ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE
Annual Report
2013
Table of Contents
Vision Mission
A Vibrant Arts Community enriches Lethbridge.
The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge provides leadership in advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge.
2013 President’s Report Last year was a busy year for the Allied Arts Council of
The other significant advocacy initiative was the on-going
Lethbridge (AAC) as we continued to focus our efforts on
Economic Impact of the Arts Study. Data collection was
initiatives that enhance and grow the arts in our Community.
completed for the study that was initiated by the Board of Directors in 2012. Information provided by self-identified
The opening of the new arts centre, Casa, is perhaps the
artists allowed us to develop a profile of Lethbridge’s arts
most significant council accomplishment of the year as it
community as well as allowing us to develop information
represents the vision, determination and years of effort by
on the positive contributions the arts sector makes to the
many artists, arts organizations and arts supporters. The
Lethbridge economy. We were extremely pleased with the
official opening of the building on May 14 was attended by
participation of the AFA in the project. Not only were they able
approximately 1,500 people who were delighted by the bright
to provide data and an endorsement for the Lethbridge study;
and spacious environment of this tremendous addition to the
we were also able to analyze our data using multipliers that
downtown core. Casa is unique in its conception as a civic
are consistent with previous AFA economic impact studies.
facility that was purpose-built for creating and presenting
A final comprehensive report will be ready for distribution in
arts of all disciplines.
the fall of 2014.
Even as we celebrate Casa and the richness it adds to our community, the AAC board and staff recognize the need to complete a cultural corridor in downtown Lethbridge through the addition of a much needed theatre space. The AAC,
None of these initiatives would be possible without the efforts of a strong Board of Directors, the support of an enthusiastic and devoted staff and the contributions of our major funders, donors and volunteers.
as well as many other individuals and organizations, were able to champion the need for a new performing arts theatre
In addition to the opening of Casa and the two major advocacy
to City Council during its Capital Improvement Program
initiatives, the AAC continued to manage its ongoing activities.
process in April 2013. Council kept the potential project on
These included strong communication and arts promotion
the books when they approved $10 million in future funding
strategies and the delivery of projects that support artists
for a theatre. Although this funding is contingent on raising
and arts organizations while increasing awareness of the
the balance of the required dollars, the City of Lethbridge
arts in the community. Members of the Board of Directors
Council’s commitment allows the AAC and the larger
and the staff also demonstrated their support for the larger
community an opportunity to continue to pursue the much
arts community through their attendance at member and
required building.
community arts events throughout the year.
The AAC was engaged in two important arts advocacy
In June 2013 members of the AAC Board and staff travelled
activities in 2013. In the fall of 2013 the AAC developed and
to Red Deer with representatives from the City of Lethbridge
circulated a Municipal Election Survey focused on the arts to
to participate in the Lieutenant Governor General Arts Awards
each of the candidates vying for a position on the new City
Celebration. We were delighted to be present to hear the
Council. The information that was gathered in the survey
official announcement of Lethbridge being named the host
was shared with the AAC membership and was available
city for the awards in 2015.
on the AAC website thus providing each of the candidates
a supporting youth focused arts festival will be one of many
an opportunity to share their arts platform with the voting
initiatives that AAC provides leadership for.
Planning this celebration and
public.
R e p o r t s 21
None of these initiatives would be possible without the efforts of a strong Board of Directors, the support of an enthusiastic and devoted staff and the contributions of our major funders, donors and volunteers. I would like to thank the AAC staff for their work during the last year which allowed for the successful opening of Casa as well as the maintenance of our on-going programs. I would also like to express appreciation to our major funders – the City of Lethbridge, the Province of Alberta, the Government of Canada and our many corporate, media and individual donors.
No
organization can function without committed volunteers and the AAC is no exception. We are extremely thankful for the assistance of the many individuals who donated time in 2013 to help with the opening of Casa as well as other AAC projects and programs. I must also recognize the efforts of the Board of Directors who volunteer their time and talents to guiding the strategic direction of the AAC thus ensuring its continued success. On a sad note, I would also like to acknowledge the loss of a number of AAC members who greatly contributed to the arts community – Shirley DeBow, former AAC Board Director; Peter Green, photographer and Robert Croskery, painter. Looking back on 2013 is inspiring with a year of accomplishments for the AAC and the arts community. We anticipate, with great enthusiasm, further accomplishments in the years to come as we continue our efforts to grow the arts in Lethbridge.
