ACWB Blog

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo
• Arts Community

Month of the Artist

Did you know September is Month of the Artist in Alberta?

Did you also know that Alberta is the first and remains the only province in Canada to dedicate a month to artists?

Month of the Artist is an annual celebration of artists and the value they bring to the province, both socially and economically.

Now let’s take a few minutes to do what artists do best: use our imagination!

Can you imagine space in Wood Buffalo that is a dedicated centre for artists to gather and work on their craft? What if that same space was also a venue for performances of all disciplines? How about a workshop space for artistic and professional development, a place to showcase the creations made by local talent, and for the community to gather and celebrate creative energy?

Are you still with me? 

Now let’s imagine that same place could also be used to host events, festivals, markets, and offer opportunities for the community to engage in the arts together.

Can you envision that?

What we have just imagined is an arts incubator. Wouldn’t it be amazing if our community had an arts incubator that could support the arts in the ways we’ve just imagined?

Arts Council Wood Buffalo is currently working on realizing this for our region. We are in the early stages, and you can participate in this process and help shape this idea into a reality. 

You can help by exercising your imagination and sharing your thoughts in ACWB’s Arts Incubator survey.  Open until October 6^th, 2020, you can take the Arts Incubator survey and share it with your friends, family, colleagues, and social media followers. Your feedback will help identify what is needed in this arts incubator and who will use it. This information can then be used as we study the former Landmark Cinemas theatre on Manning Avenue to see if that space could be re-purposed into an arts incubator for the community.

Your feedback will help show potential funders, community leaders and decision makers that we need an arts incubator in the community. Your feedback will help Arts Council Wood Buffalo when we apply for grants, funding opportunities, sponsorships and other support needed to realize this arts incubator we have just imagined.

Let’s celebrate Month of the Artist by showing Alberta and Canada that it’s a year-round event in Wood Buffalo.

Fill out the survey here by October 6.  Learn more about our plans for the arts incubator here. 

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo

Statement of Solidarity

Arts Council Wood Buffalo has spent time listening, learning, and reflecting on the events in the United States, in Canada, and in our own community, with respect to equality and diversity. As an organization, we continuously strive to better our systems to be inclusive, equitable, and support diversity.  We have made some progress, but we are complicit in the systemic racism that exists when we do not speak out against it.

We support and will show our solidarity for Black and Indigenous artists and acknowledge the trauma that has and is experienced by all BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and persons with disabilities. We recognize that intergenerational trauma is real and commit to being part of the change needed to achieve justice and equality.

Our organization has taken time to reflect and identify the most meaningful way to inform and equip our team to recognize the struggles that are very real for so many members of our community, and to respond in a way that demonstrates our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity.  

The Board of Directors and Staff of Arts Council Wood Buffalo commit to the following:

• Staff and Board will participate in Indigenous Awareness Training, led by an Indigenous educator and an Elder in July 2020.
• Staff and Board will participate in Cultural Awareness Training, led by the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo in October 2020.
• Staff and Board will continue our reconciliation journey as led by the recommendations of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the teachings of Elders and Indigenous artists who have generously provided counsel.
• Staff and Board will continue developing policies and practices that allow no room for racism, misogyny, or any other form of discrimination in the execution of our work. ACWB will apply the learnings from the Indigenous and Cultural Awareness Trainings, and from reviewing the Alberta Human Rights Act, into these policies.
• Staff and Board will actively listen, learn, and continue the conversation.

The arts are a powerful tool to educate us and give a voice to those affected by the struggles of institutionalized discrimination. The arts empower, activate, heal, inspire, and enrich us. The arts connect us and are an integral part of healthy communities. Arts Council Wood Buffalo will continue to work with all artists and community members to support the growth and success of a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive arts community.

Please also see ‘Acknowledgements’ from our website.

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo

ACWB Annual General Meeting: June 25, 2020

Please join ACWB Board of Directors and Staff at our 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, June 25, 2020. This year, we’ll be hosting our AGM via Zoom webinar from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Link to the AGM Zoom Meeting

Save the date and bring some snacks as we highlight the successes of 2019 and look forward to what’s in store for 2020. There will be a special presentation revealing the theme of our 5th Annual Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards (a.k.a. Buffys), as well as a Member Q&A session at the close of the event.

