ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE
ANNUAL
REPORT
2018
CONTRIBUTORS PLATINUM ($2000+)
ATB Financial Destiny Homes Erv Parent Flooring Foster & Sons Jewellers FWBA Architects Glenhill Farms Ltd. Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge Val Matteotti Ranches Ltd.
2018
GOLD ($1000+)
Deltec Power & Control Systems North & Company LLP Precon Precast Products Royal LePage Commercial - Brent Oleksy
SILVER ($500+)
Desk ’N File Louise Drysdale and Susan Anderson Galko Homes KPMG Roger McMullen Melcor Developments Peter Mueller Stantec songer architecture inc. Westwinds Management Solutions – Shilpa Stocker
BRONZE ($250+)
The Art of Strategy D.A. Building Systems Ltd. Sterling Mutuals Downtown
MEDIA PARTNERS
DONORS
Zoraida Anaya Michelle Côté Walter Faber John Fisher Barb Goodman Angela H’Wood Elaine Harrison R.A. & M. Jacobson Vincent Luykenaar Diana Lanier Karina Mak Beverly Niebor Karen Patching Sharon Simmers Rose Primachuk Alane Witt-Lajeunesse Diana Zasadny
AAC ENDOWMENT FUND
Debra Ackerman Jose Barbieri Amanda Berg Chris Burton Martha Draffin John Fisher Michelle Helstein KPMG Lethbridge Chinese Manie Opera Society Michelle Galluci Alison Geskin Suzanne Lint Sandy Lyons Jenn Marsh Karla Mather-Cocks Peggy Mezei and Bob Moffatt Overhead Door Precon Precast Products Ian Randell Don Reeves Christine Rogers Scott Rowland Diana Sim Theresa Spencer Sharon Stevenson-Ferrari
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 REPORTS
President’s Message Executive Director’s Message
CELEBRATING
2 4
6
ADVOCACY
Community Outreach 8 Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts 9 Performing Arts Centre 10
PROMOTING THE ARTS
Communications Arts Events Member Opportunities
IMPROVING COMMUNITY Casa Facility Art Education Gallery Public Art
SUPPORTERS
Membership and Volunteers
FINANCIALS
Annual Results Summary
11 14 17
18 21 22 24
26
27-29
2018
1
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 2018 was a year to celebrate, to plan and to look forward to a bright future for the arts in Lethbridge! It is with pride that I write my final President’s report and reflect on the people, the projects and the successes that the past year brought. Thanks to the hard work of the board, our executive director, Suzanne Lint, and the dedicated Allied Arts Council staff who are passionately committed to advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge, this 60th anniversary for the Allied Arts Council was truly a milestone year. Our board said good-bye to retiring members Don Reeves, Greg Norman and Peter Butler at the Annual General Meeting in March, and welcomed a new roster of directors, including Nicola Spencer, Sharon Stevenson-Ferrari and Ian Zadeiks. We also welcomed a new group of dedicated Honourary Members who have demonstrated outstanding, ongoing commitment to the Allied Arts Council and our arts community. Those members included Laura Kenwood, Ron Brown, Kathy Hopkins, Shirley Wyngaard, Donna Gallant and Barbara Lacey. One our proudest moments of 2018 was the establishment of the endowment fund at the AGM. The endowment, managed through the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, is an essential initiative that will provide further stability and financial sustainability for arts programming in the future. Its establishment also provides another opportunity for community members and organizations to support the future work and vision of the AAC. In January, the board set a clear direction for the Allied Arts Council for the next four years at a strategic planning retreat, where we affirmed our commitment to strengthening and building relationships with individuals, organizations and our community to enable growth while responsibly balancing our resources. This direction will allow the Allied Arts Council to further advance and enhance the arts, to support our artists and arts initiatives and to engage with our community through our programming and services. We invited the community to be a part of our 60th anniversary celebrations throughout 2018, hosting numerous events throughout the year. 60 Years Young was a great event that kicked off the anniversary and helped raise funds for the future endowment fund. That night we showcased our spaces, our people and our artists at Casa and shared our successes with everyone in attendance. In May, the celebrations continued with Party on the Square, complete with a barbecue and live entertainment. Our many other events, such as the Soar Emerging Artist Festival, Arts Days, Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts and Christmas at Casa continued our anniversary celebrations throughout the year. Not only did we host many events, but we attended many events throughout 2018, showing our commitment and support for the great work our fellow community organizations do for our city. We were present at the SAAG Art Auction, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta Friends of the Foundation Dinner, the Faculty of Fine Arts’ Abbondànza fundraiser, among many others.
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ANNUAL REPORT
2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Amanda Berg
Treasurer Scott Rowland
Vice-President Margaret (Peggy) Mezei
Directors Mercedes Fawns (retired in August) Jessica Robinson Nicola Spencer Sharon Stevenson-Ferrari Ian Zadieks
Secretary Louise Drysdale
This was also a very important year for the arts in Lethbridge as many arts projects were completed or approved throughout the city. After many months of invaluable renovations, the Yates Memorial Theatre reopened its doors. The work that has been done will give both performing groups and audiences a wonderful space to call home for years to come. Several public art pieces were either approved or installed throughout the city including Marc Dulude’s Offrande migratoire / Migratory Gift, a public art gift from Saint-Laurent, Quebec. Our public art continues to not only enhance our city, but encourages dialogue and strengthens our community’s relationships throughout Canada and the world. Our staff and board had an extremely busy year, focusing many hours and resources towards planning our next four-year budget. Our presentation to City Council in September reaffirmed our value in the community and outlined our requirements to continue growing our programming to meet the demands of a growing population. We look forward to working with Council and City Administration to ensure the future of our arts in Lethbridge continues to flourish well into the future. The board thanks our members, donors, volunteers and staff for their hard work and tireless commitment to creating art, seeking opportunities to build relationships and providing leadership. We also acknowledge the ongoing support from the City of Lethbridge, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Government of Alberta and Heritage Canada. 2018 was a year to celebrate, focus, reflect and plan. It’s an exciting time to be an artist, audience member, or arts enthusiast in Lethbridge and I invite everyone to continue being a part of this incredible arts community. On behalf of the board of directors, we thank you for your continued support.