Kris Hodgson President, Board of Directors
21 R e p o r t s
2013 Executive Director’s Report The past year was a time of change and growth for the Allied Arts
development of all communications tools from web design to
Council, precipitated by the completion of the new community
stationary, business cards and promotional program guides. The
arts centre. Opening Casa presented great challenges as well as
Coordinator also developed and implemented a comprehensive
great rewards as we worked to maintain on-going programming
plan to promote Casa’s grand opening.
while adding new and expanded programs for the facility. The focus of the Projects Portfolio for the first part of 2013 was the The first quarter of 2013 was spent in planning the logistics of
Casa Grand Opening. The opening celebration included a Ribbon
moving from the Bowman Arts Centre, a home the arts community
Cutting Ceremony and Reception on May 14, 2013, guided facility
had occupied for almost 40 years, to Casa. The sourcing and
tours and a week of events that showcased the program potential
ordering of equipment, the hiring of staff, refining operational
of Casa. The Projects Coordinator also managed the ongoing
guidelines and the move and setup of Casa were collaboratively
AAC activities including our annual membership campaign, the
managed by the AAC administrative staff and Bowman program
Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts, and Arts Days. The
staff.
coordinator was also responsible for the management of a variety of artist’s opportunities such as the Bookkeeping and Tax Session
One of the most impactful changes to the AAC operations
for Artists, the Farmers Market Table project and the Library
resulting from the opening was the almost 78% increase in
Showcase project.
staff members. Operating a facility with the square footage and extended operational hours of Casa requires a large number of competent employees.
We are extremely fortunate to have
been able to assemble such a work force and are delighted how they have solidified into a team.
I am pleased to report that
I would like to thank and congratulate the AAC staff and volunteers for their dedication and hard work in 2013.
Casa’s Facility Manager, Education Coordinator and Curator/ Gallery Services Coordinator with support from an administrative
Despite the expanded responsibilities created by the opening
assistant, receptionists, facility technicians, facility attendants
of Casa, the AAC staff continue to participate in a number of
and custodians have very successful managed the phenomenal
initiatives that increase awareness of the arts in Lethbridge. AAC
growth in the respective programs that have occurred because of
staff members participate on a number of community committees
the move to Casa.
including the Heart of the City committee, Economic Development Lethbridge’s Team Lethbridge and the Tourism Joint Promotions
The opening of Casa has also impacted operations at the 7th
Program. We are also involved in the City of Lethbridge Public Art
Street office and our administrative duties. A new Point-of-Sale
Program both as participants on the Public Art Committee and as
system, an expanded payroll, increased accounts payable and
managers of selection committees and processes.
receivables and increased ticket and merchandise sales created increased responsibilities for the finance portfolio in 2013. Added
I would like to thank and congratulate the AAC staff and volunteers
responsibilities were also required of the Communications and
for their dedication and hard work in 2013. As we move forward in
Projects portfolios.
2014, we will continue to diligently work to meet the requirements of our funders, the City of Lethbridge and the AFA while supporting
In addition to the management of ongoing communications
the strategic initiatives of the AAC Board of Directors as they work
including media, publications and community outreach initiatives;
to enhance the arts in Lethbridge.
the AAC undertook the planning of a communications strategy for Casa. A community consultation group working with a facilitator, graphic artist and web designer were involved in the first step of the process: to develope a brand including a new logo for Casa.
Suzanne Lint,
The Communications Coordinator was then responsible for the
Executive Director
R e p o r t s 23
PROMOTING THE ARTS Communications 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 AAC published the sixth edition of the Arts Directory in
the public by publishing a number of publications which are
2013. The directory is the go-to publication for information
distributed to the AAC membership as well as to the broader
on Lethbridge arts, including information on artists, groups,
public.
businesses, classes, supplies and much more. The directory also included a public art map that can be used for self-guided
The ArtsBridge magazine is published twice yearly and builds
arts tours.
awareness of the arts by examining the past, present and future of the arts in Lethbridge. The magazine is theme-based; the
With the opening of Casa in May of 2013, the AAC also
Spring/Summer edition celebrated the opening of Casa. The
coordinated the production of the Casa program guides.
Fall/Winter edition examined “Arts from Outside”; the people,
The guides are released three times yearly: Winter (January
places and influences that have helped shape Lethbridge’s arts
– April), Spring/Summer (May – August) and Fall (September –
community. 2013 editions of ArtsBridge included contributions
December). Guides include class information and descriptions
from the AAC staff, board and membership, as well as members
as well as event, facility and rental information.
of arts organizations, artists, musicians, poets, dancers, architects, and City of Lethbridge staff.
Online & Social Media
The Online Arts Calendar promoted 219 unique arts events in 2013.
Communications has slowly become more and more digitized and the Allied Arts Council is following this trend by doing a significant amount of communications through online and social media. We manage two websites, three facebook pages, two twitter accounts, two Instagram accounts, a google plus page, two YouTube channels and a Bi-monthly e-newsletter. Overall we have seen an increase in engagement online from year to year, and continue to build and support our mission through online media.
www.artslethbridge.org had 14,095 page visits in 2013, and 8600 unique visitors.
