AAC Annual Report 2014

A R T S

C O U N C I L

O F

L E T H B R I D G E

ANNUAL REPORT. 2014

A L L I E D

CONTRIBUTORS

PLATINUM ($2,000 +) Val & Flora Matteotti ATB Financial

COVER GRAPHIC COURTESY FREEPIK.COM

GOLD ($1,000+) Babits, Christopher Deltec Power & Control Systems Downtown Lethbridge BRZ Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects Korite International North & Company Royal LePage, South Country Real Estate Janice & Glenn Varzari

SILVER ($500+) Galko Homes Gold & Gold Productions KPMG Melcor Development Peter Mueller Advance Glass & Aluminum Precon Precast Products Stantec Consulting

BRONZE ($250+) D.A. Building Systems Carol & Miles Godlonton Overhead Door Sterling Mutuals Volution LLP Westwinds Management

INDIVIDUAL PARTNERS ($1-$249) Airau Film Photo & Design Marcia & Greg Bialobzyski Barb Cunningham Terri Fortunaso Barb Goodman Linda & Barry Horner Tweela Houtekamer Lorita & Akira Ichikawa Mariette Jacobson Karina Mak Brad Matlock Dave McCann Leslie Ohene Adjei Rose Primachuk Red Engine Coffee Fran Schipper Melissa Setiawan Sharon Simmers Colin & Dionne Walsh

VISION

A Vibrant Arts Community enriches Lethbridge.

MISSION

The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge provides leadership in advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 4

REPORTS President’s Report Executive Director’s Report

6 7

PROMOTING THE ARTS Communications Projects

12 18

BUILDING COMMUNITY Casa Public Art

20 21

ADVOCATING FOR THE ARTS Arts Profile Lethbridge Improving Arts Facilities

22

SUPPORTERS Membership & volunteers

23

FINANCIALS Annual Results Summary

ANNUAL REPORT

1

2014

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Last year was a year of many rewards as well as a few challenges for the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC). Many of the Board’s efforts in 2014 were focused on planning. Early in the year, the Board of Directors and senior staff met to develop a new strategic plan. Staff from Alberta Culture and Community Development facilitated a daylong session that included a situational analysis of the AAC, a review of our vision and mission as well as a review of the previous Three Year Strategic Plan. The session resulted in the development of a new Strategic Plan with goals and objectives that includes goals and objectives that will guide us for the next four years.

Early in 2014, the AAC also began developing a new four-year budget that supports the AAC Strategic Goals and objectives. The AAC budget is departmentalized to better understand and manage funds. The 2015 – 2018 department budgets are balanced or show a small surplus with the exception of the Gallery Department budget, which is projecting an increasing deficit over the next four years. This deficit is due to an anticipated reduction in Alberta Foundation for the Arts funding for the gallery program and will need to be addressed through a combination of program modification and diversification of funding sources.

In September 2014, the AAC Board of Directors, recognizing the significant changes in AAC operations over time, established a committee to review the AAC Bylaws and Policies. A review of the bylaws was completed resulting in a recommendation to make amendments to the bylaws for clarity of language and to acknowledge the impact of technology on communications and meeting attendance.

The Bylaw amendments will be presented to the membership at the AGM in March 2015 and work will continue on the policy review.

A significant amount of time was also spent on planning for the 2015 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards Celebration and the accompanying legacy project, a festival for emerging artists.

A committee comprised of representatives from the AAC Board and staff, City of Lethbridge staff, the Lieutenant Governor Arts Awards Foundation and the arts community have been meeting regularly to frame a significant and memorable celebratory event that will attract arts supporters from around the province.

Arts Advocacy continues to be a core activity of the AAC and the Board of Directors continue to demonstrate their support for the arts through their attendance at numerous community and member events throughout the year, as well as through a number of distinct advocacy initiatives.

We were delighted that work on the economic impact study was finally completed. Arts Profile Lethbridge, a document that maps the arts

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ANNUAL REPORT

community in Lethbridge and provides information on the sector’s impact on the Lethbridge economy, was published late in 2014. Arts Profile Lethbridge is a great awareness building tool that will be distributed and presented widely. The study also provides a baseline for future research. We would like to recognize the work done on this project

by Westwinds Management, the support and endorsement of the AFA and the cooperation of our local arts community, all of which allowed the project to be achieved.

The AAC continues to participate in Team Lethbridge. This ongoing initiative provides an opportunity for the AAC to travel to Edmonton with 17 other Lethbridge organizations to share the Lethbridge story, including the arts story, with members of the Alberta Legislature. The 2014 trip originally planned for November was delayed due to the change in government leadership and possible changes of Ministers. The trip will likely occur in the fall of 2015 pending the results of an anticipated election in the spring of 2015.

The AAC hosts a variety of events each year that provide collaborative opportunities for local artists and arts organizations and also raise the profile of the arts in the larger community. In addition to hosting ongoing events such as the Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts, Arts Days and Christmas at Casa, the AAC hosted a Community and Member Open House on March 1, 2014. The intent of the Open House, which was held at Casa, was to continue to grow our identified base of support through increased membership. A series of story boards sharing the AAC history and program information were displayed during the open house with AAC Board Members and staff available to answer questions.

Management of Lethbridge’s community arts centre, Casa, is another key responsibility for the AAC. Casa marked its first anniversary on May 14, 2014. The success of Casa has exceeded our expectations with fiscal targets for the first year of operation being surpassed in both facility rentals and education programs. A Casa Room Naming

Campaign was launched in May 2014. The campaign had early success with an announcement of a five-year naming agreement for the ATB Financial Community Room. Funds generated by this agreement are being used to develop and support youth and first nations programs.