Amanda Berg President, AAC Board of Directors
2018
3
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
The Allied Arts Council celebrated two significant anniversaries in 2018; the 60th anniversary of our organization and the 5th anniversary of the opening of Lethbridge’s remarkable art centre, Casa. Even as we celebrated our past we looked to our future. Early in 2018 the AAC Board of Directors contemplated and developed their 20192022 Strategic Plan and began the process of building a new four year budget that supported their new strategic direction. They also made a number of significant future focused decisions to safeguard our sustainability and support organizational growth. The AAC has endured for 60 years because it is an organization that embraces change and responds to opportunities. The AAC Board demonstrated this responsiveness when they took the measured risk to add additional space to the 7 Street office when space immediately above our current location became available. The new space was renovated by an exceptional group of sixteen volunteers who contributed over 300 hours to the project. Additional assistance was provided by members of the Downtown Clean Sweep program who were hired to assist with a variety of tasks. Renovation materials as well as additional furniture and equipment were purchased in part with matching funds from a City of Lethbridge Community Capital Improvement Grant. The expansion not only provides much needed office space for AAC staff but also includes a board meeting room and a small office which will be made available to the community. An additional positive result of the expansion is the freeing up of main floor space which will converted to a small retail space for handmade artworks by Lethbridge and area artists.
The AAC renovation before and after.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The Allied Arts Council employees a skilled team of arts administrators, support staff and instructors who are responsible for developing and delivering programs and initiatives that support the Board’s strategic direction and vision. The team experienced some change in 2018 with the addition of Kelly Reay as Education Manager in June who came to us from Calgary with an extensive background in theatre supported with experience in educational programming. We were saddened but not surprised when Kelly left the AAC to take the position of General Manager of New West Theatre at the end of 2018. Long time Projects Manager, Muffy McKay, took an extended leave during the summer of 2018 and we were happy to have former Communications Coordinator, Ashley Markus, assist the 7 Street staff with Arts Days as well as helping to complete a successful grant application for a 60th anniversary book project to update the AAC history. The success of the AAC is reflected, in part, by the strength of our staff team. In 2018 this team persisted in their efforts to provide information, events and programs that ensure the vibrancy and growth of the arts community for the benefit of Lethbridge’s citizens.
Members of the staff promoted the arts through their management of events such as Arts Days, Christmas at Casa and Soar Emerging Artist Festival. We also provided comprehensive information about the arts and arts activities through a communication plan that encompasses print and social media strategies and builds strategic relationships with our local media. AAC members acted as active partners in sharing the arts story through their involvement with a number of member opportunities such as the Farmers' Market information table and the Downtown Public Library display case program. Staff members participated in a number of advocacy initiatives and community outreach opportunities in 2018 including presenting the annual Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts, providing an arts perspective by serving on diverse community boards and committees and by ensuring an arts presence by attending numerous community events and information fairs. We continued to effectively manage Casa, a facility that has had an enormous positive impact on the community during its five year existence. In addition to being a gathering spot for the community, Casa provides space for individuals to engage in creative pursuits and expression. A strong Education program provides learning opportunities for numerous individuals of all ages and abilities in 2018. Local and regional artists or artists with a tie to our community, working at all levels, enjoyed exhibition opportunities delivered by an equally robust Gallery program.
2018 ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL STAFF 7 STREET
Executive Director Suzanne Lint Assistant to the Executive Director Dawn Leite Finance Pamela Vera Communications Kelaine Devine Projects | Membership Muffy McKay Summer Admin Support Student Kirana Stocker Additional Support Ashley Markus
The citizens of Lethbridge are also the beneficiaries of a dynamic City of Lethbridge Public Art Program. The AAC Executive Director continued to serve as a member of the City of Lethbridge Art Committee and a number of AAC staff provide administrative and communications support for the program. As we conclude our 60th year I must acknowledge my admiration and appreciation for the AAC Board of Directors, the AAC staff, our volunteers, our members who continue to deliver extraordinary arts programs and support a vision of arts centered community. Lethbridge is a better place because of the combined efforts of these remarkable individuals.
Suzanne Lint Executive Director
2018
5
0
Years Young
The following initiatives and projects were completed in recognition of the Allied Arts Council 60th and Casa’s 5th anniversary.
ANNIVERSARY BRANDING Logos were created in recognition of both the AAC and Casa special anniversary years. These distinct logos were incorporated into all marketing and communication materials throughout 2018.
ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL ENDOWMENT FUND A major 60th anniversary initiative was a fund development project to raise monies to establish an Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. A target sum of $10,000 was identified as the amount desired to open the fund which will provide sustainability for the AAC in future years. The Endowment fund project was formally launched at a gala celebration. The Endowment Fund was officially opened in October 2018 with a contribution of $14,162.
60 YEARS YOUNG – FEBRUARY 10, 2018 60 Years Young, an arts focused gala celebration, was the kick off for our special diamond anniversary year. Held at Casa, the event included opportunities to participate in creating art objects with artist volunteers, have a portrait drawn by Amy Dodic, engage with living statues, enjoy dance demonstrations and musical performances while sampling delicious offerings a multiple food stations and tasting a signature cocktail or the AAC Artsy Farsty Ale with a custom beer label created by local cartoonist Eric Dyck. Gala attendees were able to purchase original art works from the silent auction table as well as being able to purchase special anniversary mugs created by Natalie Brewster. Mug purchasers were entered into a door prize draw for a 60th anniversary diamond necklace door graciously donated by Diamond Sponsor Foster & Sons Jewellers or an original Casa 5th anniversary wood sculpture by Roger McMullen. We are grateful for the many members who contributed to the silent auction as well as our sponsors: Foster & Sons Jewellers, FWBA Architects, North & Company LLP and Westwinds Management Solutions – Shilpa Stocker. The event was a tremendous success and $6,500 was raised for the endowment through mug purchases, the silent auction and direct donations. 6
ANNUAL REPORT
Celebrating 2018 ARTIST KIOSKS
A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY YEAR
The Allied Arts Council was successful in receiving a grant from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta in support of a project to convert sea-cans to be used as artist kiosks in Rotary Square at Casa. Following the approval of a development and building permit from the City of Lethbridge, shipping containers were purchased in 2018 to be modified early in 2019 to accommodate electricity, lighting and retail slat walls. The containers will be vinyl-wrapped in an attractive geometric pattern and will be installed as a three year pilot project. Pending a positive project evaluation on the project, additional units will be purchased and placed on Rotary Square. The kiosks will assist in generating additional activity and fully engage the space during a variety of Casa and Downtown events. The kiosks were funded by the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta and the Allied Arts Council with interior modifications completed and sponsored in part by Destiny Homes.