2013
An average of 4 unique arts events from AAC members are promoted online per week.
4 Communications
3
Media Partnerships The Allied Arts Council continues to build on our media relationships
space for a column for AAC members to share news, events, and
in the community. We are grateful of all the time and effort that our
articles relating to the arts, weekly in the Friday Paper.
media partners put into maintaining our strong partnerships. Several other media organizations including: Global Television, We continue to partner with 94.1 CJOC on two unique arts
Shaw Television, CTV Lethbridge, LAbeat, The Endeavor, The
campaigns: Art Moments & Art Tracks. Art Moments provide
Meliorist, Lethbridge Living, Quirk, CKXU 88.3, The River 107.7/Rock
information on arts issues and initiatives in the community, and Art
106.7, B93.3/Country 95.5, CKVN 98.1 have generously provided
Tracks provide on-air promotion for AAC member arts events.
Non-Profit rates or media coverage for our organization, making it possible for us to communicate with our greater community.
The AAC also maintains a partnership with the Lethbridge Herald on the “Share your Stories” Column. The Herald generously donates
Promotions and Partnerships City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Guide: Each month, the AAC provides four pages in the Recreation and Culture Guide for the promotion of events, membership features and general Lethbridge arts information.
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. In 2013, over 180 posters were displayed.
Art @ the Farmers Market Booth: The Allied Arts Council rented a booth at the 2013 Farmers Market from May to October and made it available for AAC members to rent at a significantly lower cost. Member were able to sell art work, promote upcoming events, sell tickets, do demonstrations and inform the larger community of their activities.
Exhibition Opportunities: The Allied Arts Council has the use of three exhibition spaces downtown, and provides members with an opportunity to display work on a rotating basis. Royal LePage, The AAC office, and the Joan Waterfield Gallery at the Yates allow artists to showcase work for up to six months at a time.
Tax Workshop for Artists: The AAC continues to work with Volution LLP Tax annually to present tax workshops 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 application and jury process for the Ray Jolliffe Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support to a student pursuing study in the field of “Theatre Production Design and Management” and/or “Television Production and Design.” In 2013, the scholarship was awarded to Taisa Chernichko, who is studying at University of Lethbridge.
C o m m u n i Rc ea pt oi or nt s 25
Mayor’s Luncheon for business and the arts
2013 Mayor’s Luncheon For Business and the Arts
On September 19, 2013 the AAC hosted a sold out 8th annual Mayors Luncheon for Business and the Arts at the Lethbridge Lodge. The Luncheon is a celebration of the relationship between the business community, civic government, and the arts community and includes an awards presentation that recognizes the achievements of individuals, organizations and businesses who have contributed to the arts vibrancy of our city. The Luncheon was attended by 240 arts supporters who saw the AACE & Joan Waterfield awards presented to four dedicated arts supporters. Allied Arts Council Excellence Awards recipients:
2013 Business Recipient: Mike Spencer Geometrics Nominated by: YWCA & Womanspace Mike Spencer created a space for musicians to perform and for people who love music to come together and enjoy an intimate live venue. This effort has grown into the Geomatic Attic, where not only local bands and musicians can perform, but is a venue that can host and present music that would otherwise not have an opportunity to perform in our City. The Geomatic Attic supports artists and inspires community members to come together to enjoy music.
2013 Individual Recipient: Pete Fiorino Nominated by: Potemkin Collective, Burning Ground Studios, Theatre Outre Peter Fiorino has a genuine love of the Arts, and for many years has helped by providing spaces for artists to work, display, and perform at affordable prices. Pete’s work behind the scenes is an important part of the strength of our arts community. Peter says “art is life, without art, we have nothing”
6 RM ea py oo rr t’ s L u n c h
2013 Service Organization Recipient: Rotary Club of Lethbridge Nominated by: City of Lethbridge Recreation & Culture The Rotary Club’s investment into the building of Casa and the Rotary Square was an essential and significant contribution. The Rotary Club recognized the importance of investing in the arts and the value that an inviting downtown gathering place has for Lethbridge. The Rotary Club of Lethbridge’s contribution was illustrative of what it means to be an Allied Arts Council Excellence award recipient, and their investment in the square at Casa will have an impact on our community for years to come.
Joan Waterfield Award recipient
Peggy Mezei, University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music The Joan Waterfield Memorial Award is a peer to peer award recognizing outstanding contribution to the arts in Lethbridge. This year’s winner, Peggy Mezei, of the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music, exemplifies the awards intent to give credit to individuals who demonstrate long term commitment to nourishing the arts in Lethbridge. Peggy’s work with the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music has had far reaching benefits. As an artist, leader, mentor, advocate and educator, Peggy’s work helped make the participation of the conservatory in Casa a reality resulting in long lasting music opportunities for the community.