Despite numerous positive and rewarding experiences throughout the year, the AAC also experienced challenges in 2014. Completing the cultural corridor and achieving the construction of a new Performing Arts Centre in Lethbridge continues to be a challenge and a priority for the AAC. A committee of the Board began meeting in April to develop strategies for aligning stakeholders and developing a communications plan to build awareness and support. They also established a Fund Development or Friends of the Performing Arts Centre. As a result of their meetings, a number of activities occurred throughout the summer and fall of 2014. Work on this project will continue over the next few years with the intention of having the project included in the City’s next CIP which will be approved in 2017.

Another significant challenge was the reduction of AFA funding for the gallery program at Casa. In mid-July 2014 we received word that the Public Gallery Grant Program had been revised. Although some of the revisions, such as a move to three-year funding were beneficial, the overall effect was a substantial reduction of funding for both the gallery at Casa and the Southern Alberta Art Gallery. A review of AFA funding to other Lethbridge arts organizations revealed that most of the organizations were experiencing a decline in AFA funding. Concerns regarding AFA funding were presented to City Council by the City’s Manager of Recreation and Culture and the AAC Executive Director in September, 2014. As a result of this presentation, considerable provincial lobbying was done by members of City Council. A stakeholders meeting to discuss the issue and possible responses was held in late October with the AAC committing to continue the work to address the issue in 2015.

On a sad note, I must acknowledge the passing AAC Lifetime Member Clare Malmberg, local philanthropist Val Matteotti and local photographer and musician Evan Gushul. These individuals were known for the support and involvement in the arts and their enthusiasm, contributions and presence will be sadly missed.

We anticipate that we will continue to have a few challenges and hopefully many more rewards in the coming years. We know that we cannot possibly meet the challenges or enjoy the rewards without the involvement of our supporters. I would like to thank our members, donors and sponsors, volunteers, staff and the Board of Directors. I would also like to acknowledge our major funders: the City of Lethbridge, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Government of Alberta and Canadian Heritage.

2014 ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Kris Hodgson VICE PRESIDENT Dione Overes SECRETARY Greg Norman TREASURER Kristen Hood

DIRECTORS Jennifer Babits Amanda Berg Ron Brown Michelle Cote Louise Drysdale Tweela Houtekamer Karla Mather-Cocks Mary Anne McTrowe Brian Quinn Don Reeves Jennifer Schmidt-Rempel

Kris Hodgson President, Board of Directors

ANNUAL REPORT

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2014

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

The AAC professional staff support the Vision and Mission of the Allied Arts Council, implement the Strategic Goals and Objectives of the Board of Directors and ensure the fulfillment of requirements from our primary funders, the City of Lethbridge and the Alberta Foundation of the Arts. Early in 2014, members of the AAC senior staff participated in the Board of Director’s strategic planning session. Using information gathered during this session, the staff developed a strategic action plan that will be used to guide the activities of the staff for next four years.

Members of the AAC staff also provided support for the development of the Board’s new four year budget as well as providing administrative support to a number of Board committees, including the Performing Arts Centre Committee, the By-Law and Policy Review Committee and the Nominations Committee.

Allied Arts Council staffing continues to change with a number of team members moving on to other opportunities. The departure of Derek Stevenson in August 2014 resulted in Ashley Markus returning to a full-time position as Communications Coordinator and the hiring of Dawn Leite as a full-time Assistant to the Executive Director. The addition of this new position will allow the Executive Director increased time to focus on managing the public art program and will assist with succession planning. There were also changes in the staffing at Casa. In September, Brenna Lowrie joined the staff as the Assistant to the Facility Manager, a new position also created as part of succession planning. Diana Zasadny replaced Jeremy Mason who left his position as Education Coordinator to pursue new opportunities in Calgary and Brandon Hearty joined the staff as a Facility Attendant replacing Tim Elinski who obtained full-time employment in the IT sector.

In addition to the valuable contribution they make to the AAC, members of the staff continue to provide an arts perspective through participation on various community committees. Involvement in 2014 included the City of Lethbridge Public Art Committee, Heart of the City Committee, City of Lethbridge Joint Promotions, the Legislative Assembly Arts Advisory Committee, the Tour of Alberta, Lethbridge Presents and the Canadian Winter Games Bid Committee.

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ANNUAL REPORT

Communications and arts promotion are core activities of the AAC (page 6). The opening of Casa has increased the duties of the Communications Coordinator who is now responsible for the production of publications and management of websites and social media for two sites. Highlight events in the communications portfolio in 2014 included the publication of Arts Profile Lethbridge, a study on the economic impact of the arts in Lethbridge and the activation of the Casa pylon sign and the development of guidelines for its use.

AAC staff manage a number of projects (page 7) that support artists and promote the arts. Artists’ opportunities include professional development initiatives such as the Tax Workshop in March 2014 and access to display space at the Farmers Market, in Library showcases and at the Yates. Ongoing Events such as the Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts and Arts Days continue to build awareness in the larger community. Noteworthy events managed by AAC staff in 2014 were the Community and Member Open House in February, the Casa first Anniversary in May and the Casa Open House in August. There was also considerable planning completed for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards Celebration and the new emerging artist festival that will occur in June 2015.

AAC staff also manage Lethbridge’s community arts centre, Casa. We are delighted to report a very successful first complete year of operations in 2014 (page 12). There were approximately 82,000 recorded visits to Casa by an extremely diverse user group who access the building for a variety of arts related activities and other events. Highlight events that brought new audiences to the building in 2014 were the Symphony Love Notes soirée in February, the annual Moonlight Run in April and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Board of Directors meetings in September. AAC staff also managed a number of highly successful events including an oversubscribed Casa Family Day in February, an Open House in collaboration with the University of Lethbridge Conservatory Of Music in August and the second annual Christmas at Casa in November. Although the number of artists purchasing studio access passes was not as high as our original projection, there were a significant number of individuals using all of Casa’s studios on a consistent basis with daily and monthly studio access being higher than expected.

