AAC Annual Report 2016

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

2016

ANNUAL REPORT

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Donors

Contributors Platinum ($2000+) Val Matteotti Ranches Ltd. ATB Financial

Gold ($1000+) Deltec Power and Control Systems FWBA Architects Korite International North & Company LLP Downtown Lethbridge BRZ Brent Olesksy - Royal LePage South Country Stringam LLP

Silver ($500+) Advance Glass & Aluminum Galko Homes KPMG Melcor Development Ltd. Peter Mueller Precon Manufacturing Ltd. Stantec Glenn & Janice Varzari Overhead Door

Media Partners

Bronze ($250+) D.A. Building Systems Ltd. Dawn Leite McIntyre Ranching Co. Ltd. Miles & Carol Godlonton Sterling Mutuals Downtown Branch Shilpa Stocker

Mark Bellamy Marcia & Greg Bialobzyski Chinese Manie Opera Society Classique Dancewear Barb Cunningham Gina DeBoer Kelaine Devine Drunken Sailor Terri Fortunaso Geomatic Attic Barb Goodman Aaron Hagan Wesley Harry Helen Haynes Tweela Houtekamer Linda & Barry Horner Lorita & Akira Ichikawa Mariette Jacobson Diana Lanier Claire Lint Lethbridge living Darcy Logan Karina Mak Brad Matlock Mary Oordt Deb Panzcak Plum Rose Primachuk Red Engine Coffee Roasters Fran Schipper Melissa Setiawan Sharon Simmers Pam Vera Violet Devine Art & Design Colin & Dionne Walsh

VISION

A vibrant arts community enriches Lethbridge.

MISSION

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS REPORTS 2 .......

President’s Message

4 .......

Executive Director’s Message

PROMOTING THE ARTS 6 .......

Events

12 . . . . . . .

Projects

13 . . . . . . .

Communications

IMPROVING COMMUNITY 15 . . . . . . .

Casa

18 . . . . . . .

Education

22 . . . . . .

Gallery

24 . . . . . .

Public Art

ADVOCATING FOR THE ARTS 28 . . . . . .

Performing Arts Centre

SUPPORTERS 30 . . . . . .

Membership & Volunteers

FINANCIALS 31 . . . . . . .

Annual Results Summary

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE They say time flies and indeed 2016 was a whirlwind.

The board participated in several advocacy initiatives throughout the year, including supporting the activities of the Performing Arts Centre Advocacy Group. Our board liaison, Don Reeves and Allied Arts Council staff member, Dawn Leite, have worked tirelessly throughout the year to meet with community members, key stakeholders and city officials, building the necessary community support for this project.

The board and AAC staff, with support from the City of Lethbridge, hosted a conference for the Alberta Public Art Network (APAN) in May. Public art professionals from across the province attended a fascinating keynote, information sessions, public art tour and a progressive dinner in downtown Lethbridge. The three-day event showcased the Lethbridge arts community to provincial delegates.

The board re-affirmed its commitment to Economic Development Lethbridge’s Team Lethbridge initiative and have approved funding for our participation in future initiatives. The opportunity to travel with stakeholders from Lethbridge and connect with provincial legislators in Edmonton is invaluable.

Our overall commitment to governance and advocacy was validated in a two-day board retreat just over a year ago. The retreat helped us to solidify our team at the board level and also served to clarify the responsibilities of a governance-style board. As well, we collectively reaffirmed the vision and mission of the AAC in our community.

The By-law and Policy Committee met throughout the year continuing its ongoing review of board policies, which were vetted for grammar, legality and consistency. The recommended changes were approved in December.

As part of ongoing advocacy efforts in the community, members of the board attended many events as art advocates including the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce President’s Dinner, Economic Development Lethbridge luncheons, the Community Foundation’s Friends of the Foundation Dinner, Rotary Lobsterfest, YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, the University of Lethbridge’s Abbondanza, the Southern Alberta Art Gallery Art Auction, Skate of the Art and Lethbridge Symphony’s Love Notes, as well as many other community events. The AAC also hosted several events such as the Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts (pg 6), Arts Days (pg 8) and Christmas at Casa (pg 10). Many board members volunteered at these events, which helped to raise the profile of the arts in our community.

This year the board nominated our hard-working Executive Director Suzanne Lint for a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for her years of service to the arts community in Lethbridge. Suzanne is a passionate

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ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

leader for the arts and community and how the two work together to make Lethbridge a vibrant and healthy city.

The AAC is an extraordinary organization due to the support we receive from our members, donors, sponsors, volunteers and staff. We would like to express a sincere thanks for their efforts. We would also like to acknowledge our major funders: the City of Lethbridge, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Government of Alberta and Heritage Canada.

I would like to express a special thank you to outgoing board members Ron Brown, Michelle Côté, Kristen Hood, Tweela Houtekamer and Mary-Anne McTrowe. It has been my pleasure to serve on the board with you and I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavours.

It has been an honour to serve on the board of the AAC for the past six years. I would like to personally thank the membership as well as current and past board members for supporting me as the board’s president for these past two years. The arts and arts community in Lethbridge are an important and vital part of this community. Seeing them grow and flourish throughout my term has been a pleasure. I wish our in-coming president and board members all the best in the coming years. They are truly a passionate and invested group of people.

Jenn Schmidt-Rempel President, Board of Directors

2016 ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

DIRECTORS

Jenn Schmidt-Rempel

Ron Brown Michelle Côté

VICE-PRESIDENT

Louise Drysdale

Amanda Berg

Tweela Houtekamer Mary-Anne McTrowe

SECRETARY

Don Reeves

Greg Norman TREASURER Kristen Hood

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Growth was the 2016 topic as the Allied Arts Council completed

The AAC continues to support the arts, artists and allied

our fifty-eighth year of operation and tenth year of providing arts

member groups through a number of on-going projects

leadership from our office on 7 Street.

and initiatives (pg 8). In 2016, we worked with the City

th

and the Lethbridge Kiwanis Club as they transition the The AAC has a wonderfully diverse team of arts professionals

Kiwanis Music Festival into an independent society that

that supports the vision of our Board of Directors. A number of

will serve the community in the future. Staff members

new members were welcomed to our team in 2016. We were

also led an initiative to host the 2016 Alberta Public

delighted to have Kelaine Devine join our team as a permanent

Art Network symposium (pg 26) as well as providing

Communications Coordinator at the conclusion of the maternity

extensive administrative support to the Performing

leave contract she started in October 2015. Sheila Shaw, who

Arts Centre Advocacy Group (pg 28) who are working

joined us in May as a summer student providing support for Casa

diligently to achieve the community vision of building

programming, transitioned to a weekend facility attendant position

a new performing arts centre and completing the

in the fall. Also joining the team as Casa facility attendants late in

cultural corridor in downtown Lethbridge.