M a y o r ’ Rs e Lp uo nr ct hs 27
Lethbridge Arts Days 2013 Lethbridge Arts Days was held at the end of September in conjunction with Alberta Culture Days and the Canada wide National Culture Days. Arts Days is a week-long celebration of the arts in Lethbridge. Lethbridge Arts Days provides a unique opportunity to showcase and share the talents of our member artists and arts organizations. In 2013, Arts Days included the participation of more than 200 artists from a variety of disciplines. Funding received from Canadian Heritage – Building Communities, Alberta Culture, the City of Lethbridge Heart of Our City, along with several corporate sponsors provided us an opportunity to create a platform for artists to perform and showcase their work in Lethbridge.
The 9th annual Artwalk included over 50 artists in storefronts and businesses in the downtown core, and several artist studios. An artisan market provided space for artists and artisans to sell their work in a central location along the Artwalk route, street performers and musicians performed along the route helping to engage audiences and liven our downtown core. The Allied Arts Council collaborated with several Lethbridge arts organizations to include their events in our program adding to the diversity of the festival. Promoted member events included Drama Nutz Cabaret “Live in Lethbridge”, Lethbridge Public Library “Word on the Street”, The Geomatic Attic concert “Little Miss Higgins”, Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra’s “Chamber Series 1”, Alberta Media Arts Alliance series “Prairie Tales”, The Southern Alberta Art Gallery Pancake Breakfast, Galt Museum & Archives Sculpture Show, The University of Lethbridge TheatreXtra Production “Down From Heaven”, and a Gallery Stroll including SAAG,The Trianon, Casa Gallery, The U of L Penny Building Gallery, and Geomatic Attic Gallery.
Christmas at Casa On November 22 & 23 the Allied Arts Council hosted the first Christmas at Casa seasonal art market. The market consisted of 21 unique vendors including individual artists, guilds and collectives selling art in a variety of mediums including: photography, pottery, textiles, weaving, paintings, wood-work, jewellery and sculpture.
81 RA er pt os r tD sa y s
Arts Days . 2013
With the opening of Casa this year we were able to expand our Arts Days Programming and add new events like the Family Affair on the Square. This event was a family friendly day filled with art activities and live music. In addition to local singer-songwriters and up and coming local bands, we were able to include performances by the Community Taiko Drummers, the University of Lethbridge Low Brass Ensemble, and the Lethbridge Irish Dance Academy, thus enabling these organizations to perform their work in a new venue to new audiences. Over 400 people took part in the event and we look forward to building on the success of this new initiative in the upcoming years. Overall attendance during Arts Days was approximately 4500 and we continue to appreciate the growth and opportunity that this festival has in increasing the appreciation for the arts Lethbridge.
The event was held in conjunction with the Bright Lights Festival,
Attendance at the event was approximately 1500 over the two days
MADE Sale, and the moonlight madness in downtown Lethbridge
and we look forward to building on the success of this year’s sale
which added to the festive atmosphere of the sale. Also adding to
and growing Christmas at Casa into one of the most anticipated
the atmosphere was the Casa CafĂŠ which provided shoppers and
Christmas shows in the City.
vendors an opportunity to enjoy a snack and a beverage.
A r Rt se p Do ar yt s 9
Grand Opening On May 14, 2013 Casa, Lethbridge’s new community arts centre opened its doors to the public. The Allied Arts Council worked with the City of Lethbridge to celebrate the Grand Opening with a week-long celebration of the arts. The opening day consisted of a VIP reception, public tours, ribbon cutting, speeches, and open studios. It was an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of all the individuals who put tireless hours in to making Casa a reality, as well as showcase what Casa has to offer to our community. Our celebration continued throughout the week with a performance series including original dance pieces by Intrinzic Dance & Nehiyah Iskwewak Collective called “Dance comes Home”, an original Theatre Production written by Jeremy Mason entitled “The Death of Vaudeville and Other Stories”, and a concert presented by Geomatic Attic featuring Oscar Lopez. A total of approximately 400 people attended these performances during opening week. The inaugural gallery exhibition “Transitions and Transformation” featured 34 Lethbridge and area artists who produced work in a variety of mediums. The opening exhibition drew approximately 200 guests to Casa. The final day of our celebration consisted of a “Party on the Plaza” concert. This concert was free to the public and featured several Lethbridge and area performers. The inclement weather brought the Party inside, but the community room at Casa was a more than capable backup plan for the performances. After almost twenty years of work the Allied Arts Council and the citizens of Lethbridge at large are finally getting an opportunity to see what our arts community can do with increased and improved arts space. The opening activities saw more than 3000 people visit Casa, and we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this new facility.