HISTORY BOOK The Allied Arts Council was successful in obtaining an Alberta Heritage Research Grant to update the AAC’s previous History Book written by Alex Johnson. The grant will assist with research and writing a manuscript that will cover the history from 1983 to 2019. A second grant will be applied for to assist with publishing the book.
CASA 5TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY ON THE SQUARE – MAY 12, 2018 May 2018 marked the fifth anniversary of the opening of Casa to the community. The Allied Arts Council and community celebrated this milestone with a family friendly BBQ and festival on Rotary Square. The afternoon festivities included performances by local artists, chalk art drawing, button making and an opportunity to contribute to a community painting. Financial and gift in kind support for Party on the Square was provided by Heart of Our City Activity Grant, University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music, ATCO Gas and Pepsi/Frito Lay.
2018
7
ADVOCACY: BUILDING COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF THE VALUE OF THE ARTS; GROWING SUPPORT COMMUNITY OUTREACH The Allied Arts Council actively seeks out relationships and partnerships in the greater community. To that end, the AAC board members, staff and volunteers attended events in our community or participated in community information fairs, including: Abbondànza Alberta Friends of the Foundation Dinner Board Leadership Lethbridge Civic Commons Master Plan sessions Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwester Jane's Walk LCBS Mayor's Christmas Concert Meet the City Manager event Mortar and Brick Arts and Events grand opening National Philanthropy Week SAAG Art Auction Southern Alberta Ethnic Association Newcomers Event University of Lethbridge Wellness Fair Various holiday celebrations at FWBA Architects, Stantec and Geomatic Attic at Mortar and Brick Arts and Events Water Tower Grill grand opening Word on the Street Yates Consultation Café
FAMILY FUN DAY - FEBRUARY 19, 2018 The annual Family Fun Day provided an opportunity for hundreds of community members to visit Casa for an art experience. Free arts activities included creating Artist Trading Cards, Family Bunting, Buttonmaking and contributing to the innovative Box City. The University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music hosted Family Day activities that included Kindermusik, World Drumming and an Instrument Petting Zoo.
VISITORS TO FAMILY FUN DAY: 8
ANNUAL REPORT
300
MAYOR’S LUNCHEON FOR BUSINESS AND THE ARTS – SEPTEMBER 20, 2018
Mayor’s Luncheon for business and the arts
A strong and supportive relationship between the civic government, business community, and the arts community are critical to the health of a city. More than 200 community members and arts supporters demonstrated this relationship when they joined us for the 13th Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge. Event attendees enjoyed a beautiful meal provided by Prime Catering and were treated to a 60th Anniversary Chocolate lollipop. An important element of this annual event is the recognition of individuals, organizations and businesses that continue to make the Lethbridge arts community strong and vibrant. We honour those that that have been committed to the growth of the arts for decades as well as recognizing new emerging leaders in our community through the presentation of annual awards.
Angeline Simon, Mayor Chris Spearman
The Allied Arts Council Excellence Awards (AACE) are presented in recognition of philanthropic support of the artists and arts organizations of Lethbridge.
ACE Award for an Individual(s): 2018 recipient A Sandy and Bob Brunelle.
ACE Award for a Business: 2018 recipient was A The Owl Acoustic Lounge.
ACE Award for a Service Organization: 2018 recipient A Lethbridge Public Library.
Steven Foord, Mayor Chris Spearman, Mel Domingue
The Joan Waterfield Memorial Award: awarded to an artist or arts administrator who is recognized by their peers for their work in building the arts community. 2018 recipient Kate Connolly. The AAC Young Artist Award: awarded to a young artist in the Lethbridge region who is pursuing their artistic practice while contributing to the community. 2018 recipient Angeline Simon. The Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts would not be successful without the support of our many generous sponsors including: Val Matteotti Ranches Ltd., ATB Financial, FWBA Architects, Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge, North & Company LLP, Royal LePage Commercial - Brent Oleksy, KPMG, Galko Homes, Melcor Developments, Stantec, songer architecture inc., Westwinds Management Solutions – Shilpa Stocker, The Art of Strategy, D.A. Building Systems Ltd., Sterling Mutuals Downtown.
Mayor Chris Spearman, Sandy and Bob Brunelle
2018
9
PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE The AAC is committed to ensuring Lethbridge artists, arts aficionados and audiences have sufficient, robust arts facilities and spaces to support their interests and activities. The AAC provided support to the Performing Arts Centre Advocacy Group who met on occasion in 2018 and continued to advocate the merits of a new performing arts centre for Lethbridge. The City of Lethbridge established a committee of Council, Performing Arts Steering Committee, in 2018 to review previous performing arts centre studies, recommend options for a facility location, assess operating model options and determine financial costs for construction and operation of a Performing Arts Centre. Allied Arts Council staff member Dawn Leite and Performing Arts Centre Advocacy Group member Dianne King were CENTRE appointed to the Performing Arts Centre Steering Building the Future Committee in early 2018. The Steeringfor Committee has completed initial work, including a review of the PAC studies from 2010 and 2011, site visits to various Alberta performing arts centres and the development of a vision statement and guiding principles.
arts
PERFORMING
The AAC continued to inform the community on the work of the PACAG and Steering committee through the distribution of the Next Stage e-newsletter.