2016 were Baz Skinner who brings a wealth of theatre experience to the team and Andrew Rabyniuk, a practicing fibre artist whose

Also providing support for the arts and artists is

experience will augment the studio expertise of our existing

Lethbridge’s community art centre, Casa, (pg 15), an

staff. Lars Nodge was hired to provide casual assistance to our

activity filled building in our downtown core and a

busy 3D studio technician, Aaron Hagan. Additionally, two staff

thriving hub for art in Lethbridge. In its third year of

members experienced changes in job assignments in September

operations, this jewel box of a facility is still experiencing

2016. Brenna Lowrie was appointed acting Casa Facility Programs

growth in space bookings, client visits and artist studio

Manager to manage the needs of a growing number of facility

access. In 2016, the staff engaged in reviewing and

users, renters and studio pass holders. Brad Goruk was named

updating policies and procedures based on lessons

acting Facility Operations and Maintenance Manager responsible

learned during the previous three years. Visitors from

for oversight of facility operations and maintenance at Casa.

other cities are extremely complementary of this unique civic facility and we continue to be proud of

As our organization grows internal communications become even

this essential asset to our community.

more crucial. In June, the entire AAC staff spent a day at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre participating in a facilitated teambuilding

The Education program at Casa (pg 18) also experienced

session where they were able to engage in activities that developed

significant growth. Our community outreach programs,

communication skills, strengthened working relationships and

which provide affordable art experiences for Housing

increased organizational knowledge. To further facilitate strong

First clients and Adults with Special Needs, continue to

staff communications and robust organizational operations, the

be popular. The introduction of the City Fee Assistance

senior staff began holding monthly touch base meetings and also

Program has provided opportunities for low income

met in December for a visioning session and to develop an action

families wishing to engage with our programming.

plan for 2017.

Of some concern is the success and growth of our education programming and the impact of this

Our external communications also continue to expand as we

success on facility room capacity. After three years of

tell the story of the arts community to the larger community (pg

operations, we are close to hitting use capacity in the

13). Growing numbers of the community are now engaging with

classrooms and dance studio.

us through the internet and social media. Throughout the year, work was completed on an upgrade to the AAC website to better communicate events, initiatives and progress in the arts.

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ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

The Public Gallery program (pg 22) also saw growth last year. It continued to curate strong exhibitions and grew the programming in the auxiliary gallery spaces by offering coordinated show openings. This coordination of exhibitions throughout the building drew increased press and public attention. The Gallery expanded its programming partnerships by working with several community groups including IINNII, the Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society and the University of Lethbridge.

Members of our staff continue to contribute to the community through their ongoing participation on a number of committees including the City of Lethbridge Public Art Committee, Heart of our City Committee, City of Lethbridge Joint Promotions, the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and Team Lethbridge. In 2016, they also participated on project specific committees for the Tour of Alberta, Canada 150 and a committee planning a

2016 ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL 7TH STREET STAFF

Board Development Conference in the spring of 2017.

A number of our team members were recognized for their individual contributions to the community.

Dawn Leite was

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Suzanne Lint

proclaimed a ‘Top 40 Under 40’ by the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, Muffy McKay was nominated for a Southwest

ASSISTANT TO THE

Alberta Tourism Award for her management of the Arts Days

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

project and Aaron Hagan was awarded a 2016 Supporter Award

Dawn Leite

at the Lethbridge Inclusion Awards.

The AAC experienced a tremendous amount of success in growing arts opportunities in 2016. I must express my sincere

FINANCE COORDINATOR Jana McKenzie

appreciation and gratitude to a committed Board of Directors, a hardworking and enthusiastic staff, a dedicated group of

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

volunteers and an extraordinary membership whose collective

Kelaine Devine

efforts contributed to this growth. This team help to make Lethbridge a better city for its residents as well as an arts and culture hub for the region.

PROJECTS COORDINATOR Muffy McKay

Suzanne Lint,

RECEPTION

Executive Director

Pamela Vera

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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Mayor’s Luncheon for business and the arts

MAYOR’S LUNCHEON FOR BUSINESS AND THE ARTS SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 More than 200 community members and arts supporters joined us for our 11th annual Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel. Strong relationships between the business community, civic government and the arts community are part of what makes Lethbridge truly great. The Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts provides an opportunity to celebrate individuals, organizations and businesses that have been committed to the growth of the arts for decades as well as recognize new emerging leaders in our community. Forgotten Trails Pictures created the awards video and Standard Time Jazz Ensemble provided entertainment. Our lunch menu was created by Prime Catering. As always, the highlight of the 2015 luncheon was the presentation of the Joan Waterfield Memorial award, the Allied Arts Council Excellence (AACE) awards and the AAC Young Artist Award to the following dedicated arts supporters, enthusiasts and makers:

JOAN WATERFIELD MEMORIAL AWARD:

DR. GEORGE EVELYN & LOTTIE AUSTIN NOMINATED BY LETHBRIDGE SYMPHONY AND UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

The Joan Waterfield Award recognizes a member of the arts community, respected by their contemporaries for developing and fostering the arts in Lethbridge over an extended period of time. Dr. George Evelyn and Lottie Austin were jointly recognized for their continued efforts as performers, educators and fundraisers, on behalf of the arts and our vibrant music community, for more than three decades.

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ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

M

PROMOTING THE ARTS ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL EXCELLENCE (AACE) AWARD, INDIVIDUAL:

VERN MILLER

NOMINATED BY ANDRÉ LAROCHE

The AACE Individual Award recognizes an individual person who has made philanthropic contributions to an organization and therefore

Mayor enhances the entire arts community. Vern Miller was recognized for his work with the Chinook Woodturners’ Guild. Vern has been integral

in bringing knowledge to the Guild as well as sharing the Guild’s accomplishments to the wider community. He was the driving force for the Guild project, fabrication of a giant chess set for the City of Lethbridge, now housed at The Galt Museum and Archives.

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL EXCELLENCE (AACE) AWARD, BUSINESS:

FWBA ARCHITECTS

NOMINATED BY SOUTHERN ALBERTA ART GALLERY

The AACE Business Award was created to recognize a business in the community that has made outstanding

philanthropic contributions to an arts organization and therefore enhances the entire arts community. FWBA Architects were recognized for their extensive history of outstanding support for art and culture in our community.