All members in good standing (i.e., membership must be active and up to date) will receive a link to the AGM Zoom webinar via a reminder email sent out June 18, 2020, and again on the day of the AGM.

Click the following links to find the 2019 AGM Agenda Package and 2019 Approved Financial Statements. View the 2019 Annual Report and previous reports on the About Us page and scroll to the bottom under Publications & Reports.

Thank you to those who completed a Proxy Voting Form and returned it by June 24 via email to hanna@artscouncilwb.ca.

Any questions? Contact hanna@artscouncilwb.ca

Please be sure your membership is up to date and active. If you’re not sure, please contact Hanna Fridhed at hanna@artscouncilwb.ca.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Link to the AGM Zoom Meeting

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo

Apply to sit on ACWB Board – Position: Director – Métis

Deadline for applications: Monday, May 25, 2020

Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) is currently looking to fill one position on its voluntary Board of Directors representing the following portfolio: Director – Métis. ACWB is a charitable organization with a mandate to support the success and growth of the Arts. The Board is made up of eleven members from the Wood Buffalo region, representing different aspects of the arts and business sectors. 

The Board meets in-person once per month to set the policy and direction of the organization with the long-term vision that the arts are integral to a remarkable quality of life. 

Qualifications 

• At least 18 years of age 
• Resident of Wood Buffalo 
• Must be committed to the principles, vision, and goals of ACWB 
• A combination of education and experience in their respective area with an understanding and passion for the arts in Wood Buffalo
• Must hold a membership card with one of the Wood Buffalo Métis Locals; or, hold Métis Membership card and be a permanent resident in Wood Buffalo; or, self-identify as a Métis person and be a permanent resident in Wood Buffalo

This position will be elected by the ACWB Membership at the Arts Council Wood Buffalo Annual General Meeting in June 2020 as per ACWB by-laws.

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Questions? For more information on Arts Council Wood Buffalo, please contact Executive Director, Liana Wheeldon at liana@artscouncilwb.ca or 587-674-1625 x.100. 

To apply, please complete the Board Application Form under the Careers section on or website by Monday, May 25, 2020.

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo

ACWB Hiring Rural Arts Support Liaison

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: RURAL ARTS SUPPORT LIAISON

Job Status: Fixed term through December 2020, 40 hours per week, $28 per hour

Deadline to apply: April 5, 2020

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Does the idea of connecting with community and using your organization skills, humour, and passion for sharing the arts, cultures, and traditions on a daily basis excite you? Are you looking for a meaningful job in the nonprofit world supporting the rural and Indigenous communities in sharing their knowledge, traditions, and values? Are you an idea person who takes the time to turn those ideas into set plans that you enjoy executing? Apply to join the ACWB team and use your skills to make a difference in a growing arts community today!

About the Role:

ACWB is seeking a motivated, multi-task oriented individual, comfortable working independently and in a team environment, with experience working in rural and Indigenous communities, including knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and values, to fill the fixed-term position of Rural Arts Support Liaison.

Working closely with the Arts Recovery Project Coordinator, this individual will work with rural residents to co-envision and develop new initiatives, programs, and services to meet the unique needs of the rural communities, while enabling community-at-large to engage with the arts, crafts, traditions, and values of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Click here to download full position description.

Responsibilities:

Community Engagement –

• Act as a resource and liaison for the arts, working closely with local artists, artisans, knowledge keepers, traditional teachers, arts and non-arts organizations, as appropriate in matters related to program creation and delivery.
• Coordinate advisory and consultative requests from ACWB Members and non-members.
• Identify appropriate partnerships and events to help build ACWB’s community profile and its programs in the rural communities.

Program Planning and Development –

• Working with rural residents, develop meaningful supports, programs, and services to support artists’, artisans’, knowledge keepers’, and traditional teachers’ needs.
• Ensure that program activities respect and integrate the knowledge, culture, traditions, and values of the First Nation and Metis peoples by working closely with those community members.