PERFORMING
arts
CENTRE
Building for the Future
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ANNUAL REPORT
PROMOTING THE ARTS: SHARING THE ARTS COMMUNITY WITH LETHBRIDGE AND BEYOND COMMUNICATIONS In this connected age, communications must span both the worlds of traditional media and the digital sphere to communicate the story of the arts in Lethbridge. Communications serves to promote, educate and document the activities of the AAC and the greater arts community. Consistent branding and strong visual appeal are hallmarks of the AAC visual identity. Marketing and promotional collateral are crafted to address the unique needs of all the events produced by the AAC. These materials include print items such as posters, handbills, invitations or pamphlets. AAC print materials are supported with similar on-line promotional vehicles including social media posts, digital ads and digital publications available for download. Events promoted in 2018 include: Family Fun Day, Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts, The Gallery at Casa exhibition program, Soar Emerging Artist Festival, Christmas at Casa and We Are All Treaty People.
The Arts Directory is available on-line and in a physical copy. In its eleventh year, the valuable resource connects the greater public looking to book performers, hire an artist, take a class or become involved with an arts organization. This publication is a much referenced document that is used by both AAC staff and members of the community. Casa Program Guides are published three times a year: Winter, Spring/Summer and Fall. The guide saw a refresh this Spring/Summer with classes now being organized by artistic discipline rather than start date. The guide is available on-line at issuu.com and is augmented by having class descriptions listed on the Casa website.
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w w w.casa
let hbr idge
.ca
Fall 2018 DE PROGRAM GUI
ARTS
4 03 . 327 . 2
After 15 years of publication, the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge made the difficult decision to discontinue printing our issue based publication ArtsBridge and move to other electronic and external resources for sharing important information regarding the value and impact of the arts on a community. The substantial human and financial resources required to publish the magazine will be redirected to other initiatives that support the arts community.
et South 23 0 8 St re
PUBLICATIONS
lber ta souther n a he ar t s in h o m e fo r t
DIRECTORY 2018 . 2019
ation profit organiz dge, a not-forCouncil of Lethbri our community the Allied Arts and enhancing the arts in Published by advancing dedicated to
The Arts Days Program provides a compendium of events for this annual event and serves as the aesthetic jumping off point for all marketing efforts including on-line ads, print promotions and radio ads. City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Guide: Each month four pages are created for this guide including an Arts Info page, a Casa page and a two page Culture Guide spread listing AAC member’s activities for the upcoming month.
2018
11
WEBSITES The AAC maintains a number of websites that provide a wide variety of arts information. The AAC website artslethbridge.org continues to be the repository for all the information about the Allied Arts Council and a jumping off point to discover more about the arts in Lethbridge.
3,491
USERS OVER 4,902 SESSIONS
13,430
PAGE VIEWS
Three most popular pages include: Home, Job Opportunities and Events
137
CALENDAR EVENTS WITH 967* PUBLISHED ENTRIES
*This includes art shows, theatre runs and concert series over multiple days.
Casa’s website casalethbridge.ca continues to keep the community informed about events, arts education activities and gallery activities.
26,904
USERS OVER 43,727 SESSIONS
132,799
PAGE VIEWS
Three most popular pages include: Home, Classes Overview and Classes Adult
111
CALENDAR EVENTS WITH 135* PUBLISHED ENTRIES
*This includes art shows, theatre runs and concert series over multiple days.
In addition to managing our two main websites, the AAC has two landing pages URLS artsdayslethbridge.org (Lethbridge Arts Days) and soarfestival.ca (Soar Emerging Artist Festival) as well as assisting the Performing Arts Centre Advocacy Group with their information website: lethbridgeperformingartscentre.org 12
ANNUAL REPORT
E-NEWSLETTERS Arts in Lethbridge is the AAC’s bi-weekly e-newsletter that is sent out to members, supporters and the media via Mailchimp. This newsletter provides knowledge about important issues to the arts community, artist opportunities and news from the Allied Arts Council.
251
SUBSCRIBERS
Casa Connect is the e-newsletter created by Casa staff for those interested SUBSCRIBERS in events and activities happening at the art centre.
659
Friends of The Gallery at Casa e-newsletter is an eco-friendly option for those not wishing to receive paper invites to The Gallery exhibits.
140
SUBSCRIBERS
SOCIAL MEDIA The AAC manages a variety of social media channels to further communicate with the greater community:
FACEBOOK: AAC 1124 likes | Casa 2976 likes | Lethbridge Arts Days 1411 likes Lethbridge Performing Arts Centre 711 likes | Soar Emerging Artist Festival 147 likes TWITTER: AAC 1598 followers | Casa 2132 followers | Soar 61 followers INSTAGRAM: AAC 526 | Casa 944 | Performing Arts Centre 161
MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS The AAC continues to enjoy a long term partnership with Clear Sky Radio: 94.1 CJOC FM and 98.1 The Bridge for the popular Art Tracks feature. Art Tracks provides on-air promotion for AAC member events every Wednesday. Events are chosen from member submissions to our publications and calendars. Our relationships with other Lethbridge media outlets are also strong with members of the media responding to our media calls and press releases and continuing to support the arts across all platforms. Our media champions include LA Beat, CTV Lethbridge, Global TV, Miracle Channel, Shaw TV, Lethbridge Herald, 94.1 CJOC FM, 98.1 The Bridge and Lethbridge College Endeavour.
2018
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ARTS EVENTS: SOAR EMERGING ARTIST FESTIVAL MAY 30 & 31, 2018 The Soar Emerging Artist Festival, launched in 2015 to create opportunities for young and emerging artists to showcase new works, continued in 2018. Five unique performances in dance, music and magic were enjoyed by supportive and enthusiastic audiences. Wednesday's show attracted 55+ attendees and Thursday night saw 45+ people in the audience. Local ringmaster extraordinaire Michael Bartz hosted both nights and Jason Eveleigh from Sonic Sound provided technical equipment and support.