FWBA Architects staff have financially supported the SAAG, attended various events and served as board members. As well, the firm has been involved in on-going renovations of the SAAG throughout the decades.

AAC YOUNG ARTIST AWARD:

CLAIRE LINT

The AAC Young Artist Award was created in 2015 to encourage and support young artists in the Lethbridge region who are working to advance and enhance the arts in Lethbridge. The award has a value of $1000 and is intended to support and encourage artistic work. Claire Lint is an emerging dance artist committed to creating a professional dance community in Lethbridge. A passionate dancer/choreographer, Claire has a lasting impact on everyone she works with and is a founding member of the Lethbridge Society of Independent Dance Artists.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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ARTS DAYS SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 2, 2016 Lethbridge Arts Days is a week-long celebration of the arts in Lethbridge held in conjunction with provincial and national Culture Days. The Allied Arts Council works with AAC members and member organizations to produce over twenty-five arts events over eight days. In 2016, Arts Days received funding assistance from Alberta Culture Days, Canadian Heritage and the Heart of Our City Activity Grant. This funding creates resources for artists to perform and showcase their work in venues they may not traditionally be able to access.

Allied Arts Council initiatives included The Gallery at Casa’s Feature Film series (September 30), Art Walk (September 30 and October 1), an Artisan Market (October 1 and 2) and Family Affair on the Square (October 2).

The 13TH ANNUAL ART WALK included gallery exhibitions at the Galt Museum, SAAG, The Gallery at Casa and the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery; and showcased the work of more than 200 artists in a variety of storefronts throughout Lethbridge. These visual art offerings were enhanced by fifty roaming musicians, street performers and performance artists along the walks’ route.

ARTISAN MARKET HOSTED SIXTEEN ARTISTS FOR 2 DAYS The ARTISAN MARKET hosted 16 local artists selling handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, art and crafts in the ATB

ART

Financial Community Room at Casa.

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ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

EVENTS

FAMILY AFFAIR ON THE SQUARE, a wrap up event for Arts Days on October 2 from 12 – 4pm, saw a slightly different format, providing more hands on opportunities for the public to create and participate. Activities such as the Pound of Clay workshop, Artist Trading Cards and Button Making were offered for families and individuals free of charge. Casa user groups were invited to host info tables in the atrium during the event. Along with the artisan market, chalk painting on the plaza and live music, attendance continues to increase for this family friendly wrap up to Arts Days.

FAMILY AFFAIR ON THE SQUARE ATTENDANCE WAS 500

TS DAYS MORE THAN 4000 PEOPLE TOOK IN ARTS DAYS IN 2016

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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CHRISTMAS AT CASA NOVEMBER 18 & 19, 2016 In its fourth year, Christmas at Casa, held in conjunction with Downtown BRZ Bright Lights Festival, has become a Lethbridge Christmas tradition. This art and craft sale showcases the best of our local and regional artists and craftspeople in a festive and fun atmosphere.

Attendance continues to grow each year, with numbers nearing 3000 people over two days of shopping. Due to overwhelming demand from the artist vendors and a limited amount of exhibition space, applications were juried and forty-five artists were selected.

Red Engine Coffee Roasters hosted a pop-up coffee shop. Macs & Custard brought their food truck to Rotary Square with homemade baked goods including signature macarons to shoppers. Live music lends to the festive atmosphere as local musicians are hired to play festive and seasonal standards. Ceramic ornaments for the Casa Christmas tree were made by staff and Casa facility users – this year’s theme was stars. Each year, handmade ornaments decorate the tree at Casa and are sold in subsequent years as a fundraiser for The Gallery at Casa.

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ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

EVENTS SOAR EMERGING ARTIST FESTIVAL JUNE 1 – 5, 2016

The second annual Soar Emerging Artist Festival, a five-day, multidisciplinary arts festival took place at Casa. Soar featured three nights of cabaret style showcases, a visual arts exhibition and professional development opportunities in the format of a two-day symposium of workshops, panel discussions and practical classes.

73

CABARET SPECTATORS

The CABARET NIGHTS provided opportunities to thirty-three young artists to present their work. Audiences enjoyed dance, theatre, spoken word, magic and performance art over three nights in the ATB Financial Community Room at Casa. M.A.P.S. (Making Art in Peculiar Spaces), the visual arts component of the festival, was installed the week of Soar in conjunction with The Gallery at Casa. Nine emerging artists were challenged with creating art within a 16”x20” wood and plexi-glass shadow box. These boxes were installed throughout the downtown core on lamp posts, sign posts and fences. A walking map was provided to the public, who were encouraged to wander the city and engage with the pieces. The two-day PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM, open to artists of all ages, included ten sessions covering a wide range of topics. Panels, hands-on workshops and practical classes were presented. The festival wrapped with an after party with local band The Utilities at Attainable Records on 7th Street.

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ARTISTS PARTICIPATED IN CABARET NIGHTS

Downtown businesses and other arts organizations assisted the festival through various sponsorships. Feedback has been very positive, with artists and presenters alike being thrilled that we have this opportunity available for presentation of new works and for professional development.

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ATTENDEES FOR THE OPENING RECEPTION

ARTISTS IN M.A.P.S. - JURIED FROM 13 SUBMISSIONS

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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SYMPOSIUM PARTICIPANTS

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PROJECTS OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Every year the Allied Arts Council is approached to liase for community events with artists and artist groups.

In 2016, The Allied Arts Council was part of the team coordinating the Festival at Galt Gardens during the TOUR OF ALBERTA on September 1. The festivities included music and entertainment, food and artisan vendors, as well as info booths from many of our member organizations.

The FARMER’S MARKET at Exhibition Park runs from May through October and is a vibrant part of our community in the summer months. The permanent AAC table is available to members at a discounted rate and share their wares, information and enthusiasm for the arts with the rest of Lethbridge.

The Allied Arts Council works with the LETHBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY Downtown Branch every year to fill their glass display cases on the lower and main floors. The AAC coordinates Allied member participation allowing them to display member works, highlight upcoming activities or just talk about their organization. These display cases, in such high traffic locations are a great way to showcase arts groups and activities in Lethbridge. In 2016, twelve AAC Allied Members promoted their activities, events and artwork to the public.

Another of the many member opportunities available are the use of EXHIBITION SPACES that we administer. Royal LePage South Country, the Joan Waterfield Gallery at the Yates and our own 7th Street offices provide informal display spaces which allow us to program a rotating exhibition schedule throughout the year.

