member Tina Keeper is organizing a roundtable of Aboriginal artists to discuss their plans for Culture Days.
  • To continue spreading the word and inciting interest in the movement, Culture Days was featured during the 2009 Manitoba Contact Showcase. Attendees included 120 delegates from arts organizations across rural and northern Manitoba, as well as 25 performing artists.
  • The Alliance for Arts Education is almost done producing their new DVD, Between Hearts and Minds: The Arts in Education, which educators will be encouraged to use to promote the arts in their local communities. An e-poster will be distributed to every school across the province, highlighting arts and cultural events designed for families and younger audiences. School principals and other educators will be encouraged to insert the poster into newsletters and/or post the events on school websites.
  • The Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre has successfully obtained funding which will help them showcase Francophone culture in the visual arts, architecture and fashion during Culture Days 2010.
  • In conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the Company, and the 40th anniversary of the School, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet will open its doors to the community during Culture Days 2010 for an open house and block party extravaganza.
  • For Culture Days 2010, The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra plans to host an event on opening night with audience and musicians playing starring roles.
  • A committee has been established to develop Winnipeg Nuit Blanche in collaboration with Homecoming Manitoba 2010, the Franco-Manitoban Centre and Culture Days 2010.
  • Others, including the Manitoba Museum and the Prairie Theatre Exchange, have committed to participating in Culture Days 2010.
  • Early marketing collaborators include Travel Manitoba and the unique new Winnipeg-based initiative, Culture In Every Corner. Homecoming Manitoba 2010, a year-long project that brings former and current Manitobans together for events and celebrations, has also agreed to sponsor Culture Days 2010!
View Comments | Posted in Manitoba, provincial updates | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Culture Days in Saskatchewan

January 15th, 2010 by Culture Days

SaskCulture Inc, with the support and participation of the Saskatchewan Arts Board and the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport are working together to build a volunteer Task Force and to develop the province’s participation in the inaugural edition of Culture Days in September 2010.

Each provincial initiative is supported by a volunteer group known as the Provincial Task Force. Charged with facilitating connections and helping to promote and develop provincial events, the Provincial Task Forces also help liaise between provinces to encourage continuity and to share expertise. For a list of Saskatchewan Task Force members, please click here.

For information on becoming part of Culture Days Saskatchewan, please contact Diane Ell at SaskCulture by email or by calling 306-780-9453.

View Comments | Posted in Saskatchewan, provincial updates |

Culture Days in British Columbia

January 15th, 2010 by Culture Days

Each provincial initiative is supported by a volunteer committee known as the Provincial Task Force. Charged with facilitating connections and helping to promote and develop provincial events, the Provincial Task Forces also help liaise between provinces to encourage continuity and to share expertise. For a list of British Columbia Task Force members, please click here.

The British Columbia Task Force is working to coordinate and promote Culture Days in the province, the planning for which predates by many months the serious financial situation that the B.C. arts and cultural community is now facing. Culture Days is viewed as a timely initiative rooted in solidarity, which demonstrates and promotes widespread public appreciation for the role that arts and culture play in the lives of all British Columbians.

To get involved with Culture Days British Columbia, please contact the B.C. Task Force.

View Comments | Posted in British Columbia, provincial updates | Tags: , , ,

Culture Days in Ontario

January 15th, 2010 by Culture Days

Each provincial initiative is supported by a volunteer committee known as the Provincial Task Force. Charged with facilitating connections and helping to promote and develop provincial events, the Provincial Task Forces also help liaise between provinces to encourage continuity and to share expertise. For a list of Ontario Task Force members, please click here.

The Ontario Task Force looks forward to building on the success and experiences of many existing and past Ontario-based initiatives around public engagement in arts and culture. These include: Doors Open Ontario, the Ontario Arts Council pilot project spOtlight, Peterborough Arts Week, Headwaters Arts Festival, and others.

To get involved with Culture Days in Ontario, please contact the Ontario Task Force.

We’ve posted a few highlights from previous spOtlight events as examples of what Culture Days Ontario might look like. If we’ve left out your favourite one, please let us know!

Examples from Ontario spOtlight:

Try Your Hand at Conducting! – Guelph Symphony Orchestra – an open rehearsal, a discussion of conducting techniques, and a chance to conduct.

Death by Chocolate – Stage your own Death by Chocolate. Visit photographers Stefan Rose and Andrew Wright at Dairy Queen, set the stage, douse yourself in chocolate syrup, and let them capture the moment for posterity. Pictures : http://www.deathbychocolate.org

Scandinavian Wordless Singing – Join artist Sarah Granskou for an exciting musical theatre performance, and workshop in two Scandinavian styles of wordless singing: Norwegian and Swedish “tralling” and Sami “joik”. The established and improvised wordless melodies of joik are often affiliated with a person’s identity – somewhat like a theme song.

Warmer – Earthling Collective – Join interactive theatre games and sound & movement improve pieces, followed by a stimulating conversation about climate change and the environment.

Kinderconcerts: The Contrapuntal Caper! – Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra – The Mendelssohn Mouse family is getting ready for a concert, but where is little Fanny? She’s hiding! Listen to the musical clues as Lance Ouellette and Sophie Drouin, Jody Davenport and Nancy Wharton solve the Contrapuntal Caper (or Cabbages and Counterpoint!) and find Fanny.

Organic Structures – Watch artist Gareth Lichty’s exciting installation project as he creates it. Lichty will weave 2km of clear plastic tubing into organic structures that hang from the ceiling of the CIGI building. Join him as he works, and make a small sculptural creation of your very own, then attend his talk to learn more about his artistic process.

View Comments | Posted in Ontario, provincial updates |