WE ARE ALL TREATY PEOPLE – JUNE 1, 2018 The Allied Arts Council received a Canada 150 Grant from the Community Initiatives Program Grant in 2017. Much work was done during the latter part of 2017 and early 2018 to bring We Are All Treaty People to Lethbridge. On June 1, 2018 the Allied Arts Council presented We Are All Treaty People at Southminster United Church. We Are All Treaty People is a children focused reconciliation project that was created by the Making Treaty 7 Artist Collective and presented by Quest Theatre. Two performances were presented by the company. A matinee performance which was attended by over 950 students from Lethbridge and surrounding areas and an evening performance which was attended by 200 people. The evening included a very special blessing by Alvine Blood, wife of Nacisse Blood, founding artist and cocreator of Making Treaty 7 who was killed in a tragic car accident in February 2015.
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ANNUAL REPORT
ARTS DAYS - SEPTEMBER 22 – 30, 2018 Arts Days is a weeklong celebration of the arts in Lethbridge, held in conjunction with the provincial and national Culture Days. Allied Arts Council coordinated or produced events during Arts Days 2018 included Mimosas, Muffins and Movies (September 23), a Historic Theatre Walking Tour (September 24), ArtWalk (September 28 – 29), On the Streets performances (September 28 - 29), an Artisan Market (September 28 -29), a Gallery Stroll (September 29) and Family Affair on the Square (September 30). Other events programmed by members and member organizations included Word on the Street, Lethbridge Drink & Draw with Slaughterhouse Slough, film screenings at the Lethbridge Public Library, events at The Owl Acoustic Lounge and New West Theatre’s Million Dollar Quartet. The 15th annual Art Walk was produced by the AAC and featured more than 100 artists (individuals and collectives) placed in forty-one supportive businesses in the downtown core, the University of Lethbridge, La Cite des Prairies and McNally Studios. An ArtWalk feature is Stamp ‘n Stomp, an interactive activity which encourages participants to have their program book stamped at participating ArtWalk venues. Individuals gathering nine stamps were able to win an original artwork by Michelle Côté. While on the ArtWalk, participants were entertained by buskers in nine different locations. New venues for ArtWalk and buskers were added this year as a result of various changes in downtown businesses. During ArtWalk, an Artisan Market is hosted at Casa. Fifteen artisans from Lethbridge and region sold their wares during the weekend. Arts Days wraps up with Family Affair on the Square, an AAC festival for the whole family which is held at Casa. The festival included live performances by local artists, a community painting, art activities led by local artists including button making and live drawing, face painting, airbrush tattoos and information tables featuring various AAC members. Unfortunately, Arts Days attendance was down in 2018 due to unseasonably cold weather. Outdoor events during ArtWalk and Family Affair on the Square were either brought indoors or cancelled if the ensemble was too large for the space. Arts Days is funded by grants received from Alberta Culture Days, Canadian Heritage and Heart of our City, in addition to private and corporate sponsors including: Deltec Power & Control Systems, Val Matteotti Ranches Ltd and Precon Precast Products.
2018
15
CHRISTMAS AT CASA NOVEMBER 16 & 17, 2018 Christmas at Casa continues to be a successful event for the AAC, Casa, artist vendors and shoppers. This year the sale showcased more than fourty six vendors in a festive and fun atmosphere. Musicians and living statues were hired to add to the festive atmosphere. Red Engine Coffee and Macs and Custard were on site to serve customers beverages and treats. In 2018, partnerships with Christmas Hope (Lethbridge Food Bank, Interfaith Food Bank, My City Care, Angel Tree and the Salvation Army) and Green Christmas (Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Environment Lethbridge and the City of Lethbridge Waste and Recycling) created great opportunities to educate and connect the community.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Shop Local
WORK BY OVER 100 LOCAL ARTISTS!
CHRISTMAS at Casa
MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES: The Allied Arts Council engaged in a number of initiatives in 2018 that allowed our members to share their artwork, organizational information and enthusiasm for the arts with the larger community. We also provided a number of opportunities for local artists to grow their arts administration knowledge and skills. The Farmers' Market at Exhibition Park runs from May through October, and is a vibrant event in our community in the summer months. The Allied Arts Council rents a table which is made available to our membership providing an affordable display and sales venue for all participants. The Allied Arts Council has an ongoing relationship with the Lethbridge Public Library downtown branch who provide their glass display cases, which are located in high traffic areas, to AAC members on a rotating basis. The AAC manages the scheduling of the display cases which permits arts organization to display member works, highlight upcoming activities, or share information about their organization. The Allied Arts Council also manages a program to allow visual artists to exhibit their work in a number of alternative gallery spaces. Art works are installed at Royal LePage, the Joan Waterfield Gallery at the Yates (currently under renovation), and the AAC 7 Street office on a rotating schedule throughout the year.
SOAR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES: The AAC presented a number of information series for community artists including: TAX TIPS FOR ARTISTS – JANUARY 22, 2018: The annual Tax Tips for Artists session was presented by KPMG. Fourteen artists attended the session. ALBERTA BRANDED APRIL 26, 2018: The Allied Arts Council hosted the Visitor Experience Manager from the Legislative Assembly of Alberta who educated Lethbridge artists on performance and exhibition opportunities in the Borealis Gallery, Alberta Branded, retail store and the summer performance series. Twelve Lethbridge artists attended the workshop. ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL – MAY 7, 2018: The Alberta Craft Council presented information on working in Fine Craft in Alberta including professional development and exhibition opportunities. Fourteen artists attended the session. ARTSVEST: Business for the Arts’ national flagship program, artsVest, works directly with small to mid-sized arts organizations to help them in their fund development by equipping them with in-depth training, tools, mentorship relationships and matching incentive grants. The Allied Arts Council hosted an introductory artsVest information session in late 2017 resulting in nine of twenty-two attending organizations entering the artsVest sponsorship program in 2018. The Allied Arts Council served as an umbrella organization for two of the participating arts groups.