The Allied Arts Council maintains a members only DISPLAY BOARD outside the 7th Street office. Posters are displayed in prominent safe locations for passers-by to watch for upcoming events and opportunities.

RAY JOLLIFFE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Allied Arts Council works with the Lethbridge Community Foundation and the Jolliffe family to facilitate the application and jury process for a $1000 annual scholarship. In 2016, the scholarship was awarded to Riley Boe, a student from the University of Lethbridge. Congratulations to Riley and many thanks to the Jolliffe family for continuing to provide this opportunity to Theatre Production Design students.

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ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

COMMUNICATIONS The Allied Art Council endeavours to focus on promoting the value of the arts to the greater Lethbridge community. To tell the story of the arts, we use a combination of traditional and digital media to reach our membership and community at large.

PRINT PUBLICATIONS: The AAC creates a number of publications which are distributed throughout the community and to the AAC membership. All our publications serve as educational, promotional and documentation vehicles for our amazing arts community.

The AAC published the ninth edition of the AAC ARTS DIRECTORY in 2016. The directory is a reference publication about the arts community in Lethbridge. It provides contact information for artists, groups, businesses, classes, suppliers and adverts to those who are looking to connect with the arts. The centrefold includes a detailed public art walking map. An edition of 12,000 was printed and distributed first to the AAC membership and then throughout Lethbridge bundled with the Lethbridge Herald. Free copies are available throughout the city. A digital copy of the Arts Directory was created on Issuu and is available on-line.

MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS

ARTSBRIDGE MAGAZINE is a thematic magazine that serves to

The Allied Arts Council continues to build

educate the broader public about topics in the arts community.

our media relationships in the community.

Contributions and articles are solicited on topics from a diverse

We are grateful to our media partners

group of writers and artists. In 2016, we refreshed the masthead

for the time and effort that they put into

and began to print the cover in full colour. We also introduced a

supporting the Lethbridge arts community

new regular feature called Bridges that explores relationships in the

and AAC initiatives.

arts community. The theme of the Winter/Spring 2016 Volume 17 issue was about Adaptation in the Arts. Summer/Fall 2016 Volume 18

The AAC re-committed to its partnership

investigated the Future and the Arts. Both issues were well received.

with 94.1 CJOC FM

Digital copies of ArtsBridge are created on Issuu and available

for the popular Art Tracks feature. Art

online for free.

Tracks provides on-air promotion for AAC

and 98.1 The Bridge

member events every Wednesday. Events The AAC also manages the production of Casa publications and

are gleaned from our monthly calls for

print materials. Three Casa Program Guides that coincide with

events to Allied members.

seasonal programming are published; Winter (January to April), Spring/Summer (May to August) and Fall (September to December).

Local media are amongst some of the

Seasonally, 2500 of each edition of the guide are printed and

loudest champions for the arts. 94.1 CJOC

distributed throughout the city. Guides include class information,

FM, 98.1 The Bridge, Shaw TV Lethbridge,

special workshops, themed weeks and gallery initiatives as well as

Global Lethbridge, CTV Lethbridge, LA

facility information including a wayfinding map. Throughout 2016,

Beat, Lethbridge living, Lethbridge Herald,

the AAC also produced invitations for The Gallery at Casa, special

CKUA and CKXU have generously provided

event brochures and other promotional collateral as needed.

non-profit rates or media coverage for our organization, making it possible for

Monthly, we create four pages for the City of Lethbridge Recreation

us to communicate with the greater

& Culture Guide for the promotion of member arts events, Casa

community.

activities and broader arts educational information.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS: WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA Throughout 2016, Brightside Digital Studio worked in conjunction with the AAC to refresh the artslethbridge.org website. Our new website was delivered to us in December of 2016. The new website is built on a Wordpress platform that allows for greater ease of content control. This platform is considerably more stable than our previous website platform. The new website is also ‘reflexive’ in that it changes its appearance dependent on the device you are using for access. For many people, our website is their first contact with the Lethbridge arts community.

ARTS IN LETHBRIDGE is the AAC’s bi-weekly e-newsletter that is sent out to our members, supporters and the media via MailChimp. This email newsletter provides information about on-going initiatives of the AAC, pertinent arts news and a robust list of artist opportunities. This e-newsletter is delivered to 244 recipients.

CASA CONNECT is the e-newsletter created by Casa staff for those who wish to keep abreast of Casa’s busy schedule. This e-newsletter is open to the public and is received by 468 recipients.

The AAC manages a variety of social media channels to further educate the greater community: Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook Pages: Allied Arts Council

931 likes

Casa

2380 likes

Lethbridge Arts Days

1382 likes

Lethbridge Performing Arts Centre

490 likes

Soar Emerging Arts Festival

90 likes

Twitter: AAC Instagram:

1353 followers 193

Casa 1746

followers

followers

We manage five websites to share arts information with the community: artslethbridge.org

(AAC main page)

casalethbridge.ca

(Casa main page)

artsdayslethbridge.org

(Lethbridge Arts Days landing page)

lethbridgeperformingartscentre.org soarfestival.ca

(on-going advocacy initiative)

(Soar Emerging Artist Festival landing page)

Allied Arts Council communications are assisted by Suzanne Griffin and Warwick Printing.

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ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

IMPROVING COMMUNITY

Marking Casa’s third full year in operation, 2016 was a time of transition and growth as the building continued to serve the local arts community as well as the general population.

The centre continues to be a gathering place for numerous local arts-related guilds and groups for meetings, workshops, demonstrations, rehearsals, auditions and performances. Casa is at capacity in regards to the educational visual arts programming being offered. Casa was also the venue of choice for musical and theatrical performances and classes offered as part of the Lethbridge Fringe Festival, Lethbridge Jazz Festival and Centric Festival. In terms of attracting provincial arts-related groups to the city, the facility was pleased to host meetings and information sessions presented by Visual Arts Alberta, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts as well as the majority of the Alberta Public Art Network Conference.

Community sporting events that opted to return to Casa in 2016 included the ever-popular Moonlight Run and the Tour of Alberta cycling stage race. In addition, many not-for-profit groups hosted a diverse array of events in the ATB Financial Community Room, such as the local edition of Help Portrait (free portraits

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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CASA for families in need) and a celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Other public events enjoyed by thousands of community members included concerts, lectures,

film

screenings,

artisan

markets,

2016 ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL CASA STAFF

information

sessions, workshops, and fundraisers – not to mention annual

FACILITY SERVICES COORDINATOR

Allied Arts Council initiatives such as Arts Days activities and

Claire Hatton

Family Fun Day. Casa also continued to attract its share of corporate bookings due to its convenient downtown location and reasonable rental rates.