Staff and Partner Management –

• Working with the Arts Recovery Coordinator, supervise any program staff, contractors, or volunteers that may be hired to assist with program initiatives

This position might be for you if:

• You have the ability to collaborate on several projects at once, and you have no problem managing multiple assignments simultaneously.
• You are a team player, keeping effective communication with management, and able to organize your time to meet deadlines with ease.
• You enjoy collaborating, learning, and sharing with diverse groups.

DESIRED QUALITIES

Strong candidates will possess a combination of the following:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience with program delivery and evaluation, and proficient in the use of computers
• Excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills (both written and oral)
• Knowledge of First Nations and Metis cultures, traditions, and values is an asset
• Knowledge of the Wood Buffalo arts scene
• Arts enthusiast with a strong sense of fun!

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit the following by email:

• A one-page letter of application that addresses the position expectations
• A resume of no more than four pages

Email to: sharon@artscouncilwb.ca

If email is unavailable, please call 780.381.6898 and speak to Sharon to make other arrangements.

Arts Council Wood Buffalo thanks all applicants for their interest in this employment opportunity. Only those candidates considered for the position will be contacted. The position will remain open until the successful candidate is hired.

Arts Council hires on the basis of merit and we are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified persons. Preference will be given to Indigenous residents of Wood Buffalo’s rural communities.

About Arts Council Wood Buffalo:

Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) was established to raise the profile of the arts and artists in our region. Our mission is to support the growth and success of the arts in recognition that they are integral to a remarkable quality of life.

ACWB offers a variety of services and events that: build the capacity of our local artists to compete and thrive; create collaborations between artists, arts organizations, non-profits, and business; and, provide opportunities for the community to express itself through the arts.

Click here to download full position description.

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo
• ACWB Articles

2019 Buffys a Rousing Success!

Midnight Coffeehouse: A Showcase of Wood Buffalo Talent

(Fort McMurray, AB – October 21, 2019) Saturday October 19 marked the annual Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards presented by Arts Council Wood Buffalo; a cool and classy evening that celebrates local artists and showcases the diversity of the arts community in our region. Artists, art groups, supporters and – of course – those nominated for an award, gathered at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts, which was transformed into the weird and wonderful artistic era of the Beat Generation.

The 2019 Arts Awards, also known as the Buffys, were once again a showcase of the arts, celebrating almost 70 nominees through 14 award presentations, and presenting several live performances, taking place in two locations within SECPA. The black box theatre, renamed “The Club” and decorated to be more intimate, hosted the pre- and post-show performances and festivities, while the gymnasium was transformed into “The Coffeehouse”, a place where great minds came together to connect and share. Everywhere you looked, the space was alive and buzzing with things to see, hear, and eat. Guests even dressed in the funky style of the beatniks, berets included!

“We are so pleased with this year’s awards! The Buffys are an awareness program as much as they recognize the incredible impact the arts have in our community, and we’re proud to have showcased the variety of artists and creative professionals that live and work right here in Wood Buffalo,” says ACWB Executive Director Liana Wheeldon.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to the abundance of talent present in our community. The diverse and uniquely collaborative performances included dance, comedy, flow arts, spoken word, pantomime, and multiple musical genres. Special behind-the-scenes video shorts gave guests a glimpse into the artistic process of getting ready for the awards event. The Buffys continue to be a place for artists to experiment and perform in ways you often can’t see anywhere else.

The awards themselves were beautifully handcrafted dolls, created by local artist Sedef Uzer Prakash. The awards were handknitted in the Japanese amigurumi style of small, stuffed yarn creatures. They were a whimsical tribute to the contributions of our arts community. There were fourteen awards handed out altogether, including the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Valerie Gondek and the Arts Champion Award presented to Rick Kirschner.