Unlike Studio Access, the Casa Education Program (page 14) far exceeded all original expectations and projections. Approximately 1000 individuals participated in 142 classes which were offered by local artist partners and Casa instructors. These numbers do not include arts education programs offered by independent arts organizations or the approximately 600 students who attend weekly classes offered by the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music. Highlights of the Education program are the classes offered to Housing First clients, to Adults with Special Needs and a series of classes for first nations clients and youth that we were able to offer at a very affordable rate because of funding support from ATB Financial.

The gallery program at Casa (page 16) continued to expand with the formalizing of an auxiliary gallery program in the common spaces and the activation of the Digital Gallery. In addition to the ongoing exhibition program and the GAMA Gallery collaboration with the Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS), highlight initiatives in 2014 included The Absent Body, a major Canada Council supported collaboration with artist Cindy Baker, work with the City of Lethbridge on an exhibition at City Hall, artwork gift procurement for Councillor’s visits with counterparts from Lethbridge’s sister city St. Laurent, Quebec and the launch of an annual fund-raising event, Feature: a Festival of Fine Wine and Film. Another important initiative in 2014 was the October Gallery Branding Focus Group Meeting. Information from this facilitated session will be used in a strategic marketing and promotion campaign in 2015.

The AAC continues to be involved with the City of Lethbridge Percent for Public Art Program (page 18).

The AAC Executive Director is a member of the City of Lethbridge Public Art Committee, serves as a liaison to program artists and coordinates the selection and implementation of new public artworks. There were two active public art projects in 2014, one for the SLP Skate Park and a second for the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. Additionally, two long term loan projects were completed at Casa with the installation of David Hoffos’ People in the Window (on loan from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts) and Gordon Ferguson’s Strung (on loan from the Thrall Family Collection). Recognizing that public education is a critical for successful public art programs, the Public Art Committee sanctioned the creation of a new public

art website. AAC staff have been responsible for the project which will result in the launch of this new communication and education tool in 2015.

The AAC is fortunate to have a staff who are truly passionate and committed to the arts as well as small but enthusiastic core of volunteers and a Board that leads and supports our efforts. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of these remarkable people.

Suzanne Lint, Executive Director

2014

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL

STAFF

AAC 7TH STREET OFFICE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Suzanne Lint ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dawn Leite FINANCE COORDINATOR Jana MacKenzie COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Derek Stevenson/Ashley Markus PROJECTS COORDINATOR Muffy McKay

ANNUAL REPORT

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COMMUNICATIONS

Ashley Markus, Communications Coordinator

The Allied Arts Council utilizes a combination of traditional and digital media to communicate with our membership and the community at large. Our communications efforts focus on advocating the value of the arts to the larger community.

PUBLICATIONS The AAC continues to be committed to promoting the arts to the public by creating a number of publications which are distributed to the AAC membership as well as to the broader public.

The ArtsBridge magazine is published twice yearly and features contributions from the broader arts community. The magazine is theme-based; the Spring/Summer edition examined the evolution of the arts in Lethbridge. The Fall/Winter edition examined the impact of the arts in the broader community. 2014 editions of ArtsBridge included contributions from the AAC staff, board, membership, arts organizations and artists.

The AAC published the seventh edition of the AAC Arts Directory in 2014. The directory is the go-to publication for information on Lethbridge arts, including information on artists, groups, businesses, classes, supplies and much more. The directory also included a public art map that can be used for self-guided arts tours and an annual special events calendar.

PROMOTING

THE ARTS

The AAC also manages the production of Casa publications and print materials. The Casa guides are released three times yearly: Winter (January – April), Spring/Summer (May – August) and Fall (September – December). Guides include class information and descriptions as well as event, facility and rental information. Gallery invites, special event brochures and other information were produced for Casa in 2014.

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Each month, the AAC books four pages in the Recreation and Culture Guide for the promotion of member arts events, Casa information and general Lethbridge arts information.

ONLINE & SOCIAL MEDIA Overall, we have seen an increase in engagement online from year to year, and continue to build and support our mission through online & social media.

The AAC manages several websites including: artslethbridge.org

AAC’s main page

casalethbridge.ca

Casa’s main page

artsdayslethbridge.org

Lethbridge Arts Days page

lethbridgeperformingartscentre.org

Information on the future Performing Arts Centre project

The Online Arts Calendar promoted ANNUAL REPORT

357

unique art events in 2014

MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS:

We continue to partner with 94.1 CJOC on two unique arts campaigns: Art Moments & Art Tracks. Art Moments provide information on arts issues and initiatives in the community, and Art Tracks provide on-air promotion for AAC member arts events.

Several media organizations including: Global TV, Shaw TV, CTV Lethbridge, LA Beat, Lethbridge Living, Lethbridge Herald, CJOC, CKXU,and 107.7 The River have generously provided Non-Profit rates or media coverage for our organization, making it possible for us to communicate with the greater community.

PROJECTS

Muffy McKay, Projects Coordinator

PARTNERSHIPS, PROJECTS AND PROMOTIONS: 2016 ALBERTA WINTER GAMES BID: Working with the Lethbridge Sports Council and other members of the committee, the AAC helped coordinate arts activities for the community rally at Galt Gardens on September 3, where musicians and other performers entertained audiences. Although Lethbridge did not win the bid, it was a great collaboration and a wonderful opportunity to showcase our City’s talent.

THE ARTS

2014 was another year filled with exciting projects showcasing the AAC membership and the broader arts community. In addition to our regular yearly projects, The AAC partnered with a number of organizations to help provide an arts perspective and provide members with opportunities.

PROMOTING

The Allied Arts Council continues to build on our media relationships in the community. We are grateful of all the time and effort that our media partners put into maintaining our strong partnerships.