FACILITY PROGRAMS MANAGER (ACTING) Brenna Lowrie

Art studio spaces were once again well-used, with the clay studio remaining immensely popular with both seasoned

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

ceramic artists and those new to the medium. Similarly, the

MANAGER (ACTING)

Casa dance studio was in near-constant use by local dance,

Brad Goruk

yoga and martial arts groups and was a popular drop-in destination for dancers of all ages. While some studio spaces have not been used as frequently as hoped, the Operations Manager began the process of adding new tools and equipment to studios in the hopes of better serving artists working in the facility.

GALLERY SERVICES COORDINATOR Darcy Logan EDUCATION COORDINATOR Diana Zasadny

Casa’s long-term leaseholder, the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music, continued their relationship with facility

SUMMER FACILITY/EDUCATION

managers, the Allied Arts Council. Many music instructors

PROGRAM ASSISTANT

report having full teaching schedules. The Conservatory’s

Sheila Shaw

public music programming, including music workshops and concert series, attract capacity crowds to Casa.

After a period of settling in and defining the role Casa plays in our community, 2016 presented an opportunity to re-

FACILITY TECHNICIANS Brent Coulton Aaron Hagan

evaluate policies and procedures that affect day-to-day operations of the facility. Amendments and improvements

FACILITY ATTENDANTS

to studio access and facility rental procedures were initiated.

Brent Coulton

A new system for City maintenance requests has allowed

Andrew Rabyniuk

for quicker, more efficient service, resulting in almost all

Ethan Roth

outstanding building deficiencies being resolved.

We are proud of the service provided in 2016. The Casa Facility, Reception and Studio Technician teams look forward

Sheila Shaw Baz Skinner

to future improvements, changes and challenges that will

RECEPTION

arise as we continue to serve an ever-expanding network

Lorraine Lee

of arts groups and artists, as well as the community of

Pamela Vera

Lethbridge in years to come.

CUSTODIANS Brad Goruk Andrew Bialobzyski

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ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

CASA FACILITY RENTAL STATISTICS 2016 ROOM

DISTINCT BOOKINGS

ATTENDEE COUNT

ROOM USE

ATB Financial Community Room

225

16,301

Exhibitions, presentations, rehearsals, meetings, film screenings, workshops, fundraisers, music recitals, theatre productions, dance performances, birthday and retirement parties, markets, career fairs, information sessions

Meeting Rooms

216

3390

Meetings, music and theatre rehearsals, workshops, presentations, auditions, model calls, art and writing classes, birthday parties, digital photo viewing

Dance Studio

340

4630

2D Classroom

26

282

Art therapy classes

Textile Studio

26

329

Meetings, workshops, demonstrations

17

285

Meetings, workshops, demonstrations

Woodworking Studio

U of L ballet programming, Irish dance, tai chi, yoga, Kendo, Casa dance programming, private dance instruction, hula hooping, fitness classes, workshops, meditation groups, rehearsals

STUDIO ACCESS 3D Studio

1092

2D Studio

412

Dance

83

Textile Studio

169

Weaving Studio

1164

TOURS

29

CASA BUILDING

220

77,510

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

17

EDUCATION In 2016, the Education

Program

continued

to grow through strong teamwork of

staff in Facility,

Communications, the Clay Technician, Casa Reception and Education. Over the course of the year there was an increase of 25% of students taking part in the classes and workshops. As the community gains awareness of the new facility, more people are using the building and taking part in the education program.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAMMING Casa offered foundation classes for children in exploring art, clay wheel and hand building on Fridays in the winter and fall. Artist Partnership classes included ever-popular Cartooning and Dance classes.

Children’s summer camps offered new opportunities including Creating Creatures, Circus Camp, ArtStorm, Fabulous Fimo, Clay, Paint-o-Rama and First Nations Arts and Dance. New performance based classes were well received. ArtStorm provided children the opportunity to create puppetry, stage sets and perform group written scripts or stories drawn from classic children’s books. The Green Fools Circus Camp focused on each child’s natural abilities and strengths through play and performance. The First Nations Arts and Dance Camp taught participants from all backgrounds First Nations culture, dance, stories and art; the camp was partially funded by ATB Financial. Each of these camps resulted in performances that were both joyful and moving for participants, instructors and parents. The City of Lethbridge Fee Assistance Program sponsored many children including a group of Syrian refugees, participating in Clay Handbuilding and ArtStorm.

Youth

classes

photography,

included

clay

pinhole

photography,

wheel,

character and creature design, cartooning, stop motion animation, coiled baskets and jewelry, creative writing and mixed media.

Youth Summer Art Week ran two of five workshops, including Graphic Novel Shorts and Clay Intensive.

ADULT PROGRAMMING Adult programming saw the introduction of a variety of classes including Carving for Everyone, Writing to Captivate, Exploring Art for Adults, First Nations Arts and Crafts, Portraits in Pastel, Clay Figure Sculpture and Watercolour for the Timid.

18

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

Workshops offered included Book Making, Knitting Mawata Silk, Spiral Coiling, Beginner Film Photography, Coiled Vessels and Sculpture, Zentangle, Clay Tea Pot, Watercolour Elements, Playing with Acrylics, Muddy Sundays and Couples Nights in Clay.

ADULT SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMMING Special Needs classes, Exploring Art and Clay Hand Building continue to be popular in the community with most classes filled to capacity. The AAC has a bursary structure to support the Special Needs Adult Art Program for those who require financial assistance.

Students are eligible for up to five bursaries in a calendar year. Bursaries are valued at 75% of the class fee. The Bursary Application and payment of the 25% registration fee are required before the student will be admitted to a class. Bursary candidates are required to provide a letter of support from either a caregiver or a support organization with the completed application form. Applications and letters are required once per calendar year. At this time, the revenue generated by other Casa classes help to support this program.

FAMILY PROGRAMMING Family Fun Day was a busy day at Casa with approximately 290 visitors. All of the workshops were filled with registered participants before the day began.

Family art classes have gained momentum from clay wheel to new artist partnerships including the very popular Family Art and Holidays in Clay. This new category is an exciting opportunity for the community to experience art making.

Lastly,

numerous

Casa

workshops

welcomed

participants from home school groups, schools, families and workplaces. Children’s Birthday Party Workshops brought in eleven groups, introducing dozens of new children and parents to Casa.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

19

EDUCATION

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM Three artists participated in the Artist in Residence program: Katie Bruce, Justin Many Fingers and Sandra Cowen.