“It’s so inspiring to organize the Buffys each year. Learning about all the nominees, seeing the artists showcase their talents, and watching the delighted reactions of the audience makes the long hours of preparations all worthwhile” says Diana Moser, the ACWB Programs Manager.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for making the 2019 Buffys possible! Thank you to our Midnight Sponsor Fort McMurray International Airport; Presenting Sponsors Suncor, Syncrude, Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation, and the Friends of the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts; Media Sponsors Country 93.3 and 100. 5 Cruz FM and Mix 103.7; Arts Supporter MLA Tany Yao; and Supporting Sponsors Boston Pizza, Campbell’s Music, LaPrairie Crane, Staples, and UNIFOR.

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• Arts Council Wood Buffalo
• Arts Community

Wood Buffalo Named Feature Celebration Site

Wood Buffalo is proudly named a Feature Celebration Site for the 2019 Alberta Culture Days! 

“This is an honour for our region,” says ACWB Executive Director Liana Wheeldon. “We take a truly collaborative approach to the planning and execution of events for this initiative, as is the hallmark of the Arts, Culture, and Heritage champions in our community. Showcasing our breadth of talent through creative programming, along with highlighting the history and multiculturalism of our region, allows us to demonstrate that the arts are essential in creating a balanced, happy, and healthy community.” 

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Thank you to MLA Laila Goodridge, RMWB Acting Mayor Mike Allen, Deputy Mayor Jane Stroud, Keyano College President and CEO Trent Keough and Vice President, Academic Fred Russell, Sheri Donovan with Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts, Alan Roberts, Director of Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre, along with members of the Alberta Culture Days in Wood Buffalo Planning Committee for joining us for the Feature Celebration Site placard presentation. The Divine Group of India invited participants to try their hand at a Rangoli art demonstration.

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo

2019 Buffy tickets now on sale!

2019 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards: Midnight Coffeehouse tickets for sale!

(Fort McMurray, AB – September 19, 2019) Each year Arts Council Wood Buffalo highlights the richness of our growing arts scene and celebrates the achievements of local artists through the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards (or the “Buffys” for short). Over the past 4 years, the awards have established a signature midnight themed event drawing inspiration from different art movements. This year, we will revive the 1950s Beat Generation, a time defined by performance art, major shifts in poetry and fiction writing, small ensemble experimental jazz, and abstract expressionism in visual art.

An awards show unlike any other in the region, the Buffys will be filled with extraordinary performances, food and drinks, and a spectacular awards showcase celebrating our local artists and arts organizations.

This year’s Buffys takes place on October 19 at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts. Guests will be treated to works of art by local artists in all artistic disciplines, the always expanding candy bar will be making an appearance, there will be never-seen before acts, and – of course – the highly anticipated award presentations. There is never a dull moment at the Buffys!

The Buffys builds awareness of the incredible contribution artists make to Wood Buffalo, and invest in the future of our growing arts community by supporting our most exceptional artists. The recognition received by each nominee and award recipient will raise their profile, build their portfolio, and allow them to compete and thrive as an artist within our community and beyond the borders of Wood Buffalo.

Tickets are $40 for ACWB members and $50 for the general public, available at https://buffys2019.eventbrite.ca. The pre-show begins at 7:30 PM, with the main awards showcase at 9:00 PM, followed by an after-party. Celebrate our local artists, enjoy thrilling new performances and exhibitions, and be a part of an award show unlike any other in the region! For more information about ACWB and the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts program, visit http://bit.ly/buffys2019.

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo

ACWB Gains Charitable Status

Arts Council Wood Buffalo is proud to announce the change of our status to a registered charity under the Income Tax Act. Working with the Canada Revenue Agency, Corporate Registry Alberta, and the ACWB Board, Staff, and Membership through the application process has made this change possible.

Arts Council Executive Director Liana Wheeldon says: “We are so excited at the opportunities that achieving charitable status will bring to our organization and our arts community. This opens granting streams to ACWB that will ultimately allow us to serve the region and its artists even more meaningfully.”

Becoming a registered charity will allow for more opportunities for individuals and groups to share their support of the arts in our community and a greater impact on the community as a whole. The arts are a crucial component for a well-balanced and thriving region, and ACWB works to provide support to all facets of the arts community.