2014 TOUR OF ALBERTA: In cooperation with the City of Lethbridge, the AAC provided a public art map for attendees and visitors, as well as an interactive community painting experience at the festival site in Galt Gardens.

LETHBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISPLAY CASES: The AAC and the Lethbridge Public Library continue our partnership which provides AAC member organizations the use of display cases to promote their art, events and programming.

AAC DISPLAY BOARD: Members of the AAC had the opportunity to advertise arts events in the AAC display boards, located outside the AAC office and at Casa. Passers-by stop to view poster boards to find out what’s coming up in Lethbridge’s art scene.

ARTS @ THE FARMERS MARKET BOOTH: The Allied Arts Council continued the popular Arts @ the Farmers Market booth in 2014 at the Exhibition Park Farmers Market. The booth was available for AAC members to rent at a significantly lower cost. Members sold and exhibited artwork, promoted upcoming events, sold tickets, did demonstrations and informed the larger community of their activities.

EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES: The AAC has use of three exhibition spaces and provides members with the opportunity to display work on a rotating basis. Spaces include Royal LePage, the AAC office and the Joan Waterfield Gallery at the Yates. Casa Gallery information can be found on page 16.

TAX WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS: The AAC worked with Volution Tax to present a tax workshop for artists, giving them the opportunity to learn about basic bookkeeping and preparing income tax returns for self-employed artists.

RAY JOLLIFFE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: The AAC works with the Lethbridge Community Foundation and the Jolliffe family annually to facilitate the the application and jury process for the scholarship. In 2014, the scholarship was awarded to Benton Neufeld.

ANNUAL REPORT

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Mayor’s Luncheon for business and the arts

THE ARTS

2014 Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts September 18

Lethbridge’s Arts and Business communities gathered on September 18 at the Lethbridge Lodge to acknowledge the achievements of individuals, organizations and businesses who have contributed to the vibrancy of our city.

PROMOTING

304 arts supporters attended the luncheon as the Allied Arts Council Excellence (AACE) Awards and Joan Waterfield Memorial Award were presented to three dedicated arts supporters.

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RECIPIENTS: Joan Waterfield Memorial Award: Edward Bayly Nominated by Playgoers of Lethbridge The Joan Waterfield Memorial Award is a peer to peer award recognizing outstanding contribution to the arts in Lethbridge. This year’s recipient, Ed Bayly has been a driving force in theatre in Lethbridge and surrounding areas since 1960. His tenure as Manager of the Yates Memorial Centre and with the Playgoers of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Musical Theatre as actor, director, writer, designer, and mentor has made him a fixture in Lethbridge theatre for the past 50 years.

ANNUAL REPORT

Allied Arts Council Excellence (AACE) Award, Individual: John Savill

John Savill has long been a staunch supporter of Lethbridge’s arts community, and has been serving the community since 1989 when he turned his architecture office in to a unique gallery space, the Trianon Gallery, providing an alternate space to host exhibitions for local, national and international artists. The Trianon has also hosted a variety of workshops, plays, dances, music, and fundraisers for arts organizations.

John’s generous support of the artists in our community and his passion for the arts has helped Lethbridge to become known as a community rich in the arts.

PROMOTING

Nominated by Maria Madacky, Troy Nickle and Christina Cuthbertson

THE ARTS From L to R: Mayor Chris Spearman, John Savill, Brent Oleksy, Edward Bayly, AAC President Kris Hodgson

Allied Arts Council Excellence (AACE) Award, Business: Royal LePage South Country Nominated by the Allied Arts Council Board of Directors Brent Oleksy with Royal LePage South Country has been an unflagging supporter of the Allied Arts Council’s efforts to support and advance the arts community for many years. Royal LePage’s sponsorship has allowed us to present the Joan Waterfield Memorial Award for the last 9 years at the Mayor’s Luncheon.

Royal LePage also provides opportunities for artists to exhibit work in their high traffic offices. Working with the Allied Arts Council, the space is made available to the AAC membership to display work year round in a bright, open, and welcoming environment, allowing clients and passersby to experience art that they would not otherwise have had the chance to enjoy.

Royal LePage’s support of the AAC exemplifies the AAC’s mission of advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge.

Allied Arts Council Excellence (AACE) Award, Organization No nominations

ANNUAL REPORT

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lethbridge

ARTS DAYS

Discover Experience Celebrate

2014

September 21 - 28

PROMOTING

THE ARTS

Lethbridge Arts Days are held at the end of September each year in conjunction with Alberta Culture Days, and the Canada-wide National Culture Days. Lethbridge Arts Days has grown into a week-long celebration of the arts in our City, bringing together many of our member arts organizations and providing opportunities for artists to participate and share their work.

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In 2014, Arts Days received from Canadian Heritage – Building Communities, Alberta Culture, and the City of Lethbridge Heart of Our City. This funding enables us to provide a program of performers and artists during Lethbridge Arts Days, creating a platform for artists to perform and showcase their work in venues that they normally wouldn’t be able to. More than 200 artists participated.

Artwalk placed over 50 artists in storefronts and businesses in the downtown core as well as several open studios on September 26 & 27. The artisan market, held September 27 & 28, provided a space for artists and artisans to sell their work in a central location (Casa) along the Artwalk route. Street performers and musicians engaged with audiences through our On the Streets schedule of performers along the Art Walk Route.