Katie Bruce is a University of Lethbridge graduate now residing in Toronto, she utilized the 2D Studio August 8 - 28 for her bookbinding and printmaking project. She conducted both an etching workshop August 13 and open house on August 25, as an opportunity to share her work with the public. She noted, “thank you all once more for such an incredible time at Casa - truly the most productive I’ve ever been and it feels so wonderful to have been able to do the work in Lethbridge.”

Justin Many Fingers participated in a two week residency to further develop his piece, OKOTOKS, August 15 - 27. OKOTOKS is a new Blackfoot dance-theatre hybrid developed with the advice of Blackfoot Elders. The group primarily used the ATB Financial Community Room and Dance Studio in the mornings, the afternoons involved visits to sacred Blackfoot sites in Southern Alberta and Montana.

Justin and the Niitsitipi Dance Theater presented their well-received performance on August 27 to an audience of approximately 120 spectators.

Sandra Cowen was the artist in residence November 12 – December 12, in the clay studio. Sandra held an open house and clay wheel demonstration on December 3. Several visitors dropped in to see the demo and tour the building.

FIRST NATIONS ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM AND GRANT In 2016, a new artist in residence program was launched and advertised. The First Nation Artist in Residence Program is funded with the assistance of ATB Financial. Applicants creating 2D, 3D or digital projects were originally able to apply for residency for the period of August 14 – 28, with an application deadline of May 15. No applications were received at that time. The program deadline was reset for December 31, 2016, with three successful candidates being invited to participate in 2017.

HOUSING FIRST PROGRAM In 2016, the Housing First Arts and Music Program started with a push towards youth programming with a class running at 5th on 5th from February until August. The Real Artists at Work (RAW) program is growing with new participants, sent by referral from the Housing First agencies. Global Drumming participation is steady but still has room for growth. An offsite program was offered in the first half of the year to residents of River House. Program participants created a six foot Dream Catcher that was presented at the National Aboriginal Day, June 22. The object is temporarily displayed at Casa by

20

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

the main entrance and has drawn much attention from spectators, it is an important part of the identity of the building and the community.

Youth Art and River House programs that took part outside the Casa building, were cancelled in September due to insurance requirements from the City of Lethbridge. The River House group may come to Casa on future occasions to take part in workshops if funds are available.

In April, the budget for the Housing First Art and Music Program was reduced to $20,000, down from $26,000 in the previous 2015 - 2016 year. The last quarter of the program runs January 1 – March 30, 2017, the estimated cost of the program is $19,147 for the entire year falling within the budget of $20,000.

The Housing First Arts and Recreation program is receiving additional funding through City of Lethbridge Recreation Pass. This allows a onetime payment of $150 for each participant that uses the River House, Drumming or Youth Art Programs. EDUCATION

# CLASSES

#STUDENTS

AVERAGE STUDENT/CLASS

WINTER

70

513

7.3

SPRING/SUMMER

61

553

9.1

FALL

70

583

WORKSHOPS & BIRTHDAYS

56

750

ANNUAL CITY OF LETHBRIDGE HOUSING FIRST

# SESSION

#STUDENTS

RAW

57

167

YOUTH HUB

11

23

RIVER HOUSE

22

62

DRUMMING

37

70

ANNUAL REPORT 2105

8.3

13.4

21

THE GALLERY at Casa The public gallery program of the Allied Arts Council had a tremendous year filled with great partnerships, fantastic exhibitions, and community engagement. The program has been growing and evolving and will be continuing this evolution over the next year.

Within the Gallery at Casa, nine formal fee-paying exhibitions were held by both local artists and artists with connection to our community. Of these, six were group exhibitions and three were solo shows. In total forty-eight artists participated in exhibitions within our primary gallery space. Thirty-seven were local or regional, ten were national or provincial and one was international. The Gallery at Casa paid nearly $17,000 in artist fees 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 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 nineteen distinct

exhibitions during 2016. Eighty-three artists were afforded the opportunity to participate, eighty of which were local artists, two were provincial artists and one was international. Local exhibitors, who also choose to sell their work, made profits of $3250 in 2016. The Gallery at Casa was extremely proud to provide exhibitions to 131 different artists, 90% of which were individuals from our own community.

The gallery had a wonderful year for interesting projects and exciting partnerships. The gallery program was pleased to present the unique off-site exhibition M.A.P.S (Making Art for Peculiar Spaces) in conjunction with the Soar Emerging Artist Festival. We were also pleased to partner with IINNII Artist Run Centre to act as a venue host for their initiative Perception: Lethbridge, by Winnipeg artist KC Adams. The Gallery also partnered with local organizations to host a series of mile-stone

22

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

GALLERY GALLERY VISITOR COUNT: 13,500 VISITORS

exhibitions; the Surface Design Guild’s 35th anniversary exhibition Branches Spreading, the Oldman River Potters Guild’s 50th anniversary exhibition Musicality, and the Lethbridge Artist Club’s 80th anniversary exhibition Faces of Significance.

The gallery hosted a Halloween event that was both an opportunity for artists and a ticketed fund-raising event. MONSTER MASH invited artists from across the country to submit audio scores for clips from vintage silent horror films. These were played publicly as well as shared on social media. Attendees could vote for their favorite piece of audio art and cash prizes were awarded. In addition, there was a costume party the same evening with live music by the Groove Apostles. The event was a profitable event for the Gallery, including paying over $1000 in artist fees.

Media art continues to have a strong presence at Casa. Our partnership with the Alberta Media Arts Alliance in presenting a Lethbridge extension of the GAMA (Gallery of Alberta Media Arts) program came to a close at the end of 2016. This was a peer-assessed fee paying program that presented media work

by Alberta artists. The Casa component was a monitor adjacent to the gallery where eighteen short films were screened. The Gallery also hosted a screening of local film maker Blake Evernden’s feature length film Prairie Dog. The Digital Gallery on the southern exterior of the building hosted five exhibitions by various local and national artists.

The WINDOW SHOP our showcase gift shop, continues to provide an opportunity for local artisans to sell their wares. Artisans and craftspeople made $4000 through their participation in 2016.

The gallery was extremely successful in 2016 and 2017 will continue to amaze, astound and engage the residents of our community!

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

23

PUBLIC ART The Allied Arts Council is pleased to provide administrative support for the City of Lethbridge Public Art Commissioning Program. We are equally pleased with the progress that was made with the program in 2016. A major commission was completed, the first projects funded under the Small Project Grant program were realized, two new major commissioning projects were launched, maintenance work was completed on two projects and Lethbridge hosted the Alberta Public Art Network annual symposium.