Board Chair Dave Boutilier had this to say: “We started this initiative after the Wood Buffalo arts community first described the future to us: one where artists are free to create and grow without being forced to relocate. This, in turn, solidifies a community healing from a disaster. This change is a huge step in moving ACWB towards that future, allowing us to diversify our funding, and providing more education and opportunities to the regions’ artists.

This milestone isn’t just for us, but for the whole community, so celebrate and enjoy!”

Arts Council Wood Buffalo looks forward to continuing to support the growth and success of the arts in support of our vision that the arts are integral to a remarkable quality of life. Changes to our donation procedure and sponsorship opportunities will be available in the coming months. Stay tuned! For more information about Arts Council Wood Buffalo, visit www.artscouncilwb.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo
• ACWB Articles

June 2019’s Centre Stage with Alex Durocher

Interview with Alexandra Durocher for the monthly snapd Wood Buffalo artist feature; Center Stage with Arts Council Wood Buffalo! To view the full article online visit snapd Wood Buffalo’s website.

Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alexandra Durocher was exposed to a variety of performing arts experiences that jump-started her own artistic career. Alexandra started dancing when she was twelve years old and also found her way onto the Keyano Theatre stage as a young actor. She fell in love with all of it and pursued her development in the arts as she grew older. Alexandra studied Visual and Performing Arts – Drama at Keyano College, and then went to Edmonton to study Arts and Cultural Management at Grant MacEwan University. She returned to Fort McMurray and joined the inaugural team that opened the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts (SECPA), where she is currently the Assistant Manager. Alexandra was also instrumental in opening UpTown! Music & Dance Studio at SECPA, where she now teaches dance part-time.

Alexandra joined the ACWB Board of Directors in 2018, something she says has been a learning experience: “Being on the board has allowed me to see that all of the Arts have the same needs, and that we all need to come together to make them happen. I decided to become involved because I wanted to make a difference in my discipline but have learned that we all need to work together to make a difference everywhere.”

Being a part of this community her entire life, Alexandra has experienced all the ups and downs. This has only strengthened her belief in the connectedness of the arts and the community: “The arts community here is strong, resilient, and ever-growing, but it can be a struggle at times as there aren’t many readily available opportunities. However, the people of Fort McMurray are always ready to help bring or create different opportunities to our community.”

In addition to her role as an arts administrator, Alexandra is happy to be a working artist in this community: “Being a dancer and choreographer in Wood Buffalo is exhilarating! With Fort McMurray being such a transient town, so many different choreographers have come in and out spreading their knowledge to all they teach. I have been blessed to teach here for many years and learn from many of these different instructors to add to my repertoire, so that the love of dance can be carried on in all that I teach.”

Arts Council Wood Buffalo is hosting their 2019 Annual General Meeting on June 13, 6 PM – 8 PM at The District Recording Studio in Composite High School. There will be light refreshments, live entertainment, and we will be announcing the theme for the 2019 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards! We will also be electing new Directors to the Board. To find out more about ACWB and our programs, visit www.artscouncilwb.ca.

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo
• Arts Community

MOU to foster growth of community culture, arts, heritage

FORT MCMURRAY, AB, May 20, 2019

Wood Buffalo’s Multicultural Association and Arts Council Wood Buffalo sign agreement to work together to increase cultural capacity, celebrate creativity and inclusion

Addressing community cultural issues and providing joint opportunities to foster awareness of culture, arts and heritage in the community of Wood Buffalo is the focus of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo (MCA) and the Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB).

“We are excited to be working with the Arts Council, particularly following the RMWB’s recent adoption of a new Culture Plan for our region,” said Dango Gogo, President of the MCA. “Cultural diversity and inclusion is a major concern for both of our organizations. We are looking forward to collaborating on long-term sustainable approaches to celebrating and nurturing this important aspect of our region.”

“Signing this MOU makes it possible for us to work even more closely together on joint issues of importance,” said Dave Boutilier, President Board Chair of ACWB. “Formalizing our relationship with MCA is the first step in working even more closely together to foster culture, heritage, and arts awareness by building relationships and creating community connections for the short- and long-term benefit of our region.”