10 Casa
BUILDING COMMUNITY Facility The first quarter of 2013 found staff focused on preparations for the
space at Casa either on a weekly or monthly basis. Most bookable
move out of the Bowman Arts Centre and into Casa. Many hours
space is utilized daily during peak hours by art, non-art groups and
went into planning and orchestrating the move. Staff numbers grew
the Conservatory of Music. Highlight bookings during the first nine
from three full-time and one part-time employees at the Bowman to
months of operations include Jazz Festival, a Flood Relief Concert,
six full-time and six part-time employees at Casa. There was a two
the Girls Rock Camp, the College Fashion Design program’s
week window to make the transition and with the unbelievable efforts
Fashion Show, the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music
of staff and volunteers it went very well. New staff worked at Casa
Donor Appreciation reception and the Tuba Christmas. Having the
assembling equipment and furnishings while existing staff packed up
University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music at Casa adds yet
the Bowman.
another art element to the centre and their presence continues to be very positive. The Conservatory employs approximately fifty music
At least fifteen hundred people attended the Casa Grand Opening on
teachers and has over eight hundred students.
May 14, 2013 with many others enjoying specifically planned opening week events. The number of people accessing Casa continues to
Moving into a new building comes with many challenges. The typical
be impressive with most months realizing over eight thousand visits.
construction deficiencies that are associated with the building of a large
Approximately 800 people have been given guided tours of Casa
facility have been and continue to be a concern. They are however
since it opened in May 2013. Fifty-two individual artists purchased
being addressed and we are confident issues today will not be issues
yearly Studio Access passes in 2013 and are regularly using studio
tomorrow. Challenges aside, Casa is a wonderful facility which is
spaces and there are close to twenty art related groups booking
being well used and is greatly appreciated by the community.
Casa Bookings June - December 2013 ROOM
VISITS
PARTICIPANTS
GROUPS
DESCRIPTION
Community Room
80
9769
57
Recitals, musical performances, films, photo presentations, workshops, artist residencies, training and info sessions, meetings, art sales, social events, dance performances & theatre productions
Meeting Rooms
80
1046
21
Meetings, AGMs, rehearsals, info sessions, polling station, speech arts, recitals, interviews
Dance Studio
158
2491
11
Ballet, ethnic dance, healing movement, interpretive dance, yoga, martial arts
2D Classroom
37
281
2
Visual art classes, art wellness programs
3D Studio
4
80
1
Workshops
Textile Room
4
60
1
Workshops
Atrium
2
120
2
Filming, music jam session
Upper Patio
1
25
1
Meet & mix
Rotary Square
3
500
3
Social interest rally, festival, pancake breakfast
R e p Co ar st as 1 1
Education Providing strong skill building programs was an integral part of
in the last nine months we
the education programming at the Bowman Arts Centre and this
have added two new artist
program focus has continued since the move to Casa. With a new
opportunities.
building, filled with more artist and classroom space, we have
Partnerships foster creative
seen our enrollment numbers surpass our numbers from 2012.
development community
Our by
Artist
combining
inspired
ideas
Our strong education program includes classes for children, youth
with Casa administrative and
and adults as well as community outreach programs. Classes
facility resources. Proposals
range from drawing, painting, and photography to stained
for classes and workshops are
glass, cartooning and book binding. During May and June of
generated and delivered by individual artists or arts organizations
2013 we offered a series of “samplers� allowing people to take
from all disciplines and are available to local as well as visiting
a smorgasbord of lessons in various arts disciplines. These
artists. There have been over 45 Artist Partnerships programmed
samplers provided a great opportunity for community members to
since May.
try different arts activities at an affordable price without the need to commit to a particular class. Many of the students who participated
Our residency program provides an opportunity for artists from all
in the sampler classes subsequently enrolled in regular classes.
disciplines to pursue their own work in a supportive, communitybased atmosphere. It is open to artists from all backgrounds and
As always our clay classes have remained in-demand, with
at any stage in their development, including recent high school
classes being consistently at capacity. We are working to offer
graduates, amateurs, and emerging or established professionals.
more opportunities to study both clay handbuilding and the clay
During an artist’s residency they have access to Casa for their
wheel for both beginners and advanced students.
work and in exchange showcase their skills in free workshops or presentations for the public. To date eight residencies have been
In addition to our regular classes we continue to grow our community
held at Casa.