2018
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CASA FACILITY:
Casa continued to provide low-cost opportunities for community members to take arts classes, develop art practices in their preferred mediums and exhibit art works in gallery and auxiliary spaces visited by thousands of people each year. In addition, Casa is the home of many local arts groups and guilds who use the facility for meetings, rehearsals, performances, lectures, fundraisers, classes, demonstrations and markets.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Arts-related events hosted at Casa in 2018 included performances by the Musical Theatre Society, Centric MusicFest, Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society, Chinook One-Act Festival, Chinese Manie Opera Society, the Lethbridge Symphony, New West Theatre and the LCI Fine Arts department dance troupe, to name but a few. Numerous other arts events took place that were open to the public, such as photography workshops, artist talks and information sessions. Casa acted as host venue for the Lethbridge and District Music and Speech Arts Festival adjudicated performances, Trinity College speech examinations and other local groups using the space for theatric auditions and casting calls.
TOTAL FACILITY COUNT:
166,230
Annual Allied Arts Council initiatives such as the Christmas at Casa artisan market, Family Fun Day, and Arts Days once again proved to be popular free, family-friendly events. Many local non-profit groups chose to meet and host events at Casa this year. Among these were the popular Harambee Grandma’s Travel Chat presentations, Lethbridge Food Bank and MS Society fundraisers, the local edition of Help Portrait and a celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
CASA FACILITY RENTAL STATISTICS 2018 ROOM
# OF BOOKINGS
# OF ATTENDEES
ATB Financial Community Room
235
20,170
Meeting Room
337
4314
Dance Studio
878
9683
2D Classroom
507
3449
3D Classroom
413
3985
Textile Studio
33
370
Woodworking Studio
61
598
Atrium
23
125
Rotary Square
3
661
Upper Patio
3
55
2018
19
STUDIO ACCESS TOTAL COUNT 3D STUDIO .......................... 1983
2018 ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL STAFF CASA
2D STUDIO ........................... 597
WEAVER'S STUDIO ............ 1560 DANCE STUDIO ................... 127 TEXTILE STUDIO .................. 162 WOODWORKING ................ 137 DARKROOM ............................10 PRINTMAKING ........................18
Facility Programs Manager Brenna Lowrie Facility Operations and Maintenance Manager Brad Goruk Gallery Services Manager/Curator Darcy Logan
Corporate and government rentals were made regularly too, and space at Casa was booked by numerous University of Lethbridge departments. Non-arts-related events included product demonstrations, meetings, workshops, training sessions and City of Lethbridge open houses, as well as annual community events like the Moonlight Run road race and Heart of Our City awards reception Celebrate Downtown. Casa’s studio spaces were incredibly well used, with 376 unique visits to art studios on average each month. While the clay studio remained the most popular, use of the woodworking studio increased and many dedicated artists and hobbyists made use of the 2D, printmaking and textile studios. In addition to being used for Casa Artist Partnership classes, the Casa dance studio was rented again for classical, recreational, and therapeutic dance programming by various community groups and institutions. The University of Lethbridge’s Conservatory of Music continued to bring many visitors to the facility for private music lessons, string and voice ensembles, and live music performances such as the popular Lunch & Listen concert series. Casa building facility count tracked similarly to 2017 numbers, with a marginal increase. Casa staff and management are pleased to be part of the ever-expanding network of artists and arts-related organizations that call southern Alberta home by providing a place to meet, create and share works of art. Thanks to all who have supported the facility in its first five years of operation.
20
ANNUAL REPORT
Education Manager Kelly Reay Summer Facility/Education Program Assistant Sheila Shaw Clay Services Manager Aaron Hagan Facility Attendants Andrew Rabyniuk Ethan Roth Sheila Shaw Baz Skinner Reception Alison Grigg Lorraine Lee Andrew Rabinyuk Angeline Simon Custodian David Farstad
ART EDUCATION: The Allied Arts Council began providing arts education programs in Lethbridge in the mid-60s and continued to offer excellent visual art education to children, youth and adults at Casa in 2018. Courses were offered by capable AAC instructors in a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, stained glass and woodworking. Additional classes in cartooning, theatre, dance, writing and various fiber arts were offered by qualified community artists through the Artist Partnership program. Highlight core programs include the Generations programs which allow adults and children to learn together, our summer art camps for both children and youth and a large number of adult programs in a variety of mediums. A number of community support programs were included in the education program in 2018. Specialized workshops for various schools and organizations, Exploring 2D Art and Clay Hand-building for Adults with Special Needs, Housing First Arts programs for individuals transitioning from homelessness and custom programs for clients from River House and Woods Homes provided art learning experiences for community members. Unfortunately two of the education programs did not run in 2018. The First Nations Artist in Residence Program and the Casa Artist in Residence Program have been suspended pending review that was launched with the intent to strengthen the programs for all artists. Accessible programming is a core value of the AAC education program at Casa. Students enrolling in Adult with Special Needs or children's programs at Casa that require financial assistance are able to access the AAC Bursary Fund. Individuals of all ages are also able to obtain funding for Casa classes from the City of Lethbridge Fee Assistance Program.
117
NUMBER OF CORE CLASSES
1052
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
63
NUMBER OF AP CLASSES
536
NUMBER OF AP STUDENTS
46
NUMBER OF WORKSHOPS AND BRIRTHDAY PARTIES
510
NUMBER OF WORKSHOPS AND BIRTHDAY PARTY ATTENDEES
145
NUMBER OF BURSARIES AWARDED
2018
21
GALLERY:
The Gallery at Casa celebrated many successes in 2018, including innovative exhibitions and important community partnerships. The Gallery continued its commitment to exhibit the work of local and regional artists, national artists with a connection to our community and exhibitions of unique interest to Lethbridge. Within The Gallery at Casa, there were eleven formal fee-paying exhibitions by both local artists and artists with connection to our community. The Gallery at Casa paid $18,540 in honorariums to the unique, disciplined and distinguished artists who presented in this space. Casa also maintains a series of auxiliary exhibition spaces; the Passage Gallery, the Focus Gallery, the Digital Galleries and the Concourse Gallery and Showcases. These are non-fee paying spaces where artists are welcome to exhibit, share with the community, and sell their work. Within these spaces we hosted twenty-four distinct exhibitions during 2018. We had the opportunity to work with numerous community groups and organizations in 2018. We hosted The Best of South-Western Alberta, a group show organized by the Alberta Society of Artists, HOOPLA! created by the clients of the Ability Resource Centre and Paper Mache Monsters by students at PEAK Vocational Services. On April 4, The Gallery partnered with the Lethbridge Independent Film Society (LIFS) to present a public screening of their members' short films. LIFS carried out the logistical planning, while The Gallery provided the space, promotions and bar service. On April 7 and May 26, The Gallery partnered with Trap\door Artist Run Centre to host their ongoing series of Artists Talks. Trap\door carried out the logistical work and The Gallery provided space, promotions and bar service. This model of helping small groups deliver public arts programming is something The Gallery is committed to continuing.