The Allied Arts Council collaborated with galleries and other arts organizations to include their events in the program and help create and promote events that added to the diversity of the festival. Lethbridge Public Library’s Word on the Street Festival, the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra’s Chamber Concert and The University of Lethbridge’s Theatre Xtra show were all included in the 2014 events. We worked with Drama Nutz to create Live in Lethbridge; a community cabaret show, and partnered with the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, who hosted their annual pancake breakfast, a writer’s workshop and family art activities. Lethbridge Arts Days also built on the success of past Gallery Strolls to host an event on the evening of Saturday, September 27, several galleries in the downtown core hosted openings and open houses, and upwards of 150 people attended. Visual Arts Alberta/CARFAC presented a writer’s workshop, and we were able to screen Prairie Tales and Casa’s Silent Treatment Film Festival.

ANNUAL REPORT

PROMOTING Family Affair on the Square, a family-friendly day of art activities, live music and performances was held both inside and outside at Casa to wrap up the festival. In addition to local singer-songwriters and up-and-coming local bands, there were performances by Hibikiya Taiko Drummers and Troyanda Ukrainian Dancers, who opened up their senior dance rehearsal to the public. Associate members Red Engine Coffee Roasters were on hand with refreshments, and over 300 people took part in this wrap up celebration of Arts Days on the Square at Casa.

THE ARTS

Mountain Standard Time Performing Arts Festival, which takes place in Calgary and Lethbridge over two weeks, partnered with Lethbridge Arts Days to showcase several pieces, with artists participating along the Art Walk route, and as part of the Gallery Stroll and Family Affair on the Square.

Overall, approximately 4500 people attended Lethbridge Arts Days- thank you to everyone who participated, hosted and attended!

Christmas at Casa

NOVEMBER 21 & 22

Held November 21 & 22 at Casa, Christmas at Casa grew in leaps and bounds in its second year, welcoming 35 vendors, including several of Allied and Artist members who were able to display and sell a wide variety of original, handmade work. Held in conjunction with the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ’s Bright Lights Festival in Galt Gardens, Christmas at Casa’s attendance increased to approximately 1900 people over two days, up 500 from its first year, and we look forward to seeing the event grow in coming years exponentially.

The sale was complemented by live music presented my members Karen Romanchuk and members of the Busker’s Association, and Associate member Red Engine Coffee Roasters was on hand to serve refreshments to shoppers.

The Allied Arts Council also sold handmade ceramic snowflakes created by Casa users, with proceeds going towards Gallery programming. We also offered gift wrapping services with a decorating station.

ANNUAL REPORT

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FACILITY

Claire Hatton, Facility Coordinator

BUILDING

COMMUNITY

2014 was the first full year Casa was in operation. Although we were still in the initial stages of using the building, operating for a full year has given us the opportunity to see what works and what needs work.

Having close to 80,000 visits to Casa in 2014 is impressive and validates the need for an arts centre of this size in Lethbridge.

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During peak hours, classrooms and rentable rooms were well subscribed. The busiest time of day was from 4:00 to 10:00 pm and the busiest day of the week was Saturday.

Studio space was also being used, especially in the clay and the weaving studios. In 2014, there were 51 artists with a yearly studio access pass. Dancers and musicians made use of studio space on a daily drop-in pass.

musicians, dancers, vocalists and actors the opportunity to perform at Casa. Once per month, a Friday evening is available for a group or individual artist to perform in the ATB Community Room at no charge. This initiative was developed in late fall. There was one On Stage performance in 2014 that was very successful and many more artists are have booked spots in 2015.

Probably the largest non-art event at Casa in 2014 was the Moonlight Run. It brought at least 2500 people into the building. Casa also provided space for the media centre during the Tour of Alberta race. The parking lot as well as the ATB Financial Community Room was full of trailers and staff broadcasting the race over 72 networks.

Noteworthy art events at Casa were the Christmas sale in November, Arts Days in September, Family Fun Day in February, the Tuba Christmas jam session in December, and monthly Lunch & Listen concerts through the Conservatory of Music. All of these events were well received, bringing many new faces to Casa while showcasing local talent.

There are still a few building deficiencies remaining which continue to affect programming and general operations.

Not that one issue is more important than another, but the acoustics the ATB Financial Community Room have had a negative effect on some groups renting the room. Hopefully these deficiencies will be addressed in 2015.

Realizing there were many groups and individual artists that were not showcasing their talent at Casa, a program was developed called “On Stage”. The program provides

Even with deficiencies Casa, is proving to be a building that is well used, providing appropriate space for local artists and groups to make art.

ANNUAL REPORT

PARTICIPANTS

GROUPS

DESCRIPTION Concerts, fundraising events, meetings, workshops, film series, info sessions, art sales, recitals, rehearsal, presentations, private parties, voting station, fashion show, media centre

244

18,823

57

Meeting Rooms

276

4027

21

Dance Studio

491

7462

11

Ballet, Ethnic dance, swing dance, martial arts, yoga, exercise, photo shoots, theatre rehearsals

2D Classroom

61

570

2

Art workshops, art therapy

3D Studio

21

824

1

Workshops

Textile Studio

25

286

1

Workshops

Atrium

2

460

2

Music jam session, fundraiser music performance

Upper Patio

2

65

1

Private parties

Rotary Square

3

280

3

Pancake breakfast, BBQ, music performance

347

39

Meetings, music practice, private lessons, art classes, parties, auditions, workshops, recitals

STUDIO ACCESS 3D Studio

853

2D Studio

315

Weaving Studio

1441

Textile Studio

190

TOURS

39

CASA BUILDING

2014

COMMUNITY

ATB Financial Community Room

BUILDING

VISITS

ROOM

81,499

CASA

STAFF FACILITY SERVICES COORDINATOR Claire Hatton FACILITY SERVICES ASSISTANT Brenna Lowrie GALLERY SERVICES COORDINATOR Darcy Logan

EDUCATION COORDINATOR Jeremy Mason/Diana Zasadny FACILITY TECHNICIANS Brent Coulton Aaron Hagan FACILITY ATTENDANTS Brent Coulton Tim Elniski Brandon Hearty Ethan Roth

RECEPTION Lorraine Lee Pamela Vera Diana Zasadny CUSTODIANS Brad Goruk Andrew Bialobzyski

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EDUCATION

Diana Zasadny, Education Coordinator

BUILDING

COMMUNITY

Registration in CASA classes continued to be strong throughout the year with particular interest in Clay wheel, clay handbuilding, children’s Friday after school programs, stained/fused glass and dance.