outreach programming. Our special needs programming remains at capacity providing many arts opportunities for adults with special needs. Our RAW program, which provides arts opportunities for members of our community that battle poverty and homelessness, has grown substantially since moving to Casa. This program now under the umbrella of the Housing First initiative has been joined by programs at Brassard House and a program for at risk youth. In each of these our dedicated core of artist instructors help individuals find meaningful daily activities and expression through the arts. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive and the program is consistently referred to as a highlight in their week. As the education programming has been developed and refined
TOTAL # SINGLE SESSION
SUMMER CLASS STATISTICS
FALL CLASS STATISTICS
SAMPLER Classes . . . . . . . . . . 48 Total # Students . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 Average/Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.9
Total # Run Classes . . . . . . . . 74 Total # Students . . . . . . . . . . . . 493 Average/Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.7
Total # Run Classes . . . . . . . . . 45 Total # Students . . . . . . . . . . . . 343 Average/Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.6
12 Casa
RYAN SMITHAM - New Sculpture (‘13)
Gallery
Approximately 1000 people attended gallery openings in 2013
The Gallery Program had a tremendous year filled with radical changes, fantastic exhibitions, and community engagement. The year started with the final exhibition at the Bowman Arts Centre, and transitioned to Casa with an extremely successful inaugural exhibition that included works by 34 artists. Since moving to Casa the program has expanded considerably, and we will be continuing this evolution and expansion over the coming years. The program presented eight gallery exhibitions, as well as numerous smaller ad hoc presentations. Of these eight gallery exhibitions, five were solo shows. The other three exhibitions were group shows which included a total of forty-one participating artists. All of our exhibitions in 2013 featured the work of either local artists, or artists with a strong connection to our community. We have also hosted seven unique, smaller exhibitions on our feature walls and in our presentation showcases. For the fifth year, the gallery organized a film series featuring rare documentaries about contemporary artists. This year’s series, “Process and Perception” began in November, 2013. Films are now screened once a month rather than once a week.
Artist’s Fees totaling $15,974 were paid to 46 exhibiting artists in 2013 A new program that resulted from the move to Casa is The “Window Shop” showcase giftshop, which provides an opportunity for local artisans to sell their wares. Sales volumes for the “Window Shop” have been steady and are expected to grow. The gallery program also had the opportunity to enter into a long-term partnership with both the Alberta Media Arts Alliance and the EPCOR Centre for the Arts in presenting a Lethbridge extension of the GAMA (Gallery of Alberta Media Arts) program. This is a peer-assessed fee paying program that presents media work by Alberta artists. The Casa component is a monitor and viewing area adjacent to the gallery. We were excited to receive notice of a $15,000 Canada Council for the Arts Project Grant (inter-organization collaboration) late in 2013. Artist Cindy Baker is working on her Masters of Fine Art Degree at the U of L, and as part of her thesis, she is curating a large installation and performance art event in Lethbridge, featuring international artists who will be travelling to our community. Casa Gallery, in coordination with SAAG, Trap/door, M:ST Performance Art Festival, and the Potemkin Collective will be offering support. Casa will provide space, and with the grant, help offset travel and artist fee costs for the visiting artists. 2013 was extremely successful, and we are confident that we will continue to amaze, astound and engage the residents of our community in 2014!
Casa 13
MARTA BLICHARZ - Bit Portal
Public Art The AAC provides administrative support for the City of Lethbridge Public Art Program through staff participation on the Public Art Committee as well as by providing management support for project selection committees and commissioned projects. The AAC also provides opportunities for the community to learn about the public art program through the hosting of artist talks and information sessions. The Public Art collection continues to expand with the addition of three new works at Casa, the installation of an integrated work that serves as a gateway into the new City of Lethbridge Royal View Cemetery and the completion of relief sculptures on the entrance wings of the pedestrian tunnel which was built as part of the North Scenic Drive extension project. Casa has provided a number of locations for installing public art work. The second of three works commissioned for the facility, Mirrored Earth a work by the Vancouver based team of artists Nancy Chew and Jacqueline Metz, was installed in June 2013. The highly successful work surprises and
JACQUELINE METZ & NANCY CHEW - Mirrored Earth
intrigues viewers as a number of its approximately 600 wall mounted mirrors arranged to replicate the
which causes the once realistic picture plane to be abstracted, was
coulees move in response to their presence. The
selected for fabrication. The gate and grill panels were installed in
piece complements George Heagle’s Common
early 2014.
Unity, installed in late 2012 on the desk in the Casa reception area.
An additional public art project for Casa involving the commissioning of a site specific work by local artist David Hoffos was also initiated
A process to commission an artist to create a design
in 2013. The work is being funded by the AFA and will be a part
for the gate and grill incorporated in the north
of the Alberta collection on long term loan to Allied Arts Council for
courtyard fence of the centre was implemented in
installation in in the west facing window of Casa. The work will be
early 2013.