37 6 22
ANNUAL REPORT
ARTISTS PARTICIPATED IN THE GALLERY AT CASA:
30
LOCAL AND REGIONAL
PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL
1
INTERNATIONAL
The Gallery at Casa continued its ongoing partnership with the University of Lethbridge. On October 13, we hosted a mobile art studio on the courtyard that was an extension of the University of Lethbridge's exhibition Everyday Futures by Jose Luis Torres. We also continue to work closely with the Faculty of Fine Arts to stream their live lectures series ArtNOW. These presentations by contemporary artists take place at noon during select weekdays. Individuals that may have difficulty getting out to the University during the noon hour are invited to watch at Casa. In 2018, the current iteration of our decade long commitment to screening contemporary art documentaries continued. Mimosas, Muffins and Movies invited the public to free screenings on select Sunday mornings. Complimentary muffins and coffee are available, as well as champagne and orange juice for purchase. On January 28, we screened a documentary about artist Ida Applebroog, on April 15 a feature on sculptor Patrick Neu, on September 23 a film about photographer Paolo Ventura and on November 25 a documentary about Rosamond Purcell. The Gallery at Casa was sponsored by Precon Precast Products. 2018 was a great success, and 2019 will provide many new opportunities for the residents of Lethbridge to live and love the arts.
THE WINDOW SHOP AT CASA REPRESENTED LOCAL AND REGIONALLY BASED ARTISTS.
16,545
TOTAL NUMBER OF GALLERY VISITS
135
ARTISTS EXHIBITED IN AUXILIARY SPACES, MOST OF WHOM ARE LOCAL AND REGIONALLY BASED
19
2018
23
PUBLIC ART: The Allied Arts Council is represented on the City of Lethbridge Art Committee and also provides administrative and communication support for the City’s public art program as part of our leadership role. The City’s public art collection experienced substantial growth in 2018 with the realization of a number of projects as well as the approval of a number of projects that will be installed in years to come. The year started on a high note with a public art selection committee meeting in February to select two major art projects for the new ATB Leisure Centre. Calgary artist Derek Besant’s work, Near & Far, a large mural which references multiple layers of water drops and a work by Toronto artists Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins, The Ball is in Your Court, a series of ten massive paintings on baffling material which reference the grid lines of a basketball court and a coaches playbook were selected and presented to City Council in March for final approval. Near & Far will be installed in the aquatics area and The Ball is in Your Court will be installed in the Galleria and running track areas. A selection meeting was held in September to short list artists for a third ATB Centre project. The Sports Hall of Fame project is an integrated project to create displays for both objects and digital information pertaining to the Sports Hall of Fame. A two member team from Vancouver, a three member team from Calgary and an artist for Winnipeg were shortlisted to develop final proposals for submission in 2019. The final submissions for a major project for the Roundstreet Gateway were also adjudicated in August 2018 with a recommendation being presented to City Council on September 4. Council unanimously approved the project by Ontario artist Julie Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster. Their art work, which will be installed in 2019, is comprised of twenty-six multi-colour chairs of various heights
24
ANNUAL REPORT
arranged in a maze like configuration. The chairs, a culturally common object, can be used interactively while representing the diversity of membership in the adjacent Cultural Centre. The week of October 8-13, 2018, Quebec artist Marc Dulude was in the City installing his work Offrande migratoire / Migratory Gift adjacent to the Nikka Yuko Gardens parking lot. The work, comprised of four bronze flying geese who are tethered to a large granite rock which they are dragging across the grass, was commissioned to honour the 50 year twin city relationship between Lethbridge and Saint Laurent Quebec. The City art program includes a Small Project Grant initiative. The program is designed to provide opportunities for local artist to execute projects with budgets up to $15,000. The City Art Committee met in April and approved three applications for 2018 projects. Garbage Party, by Arianna Richardson, was successfully executed at two sites during September. The project involved the artist constructing a highly decorative recycling station that was installed for one week in Galt Gardens and for a second week in Fort Whoop-Up Park. The project included a performative aspect with artist being present on site collecting and sorting garbage and engaging with community members during the installation. The curatorial team of Jane Edmundson and Tyler Stewart executed the first project from their multi-project proposal Into the Streets, a chalk art project featuring Eric Dyck and Carson Morton, held during the Wide Skies Festival on July 31 and August 1, 2018. Leila Armstrong’s project Backyard Wildlife which explores urban wildlife was also approved. The project is supported by research completed for Leila’s Masters in Fine Arts and will include the installation of images on Pattison billboards and the Casa Digital Gallery.