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2014’s children’s summer camps differed slightly from 2013, running slightly less classes total but having class times run longer. Overall, this appeared to be desirable for parents.

Youth Summer Programming ran two youth “intensives”. These week long full day camps allowed students aged 13-17 to go deeper into their artistic practice: “Extreme Art” was taught by Amy Dodic and Brent Coulton and students were able to work on their art with the guidance of both instructors. At the end of the week they had a showing of the work that was created during the week. Students learned new techniques and got critical feedback from instructors.

“Triple Threat: Theatre Camp” was taught by Claire Lint, Jeremy Mason and Kathy Zaborsky. Students spent their days learning about acting, dancing and singing. During the course of the week they worked on scenes, monologues, group dance and group songs. They culminated with mock auditions for the instructors and Kate Connolly, who acted as a guest judge. After the auditions they then performed their pieces for friends and family.

Feedback for both programs were overwhelmingly positive.

Family Fun Day, February 17, was an extremely well attended event. This was a free event for families to drop in and take a class in pottery, artist trading cards, zines, improv, dance, and drumming. Several hundred people passed through the building, either to partake in classes or simply to walk through the building. Many people mentioned that this was their first time through the space.

ANNUAL REPORT

SPRING/SUMMER CLASS STATISTICS (JANUARY - APRIL)

Total # Run Classes ..................... 50 Total # Students ........................... 372 Average/Class ................................. 7.4

(MAY - AUGUST)

Total # Run Classes ................... 54 Total # Students ........................... 352 Average/Class ................................. 6.7

FALL CLASS STATISTICS (SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER)

In 2014, Casa successfully implemented Birthday Parties as part of the services provided. This opportunity has brought in new visitors and participants to Casa. The parties include 1.5 hours of art instruction in Clay hand building, watercolour, monotypes and zines with one hour for gifts and refreshments. The parties are for children six years and older to a maximum of 12 participants. There has been great feedback and popularity with the clay hand building parties.

Throughout the year 13 Birthday Parties have taken place with approximately 130 participants.

The Artist Partnership Program (AP’s) creates the opportunity for Artists to bring in their unique skills, ideas and media to deliver as classes to the public through Casa. Artist Partnerships may be proposed by an individual artist or arts organizations. These classes can be for adults, youth and children. AP’s can include one and two day workshops as well as six week courses. In 2014, the Artist Partnership Program continued to grow as 49 classes and workshops were programmed up from 45.

COMMUNITY

Total # Run Classes .................... 38 Total # Students .......................... 264 Average/Class ..................................... 7

BUILDING

WINTER CLASS STATISTICS

In 2014, ATB Financial provided funds to be directed towards Youth and Aboriginal Art Programming. In response to this, Casa partnered with Opokaa’sin in creating an arts programming for their After School Program and Youth Mentorship Program. These classes have primarily focused on 2D artwork. Thanks to ATB Financial, these classes are possible.

The Artist Residency Program provides an opportunity for artists from all disciplines and levels of development to pursue their own work in a supportive, community-based atmosphere. During an artist’s residency they have access to Casa for their work and in exchange often showcase their skills in a free workshop or exhibition for the public. In 2014, four artists took part in the residency program at Casa.

ANNUAL REPORT

15

GALLERY

Darcy Logan, Gallery Services Coordinator

The gallery program at Casa had a tremendous year ďŹ lled with great partnerships, fantastic exhibitions, and community engagement. The program has been expanding and evolving, and will be continuing this evolution in 2015.

16

ANNUAL REPORT

Troy Nickle

Marie Imrie de Gomez

BUILDING

COMMUNITY

Beany Dootjes

In our primary space, the Casa Gallery, there were 12 formal fee-paying exhibitions by both local artists, and artists with connection to our community. 11 of these were solo exhibitions, and one was a group exhibition with 22 local participants. Casa also maintains a series of auxiliary exhibition spaces. In the Passage Gallery, a non-fee paying space adjacent to the front desk, we had six exhibitions by local artists. In the Concourse Gallery & Showcases, non-fee paying exhibition spaces on the second oor, we had 10 exhibitions. Of these, 6 were solo exhibitions, and 4 were group exhibitions that gave an additional 40 artists the opportunity to have work shown at Casa. In the Focus Gallery, a small exhibition area adjacent to the Dance Studio, we displayed the work of 6 local artists.

BUILDING We also partnered with two organizations to present ad hoc exhibitions in the atrium. Participants from the Alberta Health Services Expressive Arts Program had the opportunity to share their work, and the Sisters in Spirit Vigil presented their “Faceless Dolls” project. Casa Gallery also partnered with curator Cindy Baker in presenting a component of her “Missing Body” project in our showcases & Digital Gallery. The “Window Shop”, our showcase giftshop, continues to provide an opportunity for local artisans to sell their wares.

COMMUNITY

Concourse Gallery

Media art continues to have a strong presence at Casa. Our long-term partnership with both the Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS) and the EPCOR Centre for the Arts in presenting a Lethbridge extension of the GAMA (Gallery of Alberta Media Arts) program continues. This is an peer-assessed fee paying program that presents media work by Alberta artists.

The Casa component is a monitor adjacent to the gallery. The Gallery also hosted a screening of the AMAAS travelling film project “Prairie Tales”. Casa Gallery hosted a screening of CSIF’s (Calgary Society of Independant Filmmakers) travelling festival “Witness”. The Digital Gallery on the southern exterior of the building became operational in 2014. We hosted 2 screening of “The Silent Treatment”, a gallery project that invited local artists to submit short silent films.