The signing of the MOU is the first step in creating a collaborative framework for addressing common issues, which include:

• The building of collaborative, sustainable and long-term relationships that promote the growth of awareness of culture, heritage, and arts;
• The building of institutional capacity with regard to awareness of culture, heritage, and arts;
• Facilitating communication between individuals, groups, industry, businesses and government with respect to culture, heritage, and arts groups within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
• Working collaboratively and proactively to identify the appropriate resources, including but not limited to financial resources, required to address the need to foster awareness of culture, heritage, and arts in Wood Buffalo.

Among the next steps for the groups is to create a joint action plan and to work as members of the implementation committee for the RMWB’s Culture Plan.

For more information about the MOU, contact ACWB Executive Director Liana Wheeldon at liana@artscouncilwb.ca or (587) 674-1625 ext. 100.

• Arts Council Wood Buffalo
• ACWB Articles

May 2019’s Centre Stage with Nerdvana: The Web Series & Erin Schwab

Written by Hanna Fridhed, Engagement Coordinator

 

This month, for the very first time, Fort McMurray will host Tri-Level Meetings. These quarterly meetings, typically held in Edmonton or Calgary, bring together different levels of government related to arts funding- municipal, provincial and federal. May 8 through 10, ACWB is proud to welcome the Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Edmonton Arts Council and Calgary Arts Development to Fort McMurray as part of these meetings. The visitors will have the opportunity to see: ‘Suddenly Mommy’ which is a one-woman show at Keyano’s Recital Theatre, view We Heal: An Exhibition in the Keyano gallery and meet with local artists, heritage, and arts organizations from around our region. Also, Canada Council will host one-on-one sessions with artists from any discipline to discuss the organization’s grant opportunities and best practices to utilize while applying for grants. These sessions are a continuation from the information session and artist one-on-ones Canada Council held last month. This is a great opportunity for local artists to learn more about obtaining funding, provincial level grants and how they can help further their artistic development and bring visions to life.
The evening of May 8, residents will have an opportunity for informal discussions with representatives from the different areas during the Meet and Greet Event held from 5:30pm-8:30pm in the Keyano Rehearsal Hall, hosted in partnership between ACWB and Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre.

 

Learning opportunities such as these are valuable to artists to further their practice. Even if an artist feels they are not ready to apply for a grant, having made connections to different organizations and hearing first-hand some ‘tips and tricks’ for successful application is a great to have when the time comes.

 

Erin Schwab, a visual and woodwork artist in Fort McMurray, received funding for her professional art practice from Alberta Foundation for the Arts grants and local municipal grants that helped cover the cost of workshops for her students. “Without access to the funding the work would not happen or be substantially reduced in scope and access for participants,” says Erin. “Artists often bear the financial burden to start projects that can reach far into the community and have continuing impact for years, with only the hope of recovering costs, let alone making a profit. Grants allow the artist to make choices not burdened by personal affordability but what will have the greatest impact on their work and participants.”

 

Local artist group NERDVANA has also benefitted from receiving grants. NERDVANA: The Web Series, which was made possible through the Telus STORYHIVE program, has been nominated for the Miami Web Series Awards, and has prompted the group to begin writing Season 2. The group behind NERDVANA has applied for and received funding on several occasions, culminating in 2017 when they received $100,000 to create NERDVANA: The Web Series Season 1. “The funding was a tremendous help that allowed us to compensate all the artists involved in our projects. It literally saved us from dying from exposure as we were able to rent generators to keep us warm during the cold Fort McMurray shoots,” says director Tito Guillen.

 

Learning how to write grant proposals can be an arduous process: “It’s not fun. The process varies between funding bodies, but they often ask for many of the same things,” explains Schwab. “Budget, project proposals, statements about the work, resume, portfolio, and then the final reporting once the project is complete. The more you do it the easier it gets, and you begin to build relationships with the funding bodies which is important.”

 

If you are interested in learning more about Canada Council and their New and Aspiring Artist program, visit www.canadacouncil.ca.