Another highlight of the Small Project Grant program was the installation on June 19, 2018 of the previous approved mural (Un)Still Life With Sports at the Sports Council Offices. The successful mural by artists Sue Wilkie and Linda Sprinkle incorporating bold graphic images of sports activities was commissioned in 2017 to improve the aesthetics of an otherwise bland stairwell. The public art committee has included improving engagement with Indigenous artists to its roster of activities. A meeting was held with key participants from the Blackfoot community to discuss the best process to engage with the Indigenous artists in our region. The meeting was informative and provides the first step in developing processes for Indigenous public art projects that are respectful and authentic. Serendipitously, the downtown public library is engaged in a renovation project that will include an Indigenous space. Members of the committee also met with library staff to discuss the possibility of a public art project for the Indigenous space in their newly renovated downtown facility. Administratively, the City Art Committee meet throughout 2018 to review the status of ongoing projects and to discuss potential updates to the Public Art Policy that will be recommended to City Council in the future. Meetings were held with the City of Lethbridge procurement department to discuss the procurement process and the evaluation meetings along with the Recreation and Culture staff to discuss aspects of the public art program and the role of the AAC in project processes. Meetings were also held with Andrew Rabyniuk regarding challenges with his window screening project for Casa which will be installed in 2019 and community members who are interested in the possibility of mural projects. Members of City Staff and AAC staff completed site visits to all installed works in July to assess works for maintenance and to review public art signage. As a result, planning was completed for signage which will be installed in 2019 and maintenance work was completed on Aeolian Aviary at SAAG. The AAC offered support for the public art programs, by responding to social media negativity regarding the Westside Leisure Centre public art projects by providing informative public arts facts on social media. AAC staff also led a public art Jane’s Walk on May 5, 2018. Approximately twenty individuals joined the tour of public art projects in the downtown core. Maintenance was also completed on Mirrored Earth at Casa which unfortunately continues to present challenges.
2018
25
SUPPORTERS: 102 54 28 20
ARTIST MEMBERS ALLIED MEMBERS FRIEND MEMBERS
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
LIFETIME MEMBERS Ron Brown Van Christou (deceased) Donna Gallant Kathy Hopkins Karen Kay Laura Kenwood Barbara Lacey Shirley Wyndgaard
26
ANNUAL REPORT
114 1055
IN 2018,
VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTED
HOURS OF THEIR TIME
TO THE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL.
FINANCIALS ALLIED ARTS OFOF LETHBRIDGE ALLIED ARTSCOUNCIL COUNCIL LETHBRIDGE Statement of Financial Position Statement of Financial Position
December 31, 2018, with comparative information for 2017
Year ended December 31, 2018, with comparative information for 2017 2018
2017
$ 629,759 40,692 4,638 8,330 683,419
$ 604,682 38,032 15,722 658,436
221,407 143,016 78,391
164,020 125,719 38,301
$ 761,810
$ 696,737
$
$
Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Goods and services tax recoverable Prepaid expenses Capital assets: Capital assets Less accumulated amortization
Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Goods and services tax payable Deferred revenue Deferred contributions Unamortized deferred capital contribution Net assets: Invested in capital assets Unrestricted Internally restricted
32,257 27,529 63,708 123,494
7,398 842 29,399 105,754 143,393
20,722 144,216
143,393
57,669 42,059 517,866 617,594
38,301 42,059 472,984 553,344
$ 761,810
$ 696,737
2018
27
FINANCIALS 6% Alberta Foundation for the Arts
REVENUE Program Fees/Membership
$321,286
27%
Projects/Donations/Grants
$171,905
14%
$639,000
53%
Alberta Foundation for the Arts
$75,000
6%
City of Lethbridge*
27% Program Fees/Membership
$1,207,190
*Does not include imputed rent
53% City of Lethbridge
14% Projects/Donations/Grants
EXPENSES Administration
$323,151
28%
Facility*
$393,665
34%
Arts Promotion
$102,271
9%
Programming
$301,005
26%
Board
$22,847
2% Board
28% Administration
2%
$1,142,940
*Does not include imputed rent
26% Programming
9% Arts Promotion 34% Facility
28
ANNUAL REPORT
ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE
Net program surplus (deficiency)
Program allocations
Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses
Amortization
Other
Insurance
Communications
Office
Building maintenance
Rent
Fundraising and special projects
Administrative and support staff
Program costs
Expenses:
contribution
Amortization of deferred capital
Other
Fundraising and special projects
Grants, donations and sponsorships
- facility support
- fee for service
City of Lethbridge
Fees, sales and rentals
Revenue:
Program
$
$
9,516 $
(7,625) -
17,141 254,164
519 32,654
278,303 (254,164)
7,037
5,985
6,743
11,736
-
-
-
-
-
32,001
18,355
228,581
124
-
14,155
49,795
-
3,750
-
-
24,139
49,671
- $
-
$
$
Board
-
6,234
Administrative
17,074 $
(20,333)
37,407
1,384 154,065
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
75,313
77,368
191,472
332
-
-
15,806
-
-
175,334 $
Education
Year ended December 31, 2018, with comparative information for 2017
Year ended December 2018, with comparative information for 2017 Statement of31,Operations
31,524
(134,707)
166,231
9,167 841,632
-
-
19,629
-
36,041
471,491
-
305,304
-
1,007,863
2,196
-
-
3,448
471,491
$
99,828 $
Facility
430,900
Statement of Operations ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE
(2,262) $
(7,625)
5,363
519 80,861
-
-
5,307
-
-
-
630
51,299
23,106
86,224
124
-
430
76,632
-
-
9,038 $
Gallery
8,398
(83,874)
92,272
5,708 226,916
14,703
-
33,812
16,527
-
22,826
102,303
30,000
1,037
319,188
1,368
-
48,717
94,464
-
158,429
$
16,210 $
Leadership
$
53,580
64,250
53,580 -
11,240 1,574,288
8,806
5,467
82,471
41,010
22,382
529,291
62,803
685,820
124,998
1,627,868
-
9,503
31,195
158,504
514,476
627,500
286,690
Total 2017
64,250
17,297 1,614,431
33,476
5,985
65,491
48,528
36,041
494,317
102,933
708,852
101,511
1,678,681
4,144
14,155
49,147
194,100
471,491
639,000
306,644 $
Total 2018
A vibrant arts community enriches Lethbridge
MISSION The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge provides leadership in advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge
ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE Lethbridge
w w w. a r t s l e t h b r i d g e . o r g
VISION
318 7 Street South Alberta T1J 2G2
ph: 403.320.0555 email: info@artslethrbidge.org
AACLeth AlliedArtsCouncil
0
@AACLeth
Photography provided by Henriette Plas Photography, Courtney Faulkner, Angeline Simons, Ashley Markus, DonnaKroeger, Dawn Leite and Kelaine Devine.