Local artist Marta Blicharz’s design
unveiled in the fall of 2014. Of significance with this project is the
titled Bit Portal, based on the imperfect nature of
collaboration between the AFA and the AAC and which creates a
digital media and its susceptibility to pixellation
model for future partnerships for accomplishing public art projects.
1 4 PR ue pb lo ir ct sA r t
Also completed and installed in the summer of 2013 was Threshold by Tony Bloom. Threshold is an integrated work that frames and draws attention to the landscape, abstractly references and honors the mining industry and also works as a functional gate for the new Royal View Cemetery. Prominent elements of the gate are the post and lintel frame that suggests a mine entrance, the arc and circle that evoke the tipple, spindles that replicate hand augers and the end posts include aluminum replicas of pieces of coal.
Included in the Royal View Cemetery project process were a day of
consultation by the artist to gather information from community members on mining in the Lethbridge area and an Artist’s Talk by Mr. Bloom that was held in conjunction with the commission ceremony held in October 2013. Another exciting project to integrate art into infrastructure was also completed in 2013 with the installation of relief sculptures designed by BC artist Gerry Houghton being installed on the entrances to the north scenic drive pedestrian tunnel. The relief sculptures, like the Royal View Project, have a mining theme which fits wonderfully with an underground tunnel. 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 Proposals failed to meet the expectations of the selection committee. Artists will be shortlisted for the project in early 2014 with final selection of a project for recommendation to City Council expected to be completed by July 2014. It is expected that the project will installed in the spring of 2015.
TONY BLOOM - Threshold
P u b Rl ie cp oAr rt ts 1 5
Improving Arts Facilities The Allied Arts Council and the arts community of Lethbridge have been working with the City of Lethbridge to improve arts facilities since 2005. Nine years later Lethbridge has completed two major projects: SAAG expansion project Casa –Community Arts Centre However, the vision of the cultural corridor will not be fulfilled until a new Performing Arts Theatre is in place and there is increased and improved performance space in our city.
?
COMPLETED
COMPLETED
Performing Arts Theatre
Ten Million Dollars has been promised in the 2014-2017 City of Lethbridge Capital Improvement plan if the remaining $50 million can be found from other sources. The AAC board has resolved that the AAC will take a leadership role in building and supporting a larger committee to generate funds for a Performing Arts Theatre and will continue to build support in the community, engaging & aligning stakeholders and expressing the need for a new Performing Arts Theatre to the community at large.
CULTURAL CORRIDOR
1 6 FR ae cp io lr ittsi e s
Supporters Membership The AAC boasts a diverse membership of artists, arts organizations and arts supporters. We enthusiastically welcomed 58 new members in 2013.
57 Allied Members Groups dedicated to furthering the arts
23 Associate Members Businesses engaged in artistic endeavors
123 Artist Members Individuals engaged in artistic endeavors
77 Friend & Family Members Individuals and families supportive of the arts
Lifetime Members The AAC acknowledges the following members whose efforts have had a major impact on the Allied Arts Council organization throughout the years. Each of them have received Lifetime Membership in recognition of their contributions. Doris Balcovske Van Christou Karen Kay Clare Malmberg
Volunteers The AAC gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the extraordinary volunteers who support our many initiatives. Supported activities and programs in 2013 include: the AAC Board of Directors, Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts, Casa Grand Opening, Christmas at Casa, Lethbridge Arts Days, Casa Education & Gallery programs. Approximately 58 volunteers contributed 272 hours of their time to the AAC.
