CELEBRATING

0Years Young

The following initiatives and projects were completed in recognition of the Allied Arts Council 60 th and Casa’s 5 th 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 60 th 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 60 th anniversary diamond necklace door graciously donated by Diamond Sponsor Foster & Sons Jewellers or an original Casa 5 th 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.

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 5 TH 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.