The Helen Schuler Nature Centre public art project by Saskatoon artist Terry Billings was installed after encountering a number of procedural delays as well as significant fabrication challenges.

Listen, a large bench structure housing a parabolic or whisper dish was originally scheduled for installation in the spring of 2015.

In response to non-compliance issues, the artist terminated her original fabricator and contracted Inland Cement out of Calgary to pour the large concrete sculpture. Listen creates a moment for visitors to stop and focus on the park’s sounds and to enjoy the acoustics as well as the visual beauty of the park environment. The artist, Helen Schuler Nature Centre staff, City staff and the Public Art Committee were delighted when the large sound bench was hoisted into place on December 22, 2016. It is anticipated many park users will also delight in the audio experience provided by the work.

A relatively new component of the Public Art Program is the SMALL PROJECT GRANT PROGRAM which funds projects initiated by local organizations and artists that have budgets under $15,000. Three small projects commenced in 2016. A local aboriginal artist run centre, IINNII, hosted Perception: Lethbridge by Winnipeg artist KC Adams. Perception consisted of a series of portraits that attempt to combat the stereotypes of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.

Each portrait is a diptych, in one image, the subject was asked by the photographer to think about racist remarks they or their family have experienced and the racial slur was used as the title of this photo. In the second image, the subject was asked to think about a family member or a happy moment in their life and write their own self-identifying title. These images were exhibited, with additional support from Pattison Sign and ATB Financial, on billboards, bus wraps, bus shelters and at Casa.

The Textile Surface Design Guild (TSDG) started and completed their multifaceted project, Branches Spreading - A Single Stem, which allowed the guild to showcase their art work and promote community involvement during their 35th Anniversary year. The first project was the creation of four banners for Shakespeare in the Park. Project two, HOOPLA, was a collaborative art project

24

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

with Ability Resource Centre (ARC) participants and required each individual to cover a hoop with burlap, wrap the perimeter of the hoop with yarn and then hook a design of their choosing in the burlap. Hoops completed by TSDG and ARC members were included in an art piece which was exhibited at ARC on October 20, 2016 and featured a reception for the public and participant families. Edmonton textile artist and sculptor, Diane Krys, provided assistance with the design of the Hoopla project.

The third project was Treewhispers, a collaborative program based on a project by Pamela Paulsrud and the late Marilyn Sward which saw participants from ARC, Helen Schuler Nature Centre (HSNC) programs and guild members create discs from shredded recycled paper. The strung discs were exhibited at HSNC in October and November. The project also included the production of a Legacy Book which was exhibited with the discs and donated to the HSNC. Local artist, Connie Furgason, conducted a Decorative Writing workshop for guild members who utilized learned skills and their artistic talent to create individual pages for the discs and the Legacy Book. The guild also participated in TSDG 35th Anniversary Exhibition held in the Concourse Gallery at Casa, April through June, 2016.

Local artist, Leanne Elias, initiated a project which will be completed in the spring of 2017. The project involves the installation of a pinhole camera which will take a long-exposure image over a six month period. The resulting ethereal image will be produced in a larger format and will become part of the city collection. Additional projects for garbage bin wrapping in Fort Whoop-up Park and a window project in the foyer of Casa will be executed in 2017.

The City of Lethbridge is currently in the process of constructing phase two of the ATB Leisure Centre. The inclusion of public art has been a component of the project since its inception.

A

local artist, Dean Reeves, was contracted through a Request For Qualifications process to develop a Public Art Plan for the new facility. The plan identifies a number of public art projects that would be appropriate for the centre including major projects for the galleria and swimming pool areas in the phase two building.

As well, the plan suggests artist designed static and digital displays for a permanent Sports Hall of Fame area to be incorporated into the Leisure Centre. Calls for the identified projects will be developed and executed in 2017, allowing the artworks to be installed in advance of the facility opening in 2019.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

25

PUBLIC ART

A major new public art project was initiated in the

late spring 2017. The selected final projects will be

summer of 2016. We are working with Lethbridge’s

installed in both cities in the summer of 2018.

twin city, the City of St-Laurent, Quebec, to develop an exchange of sculptures to mark the 150th

The City of Lethbridge has set aside monies to

Anniversary of Canada. An artist commissioned

provide for the ongoing maintenance of the public

by Lethbridge will create a work for placement

art collection. In 2016, funds were expended on

in St-Laurent and a Quebec artist will create a

both a repair to the locking system on Threshold,

work for placement in Lethbridge. The Lethbridge

Tony Bloom’s sculptural gate at the Royal View

installation site is in the park adjacent to Nikka Yuko

Cemetery and the installation of paving bricks to

Japanese Gardens. A Call for Proposals was posted

address erosion from audience engagement with

by City of Lethbridge procurement in September

the yellow dog element of Andy Davis’ artwork,

2016. The 150th Anniversary Celebration St-Laurent

How Can I Miss You If You Never Go Away, in Galt

call closed on October 31, 2016 with 22 applications

Gardens. Maintenance work was also completed on

having been received. Project selection juries from

the Muse Atelier work, Mirrored Earth, which is located

both Lethbridge and St-Laurent met in November

in Casa. A number of the rotating brackets which

and selected three artists in each community to

had been damaged by over-enthusiastic viewers

prepare detailed proposals and maquettes. Three

were supplied at no costs by the work’s fabricators

representatives from each community were able

and were installed by staff at Casa.

to participate in both jury processes via skype. The

26

short listed artists were invited to attend site visits in

A high point of the public art program in 2016 was

each of the communities in mid-January 2017 and

the Alberta Public Art Network Symposium which

will submit their final submissions for adjudication in

was hosted by the City of Lethbridge at Casa the

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

weekend of May 5 - 7, 2016. Allied Arts Council staff provided the lead in planning and administrating a highly successful event with an overarching theme of Opportunities, Challenges and Trends in Public Art. The symposium included educational sessions, public art tours and social networking opportunities.

The keynote speaker was Peter Morin, an aboriginal artist, curator and writer from the Tahltan Nation, who provided a provocative opening address to the public mix and mingle opening reception at the Galt Museum. Additionally, public arts professionals from Alberta and British Columbia provided six educational sessions. A highlight event was the progressive dinner held at the Trianon Gallery, Casa and the Southern Alberta Art Gallery. The APAN Symposium offered a wonderful opportunity for members of our community to network with individuals from around the province who share a passion for the arts and specifically the discipline of public art. We were also delighted to have both Mayor Spearman and Minister

of the Environment, the Honourable Shannon Philips, join us for some sessions and provide greetings. We were also pleased to be able to hire fifteen local entertainers for the social events. Funding for the event was provided from the City of Lethbridge Community Event Support Program, the Public Art fund and from registration fees. Approximately, sixty participants from Lethbridge and across the province attended the symposium and more than one person commented on the vibrant arts environment in Lethbridge as well as indicating a desire to move to our city.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

27

PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE The Performing Arts Centre Advocacy Group (PACAG) was active during 2016.