S u p Rp oe pr ot er rt s 1 7
Financials Expenses
Revenue Program Fees/Membership Projects/Donations/Grants City of Lethbridge* Alberta Foundation for the Arts
$155,637.37 $104,307.12 $545,013.94 $ 81,066.38 $886,024.81
18% 12% 62% 9%
Administration Facility Arts Promotion Programming* Board
$247,629.07 $250,393.15 $151,836.24 $149,563.17 $ 9,375.79 $808,797.42
*does not include imputed rent
9%
*does not include imputed rent
18%
1% 18% 31%
12% 19%
62%
31% ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE Statement of Financial Position
December 31, 2013, with comparative information for 2012
2013
2012
Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses Goods and services tax recoverable
$
Capital assets: Capital assets Less accumulated amortization
364,544 33,402 1,395 1,892
$
279,951 36,854 2,056 1,579
401,233
320,440
115,913 71,208
112,275 70,486
44,705
41,789
$
445,938
$
362,229
$
2,165 16,748 40,390
$
10,871 9,113 32,837
Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue Deferred contributions
Net assets: Invested in capital assets Unrestricted Internally restricted
$
1 8 R Fe ip no ar nt cs i a l s
59,303
52,821
44,705 42,059 299,871
41,789 42,059 225,560
386,635
309,408
445,938
$
362,229
31% 31% 19% 18% 1%
F i n Ra en pc oi ra tl s 1 9
157
--
$
-7,345 ---4,354 --472
-4,232 --21,517 3,399 -4,662 6,294
Net program surplus (deficiency)
$
--
$
-- $
13,653 (13,653)
--
186,162
Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses (227,548) Program allocations (note 10) 227,548
--
--
-873 13,201
---26,854
-3,965 758 4,723
6,005 -232,271
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
--
--
-26,854 --
$
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 $
23,973 $
35,350 (11,377)
-727 64,099
131
----------
39,001
24,240
24,528 --99,449
--
---
74,921
Education
Year ended December 31, 2013, with comparative information for 2012
Statement of Operations
39,785
142,181 (102,396)
-6,546 658,531
1,177
51,055 539 382,038 18,816 --8,160 ---
190,200
--
---800,712
25,806
337,200 382,038
55,668
Facility
ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE
$
$
7,267 $
16,369 (9,102)
-582 70,063
105
----------
43,783
25,593
82,888 --86,432
--
---
6,202 $
97,222 (91,020)
-5,818 152,670
1,046
59,008 -16,020 3,487 3,973 58,742 2,482 -880
267
947
26,757 --249,892
50,841
159,846 --
12,448 $
Leadership
3,544 $
Gallery
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
$
15,065
15,065 --
3,939 12,660 756,608
--
54,402 12,972 175,768 17,180 15,245 66,834 18,567 4,778 7,327
330,520
36,416
120,109 3,897 818 771,673
42,335
342,900 159,600
$ 102,014
2012
2013 Allied Arts Council Staff AAC 7th Street OfямБce: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Suzanne Lint
Personnel
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Ashley Markus PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Muffy McKay
2013 Allied Arts Council Board of Directors
FINANCE COORDINATOR
PRESIDENT
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Kris Hodgson VICE PRESIDENT
Derek Stevenson Casa Staff:
Kim Siever
FACILITY SERVICES COORDINATOR
Jana MacKenzie
Claire Hatton SECRETARY
Tyler Gschaid
GALLERY SERVICES COORDINATOR
TREASURER
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Shanna Bailey
Jeremy Mason/Victoria Manzer/Leila Armstrong
Darcy Logan ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Beverly Stadelmann DIRECTORS
Jennifer Babits Amanda Berg Ron Brown Tweela Houtekamer Karla Mather-Cocks Greg Norman Dione Overes Don Reeves Jennifer Schmidt Rempel 20 Reports
FACILITY TECHNICIANS:
Brent Coulton Tim Elniski Aaron Hagan Brian Quinn RECEPTION:
Lorraine Lee Pamela Vera Diana Zasadny CUSTODIANS:
Brad Goruk Andrew Bialobzyski
Contributors
PLATINUM ($2,000 +) Val & Flora Matteotti ATB Financial
GOLD ($1,000+) Deltec Power & Control Systems Downtown Lethbridge BRZ Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects Gold & Gold Productions Janice & Glenn Varzari Korite Internationl Ltd. North & Company Rick Gillis Royal LePage, South Country
SILVER ($500+) KPMG Chartered Accountants Melcor Development Peter Mueller Stantec Consulting Ltd. Green Haven
BRONZE ($250+) D.A. Building Systems Rodney and Martha DrafďŹ n Miles and Carol Godlonton Overhead Door Precon Precast Products Richardson Oilseed Ltd. Sterling Mutuals Streatside Eatery Volution LLP Westwind Management Solutions
INDIVIDUAL PARTNERS ($1-$249) Christopher & Jennifer Babits Amanda Berg Amy Brecka Barb Cunningham Wayne Dwornik Elements Physical Therapy Terri Fortunaso Barb Goodman Keith & Jeanette Greeno Malcolm & Bonnie Greenshield Lori Harasem & Duane Petluk Linda Horner Tweela Houtekamer Lorita & Akira Ichikawa R.A. & M Jacobson Diana Lanier Judy Legg Dave McCann Gary McGladdery Mike Mountain Horse Elementary Tad Mitsui & Muriel Mellow Anne Myshok Katie & Shig Nakagawa Birthe Perry Rose Primachuk Lyle & Lesley Rode Delmarie Skeith Elizabeth Slovak Don & Marcia Taylor Gloria & Stanley Torrance Darlene Weger Dan & Karen Westwood
MEDIA PARTNERS 94.1 CJOC CKUA CKXU 88.3 Country 95.5/B93.3 107.7 River/106.7 Lethbridge Herald
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