Casa partnered with the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery on a project titled “MmmPop”. Artists could view examples of pop art from the University’s collection, attend a series of workshops hosted by Casa to make pop art, and then have their work adjudicated for an exhibition in the Helen Christou Gallery. The Gallery launched a new fundraiser, “Feature: An Festival of Fine Wine and Fine Film”, a two-day festival that paired quality wines with obscure art documentaries.

2014 was extremely successful, and 2015 will continue to amaze, astound and engage the residents of our community!

Rick Gillis

ANNUAL REPORT

17

Strung – Gordon Ferguson; Casa

PUBLIC ART

BUILDING

COMMUNITY

The City of Lethbridge is fortunate to have a Percent for Public Art Program and the AAC is pleased to be able to participate in the program through staff membership on the Public Art Committee and by providing management support for commissioned projects and project selection committees. Management duties include: assembling selection committees, preparing and distributing call for proposal documents, managing the selection process, acting as artist liaison and project coordination.

18

Although there were no new percent for art projects installed in 2014, there were two projects that were active. One associated with the Helen Schuler Nature Centre and another associated with the SLP Skate Park. In September, 2013 a second Call for Proposals was issued for a public artwork project for the recently renovated Helen Schuler Nature Centre because the submissions from the first Call for Proposal failed to meet the expectations of the selection committee. Three artists were shortlisted for the project and were invited to Lethbridge for site visits in the spring of 2014. Detailed proposals from the artists were received and reviewed in July. On August 5, 2014, Terry Billing’s work, Listen, was approved by City Council. The work, a large sculptural listening dish, is intended to expand a visitor’s understanding of the nature reserve by encouraging them to use their sense of hearing. Listen will be installed in late spring or early summer 2015.

The process to acquire an art work for the SLP Skate Park was initiated in the spring of 2014. A key requirement for this project is the incorporation of the donor names. Three artists were shortlisted in October, 2014 with final submissions being submitted in January 2015. The selected work will be installed at a site adjacent to SLP Skate Park by the end of July 2015.

ANNUAL REPORT

Public education is an important part of the Public Art Program and the AAC also endeavors to provide opportunities for the community to become more aware of the City’s public art works and the public art program. Awareness initiatives in 2014 included a map of public art works in the AAC Directory and production of a single sheet guide to downtown public art works which was developed for the Tour of Alberta. On May 14, 2014 the public were also able to meet with the artists who created the art works at Casa. Artists Nancy Chew and Jacqueline Metz, George Heagle and Marta Blicharz presented artist talks in conjunction with the commissioning of their art works. Work commenced on a major public art communication tool in November 2014.

A call for proposals was issued in June 2014 for the development of a public art website. Brightside Studios was contracted and commenced work on

Lethbridge’s public art program continues to expand and improve each year. During their annual update to City Council in March 2013 the Public Art Committee requested and received approval to establish and manage a small projects initiative that allows the Public Art Committee to approve projects that have small budgets and are targeted to local artists. Members of the Public Art Committee were provided with an opportunity to network with professionals working in the field of public art and opportunities to learn the best practices in public art programming through their attendance at the annual Americans for the Arts Annual Conference and Public Art Pre-Conference in June 2014 and the Alberta Public Art Network Conference in October 2014.

COMMUNITY

Also completed in 2014 was a second innovative project. Gord Ferguson’s work Strung, was installed in the south stairwell of Casa. The privately owned artwork, originally created as part of the McIntrye Ranch Project, organized by David Durrant and Jeff Spalding in 1991, is also on long term loan to the AAC.

the website in the fall. The new website, www. publicartlethbridge.ca, will launch mid-2015 and will provide information regarding Lethbridge’s public art program and projects for the general public and artists interested in participating in the program.

BUILDING

The David Hoffos work, The People in the Window, was unveiled during an Alberta Foundation for the Arts Community Reception in September 2014. The work was commissioned by the AAC, funded by the AFA and is part of the AFA collection on long term loan to the Allied Arts Council. This project sets a new precedent for expanding the quantity of public art in our community through a new acquisition protocol and demonstrates an excellent example of inter-agency collaboration.

Public art is enhancing the built environment and is becoming a part of Lethbridge’s public identity.

The AAC is delighted to be able to contribute to this worthwhile program.

People in the Window – David Hoffos; Casa ANNUAL REPORT

19

ARTS PROFILE LETHBRIDGE The Board of Directors of the Allied Arts Council has believed for years that artists and arts organizations contribute not only to the quality of life in Lethbridge, but also to our local economy and beyond. We feel we have a strong, diverse arts community contributing real dollars to our local economy. As the City of Lethbridge continues to grow, it was felt it would be beneficial to have an accurate snapshot of the arts community. A decision was made in 2012 to embark on a project to gather information and data about the artists and arts organizations of Lethbridge and their beneficial impact and this project was completed in 2014. Arts Profile Lethbridge will be an asset as we continue to advocate the importance and positive impact of the arts to the residents in our community. Below are several “Snippets” from Arts Profile Lethbridge. The full report and an executive summary is available from the Allied Arts Council and online at www.artslethbridge.org/publications

TABLE 1: OUTPUT OF THE LETHBRIDGE ARTS SECTOR

ADVOCATING

FOR THE ARTS

Economic Effect

20

City of Lethbridge

Elsewhere in Alberta

Total Alberta

In Millions Direct

$7.5

$2.5

$10.0

Indirect

$0.5

$3.5

$4.0

Induced

$2.0

$4.0

$6.0

TOTAL

$10

$10

$20

Definitions: Direct Output: The actual expenditures made by the establishments operating in the sector.