The Group hired an arts consultant to determine the barriers for moving the PAC project forward into the next Capitol Improvment Program. The purpose of the arts consultant was two-fold: determine if the greater community is still in need of a performing arts centre; and determine if the performing arts organizations are still in need of a performing arts centre.

#nextstageYQL

28

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

To determine community need, audience intercepts were

The consultant also reached out to the Performing Arts

conducted. The most stated barrier to supporting a new

organizations in Lethbridge to re-affirm the need for

project was lack of understanding; much of the community

a new performing arts centre. What was determined

is still confused about what Casa is and is not, why a

is there is still need for a performing arts centre in

Performing Arts Centre is needed, “the Yates is good enough”

Lethbridge. Our performing arts groups are continually

and the extent of our vibrant arts community. With this

faced with challenges around booking availability, the

information, the PACAG created three short videos, helping

cost and inconvenience of converting found spaces into

to educate the community on the reasons why a PAC is

performances spaces and the general lack of audience

needed in Lethbridge. The videos include Casa Confusion,

amenities in various found spaces.

Capacity Conundrum and Lethbridge is Boring; these videos were launched on the Lethbridge Performing Arts Centre

The Advocacy Group developed the NEXT STAGE

Facebook page, Twitter, website and the AAC YouTube

INITIATIVE, a program to identify and build a database of

channel. The community response has been remarkable;

community supporters, to be shared with Council when

nearly 13,000 reach on the first video and maintaining a

the project is presented during the City of Lethbridge’s

reach of 5000 for the second and third videos.

Capital Improvement Program process.

The PACAG met with community leaders and key stakeholders, providing information and soliciting letters of support. The group and volunteers attended eighteen performing

arts

events,

providing

audiences

with

brochures and information about the project. The Group presented to various community and business groups, encouraging supporters to write letters of support and join the initiative.

A historic theatre walking tour in the downtown core was created to hilight Lethbridge’s fascinating performance history. A bi-weekly e-newsletter was created to keep interested parties informed of the process and any new developments. Supporters are also encouraged to share the newsletter with others in the community.

Information is also being shared on social media using #nextstageYQL to engage in conversation about why we need a performing arts centre.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

29

SUPPORTERS

54 19

ALLIED MEMBERS:

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

112

ARTIST MEMBERS:

FRIEND MEMBERS:

28

LIFETIME MEMBERS Van Christou and Karen Kay

In 2016, 54 volunteers contributed 903 hours of their time to the Allied Arts Council. Thank you!

30

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

FINANCIALS ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE ALLIED ARTS LETHBRIDGE STATEMENT OFCOUNCIL FINANCIALOF POSITION Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2016, with comparative information 2015� Year ended December 31, 2016, withforcomparative

information for 2015 2016

2015

$ 567,314 10,312 2,545 580,171

$ 548,215 20,437 1,857 570,509

156,523 114,479 42,044

154,267 101,592 52,675

$ 622,215

$ 623,184

$

$

Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable 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 Net assets: Invested in capital assets� Unrestricted Internally restricted

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

27,639 964 26,206 67,642 122,451

17,829 2,688 24,944 79,542 125,003

42,044 42,059 415,661 499,764

52,675 42,059 403,447 498,181

$ 622,215

$ 623,184

31

FINANCIALS FINANCIALS

7% Alberta Foundation for the Arts

REVENUE Program Fees/Membership Projects/Donations/Grants City of Lethbridge Alberta Foundation for the Arts

$291,562

26%

$136,361

12%

$606,300

55%

$75,000

7%

26% Program Fees/Membership

$1,109,223 Does not include imputed rent

55% City of Lethbridge

12% Projects/Donations/Grants

EXPENSES Administration

$305,347

28%

Facility

$382,320

35%

Arts Promotion

$140,974

13%

Programming

$261,439

24%

$17,560

2%

Board

2% Board

28% Administration

$1,107,640 Does not include imputed rent

24% Programming

13% Arts Promotion 35% Facility

32

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:

Other

Grants, donations and sponsorships

Fundraising and special projects

- facility support

- fees for service

City of Lethbridge

Fees, sales and rentals

Revenue:

Program

$

$

387 27,617

268,183

-

602 $

13,249

4,050

12,362

(12,647)

-

253,142

5,703

5,020

(253,142)

-

-

-

-

-

26,641

17,477

224,160

-

-

-

40,866

-

-

15,041

-

11,631

40,866

- $

-

$

$

Board

-

3,410

Administrative

4,413 $

(20,252)

24,665

1,031 162,675

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

65,556

96,088

187,340

-

25,314

-

-

-

162,026 $

Education

(1,600) $

(134,166)

132,566

6,830 786,815

759

-

18,028

-

28,794

422,125

-

310,279

-

919,381

-

2,862

-

422,125

406,300

88,094 $

Facility

Year ended December 31, 2016, with comparative information for 2015

Year ended December 31, 2016, with comparative information for 2015�

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE ALLIED ARTS OF LETHBRIDGE STATEMENT OFCOUNCIL OPERATIONS Statement of Operations

5,104 $

(2,541)

7,645

387 79,780

-

-

4,946

-

-

-

2,142

48,825

23,480

87,425

-

75,896

3,746

-

-

7,783 $

Gallery

(6,936) $

(83,536)

76,600

4,253 204,695

-

-

54,695

10,056

-

17,580

78,365

26,000

13,746

281,295

17

67,882

39,517

-

159,134

14,745 $

Leadership

1,583

-

1,583

12,888 1,529,765

17,171

5,020

83,372

36,697

28,794

439,705

80,507

692,297

133,314

1,531,348

11,648

171,954

43,263

422,125

606,300

$

276,058 $

Total 2016

61,062

-

61,062

16,166 1,664,653

12,036

4,772

65,090

33,056

14,615

608,598

134,240

661,929

114,151

1,725,715

4,731

180,253

85,191

591,043

595,200

269,297

Total 2015

A l lied Arts Council of Lethbridge 3 18 7 Street South L ethbridge Alberta

T1J 2G2

p h: 403.320.0555 f : 403.320.2450 e mail: info@artslethbridge.org

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