Indirect Output: Measures the economic activity of the industries supplying goods and services to the sector.

Induced Output: The expenditures by the workers whose wages are paid by the arts sector and its suppliers.

TABLE 2: VALUE ADDED BY THE LETHBRIDGE ARTS SECTOR Economic Effect

City of Lethbridge

Elsewhere in Alberta

Total Alberta

In Millions Direct

$4.5

$1.5

$6.0

Indirect

$0.5

$1.5

$2.0

Induced

$1.0

$2.5

$3.5

TOTAL

$6.0

$5.5

$11.5

ANNUAL REPORT

ADVOCATING

12% Volunteers 35% Full-time employees

arts

FOR THE ARTS

PERFORMING

53% Part-time and casual employees CENTRE ��� �� �� � � ��� � �� � ��� � � ��

IMPROVING ARTS FACILITIES PERFORMING

arts

CENTRE

��� �� � � �� ��� �� � �� �� � � ��

The AAC Board of Directors has resolved that the AAC will take a leadership role in building and supporting a larger committee to generate funds for a Performing Arts Centre and will continue to build support in the community, engaging and aligning stakeholders and expressing the need for a new Performing Arts Centre to the community at large.

A stakeholder’s update meeting was held on June 24, 2014. It was clear from this meeting that although there is much enthusiasm for building a new Performing Arts Centre there is still work to be done to build stakeholder alignment for the project. The committee also developed a communication plan with timelines and assembled a committee of community individuals who are working on fund development strategies.

ANNUAL REPORT

21

MEMBERSHIP The AAC boasts a diverse membership of artists, arts organizations and arts supporters.

104

Artist Members Individuals engaged in artistic endeavors

54

Allied Members

Groups dedicated to furthering the arts

29 Associate Members Businesses engaged in artistic endeavors

40 Friend Members

Individuals, families and companies supportive of the arts

LIFETIME MEMBERS

Doris Balkovske

Karen Kay

Clare Malmberg passed away in 2014

VOLUNTEERS

SUPPORTERS 22

Van Christou

The AAC acknowledges the following members whose efforts have had a major impact on the Allied Arts Council throughout the years. Each of them has received a Lifetime Membership in recognition of their contributions.

The AAC gratefully acknowledges the contribution of volunteers who support us. Supported activities and programs in 2013 include the AAC Board of Directors, Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts, AAC Open House, Christmas at Casa, Lethbridge Arts Days and Casa Education & Gallery programs.

Approximately

42 volunteers

1220

contributed hours of their time to the AAC. ANNUAL REPORT

FINANCIALS

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparitive information for 2013

ANNUAL REPORT

23

8% Alberta Foundation for the Arts

REVENUE Program Fees/Membership

$245,376.55

24%

Projects/Donations/Grants

$147,495.10

15%

$539,500.00

53%

$79,636.37

8%

City of Lethbridge* Alberta Foundation for the Arts

24% Program Fees/Membership

$1,012,008.02 *does not include imputed rent

53% City of Lethbridge

15% Projects/Donations/Grants

EXPENSES Administration

$241,951.53

25%

Facility

$336,191.08

35%

Arts Promotion

$126,795.14

13%

Programming*

$243,327.79

25%

$13,259.29

1%

Board

$961,524.83

FINANCIALS

*does not include imputed rent

1% Board

25% Programming

25% Administration

35% Facility 24

ANNUAL REPORT

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

---10,011 ---4,611 --1,665 --853 17,140

14,436 (13,843)

-199,949 -5,306 --17,689 3,480 -4,571 6,385 -4,710 -242,090

Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses (230,716) Program allocations 230,716

Net program surplus (deficiency)

593 $

---31,576

-5,943 5,431 11,374

-- $

--

--

$

31,576 --

Expenses: Program costs Administrative and support staff Fundraising and special projects Staff expenses Rent Building maintenance Office Communications Utilities Insurance Other Loss on disposal of capital assets Goods and services tax non-recoverable Amortization

Education

$

40,343 $

51,879 (11,536)

-711 99,379

--

----------

59,449

39,219

36,788 --151,258

--

---

- $ 114,470

Board

---

-- $

Administrative

Revenue: Fees, sales and rentals $ City of Lethbridge: - fee for service - facility support Fundraising and special projects Grants, donations and sponsorships Other Recoveries (net)

Program

15,916

119,738 (103,822)

-6,398 726,796

--

-42 424,812 13,503 -17,858 ----

264,183

--

---846,534

--

347,300 424,812

74,422

Facility

$

$

745 $

9,974 (9,229)

-569 105,793

--

----11,550 -----

45,979

47,695

106,620 --115,767

--

---

(7,113) $

85,173 (92,286)

-5,687 195,139

--

88,215 -16,052 16,678 4,210 56,328 2,631 -4,838

--

500

21,918 --280,312

86,050

160,624 --

11,720 $

Leadership

9,147 $

Gallery

Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparitive information for 2013

Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013

Statement of Operations

50,484

50,484 --

4,710 14,218 1,386,337

--

88,215 15,359 440,864 30,181 33,449 82,277 2,631 4,571 12,888

569,560

87,414

165,326 5,943 5,431 1,436,821

86,050

539,500 424,812

209,759

2014

$

77,227

77,227 --

6,005 14,546 1,190,835

2,616

110,063 12,116 398,058 22,303 25,490 66,495 10,642 4,662 7,646

459,413

50,780

134,173 3,965 758 1,268,062

76,647

523,900 382,038

$ 146,581

2013

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBIRDGE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FINANCIALS

A L L I ED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE 3 1 8 7 STREET SOUTH L E T H BRIDGE ALBERTA

T1J 2G2

P H : 403.320.0555 F : 4 03.320.2450 E MA IL: INFO@ARTSLETHBRIDGE.ORG

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