AAC Community Connect - Annual Report 2020

A L L I E D A RT S C O UNCIL OF LETHB RIDGE

Connect COMMUNITY

20 20

Membership

The Allied Arts Council was formed in 1958 to support the number of arts organizations in Lethbridge by providing them with supports and promotional opportunities. The mandate of the AAC was to enhance and advance the arts in Lethbridge; this work continues today. The following is a list of the membership for the 2020 year. Our work to provide opportunities for arts organizations and artists to grow and sustain their work and practice is provided in the following pages of this report. We are proud to support our members identified below and continue to work in our community, advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge.

ALLIED MEMBERS 52 Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS) Beyond Limits Dance Collective Buskers Association Of Lethbridge CARFAC Alberta Caribridge Centric MusicFest Chinook Woodturning Guild Empress Theatre Society The Galt Museum & Archives The Geomatic Attic HIBIKIYA (Southern Alberta Taiko Society) It’s About Music Society LCI Arts Academy Lethbridge & District Music & Speech Arts Festival Society Lethbridge Artists Club Lethbridge Big Band Lethbridge Centennial Quilters Lethbridge Community Band Society Lethbridge Community Taiko Association Lethbridge Folk Club Lethbridge Handicraft Guild Of Weavers Lethbridge International Film Festival Society Lethbridge Jazz Society Lethbridge Public Library Lethbridge Chinese Manie Opera Society

1 0 8 A RTI ST M EMBERS

Lethbridge Modern Quilt Guild Lethbridge Photography Club Lethbridge Pride Fest Society Lethbridge Branch of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association Lethbridge Scottish Country Dance Club Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society Lethbridge Society Of Glass Artisans Lethbridge Society Of Independent Dance Artists Little Lethbridge Opera Company McNally Community Association Mi Colombia Linda Dance Group New West Theatre Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens Oldman River Potters Guild Playgoers of Lethbridge Rehabilitation Society Of Southwestern Alberta South Country Fair Association Southern Accord Chorus Southern Alberta Art Gallery St. Patrick Fine Arts School Textile Surface Design Guild Theatre Outre Society Trianon Gallery Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Club uLethbridge Conservatory Of Music uLethbridge Faculty Of Fine Arts uLethbridge Recreation Services

9 A S SOCIATE ME M BE RS

13 FRIE ND M E M B E RS

LIFETIME MEMBERS Recipients of the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge Honourary Membership personify the AAC’s mission, have a multi-faceted relationship with the AAC and have provided substantial contributions to the Allied Arts Council over a significant period of time. Recipients are not restricted to former or current AAC members. Honourary membership is for life and recipients receive all privilege of voting members.

Ron Brown Barb Cunningham Donna Gallant Kathy Hopkins

Karen Kay Laura Kenwood Gloria Torrance Shirley Wyngaard

Table of contents MESSAGES President

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Executive Director

ADVOCATING & ENGAGING

City of Lethbridge

6

Performing Arts Centre

6

Community Committees

6

AAC Focus Groups

6

Mayor’s Celebration for the Arts & Business

7

FACILITATING Casa

8

Studio Access

10

Artist in Residence

12

AAC Works

13

Professional Development

14

COORDINATING Events

15

Education

16

The Gallery at Casa

18

Public Art

21

PROMOTING & COMMUNICATING

Media Partnerships

22

Publications

22

Websites

23

E-newsletters

24

24

Social Media

SUSTAINING

AAC Board & Staff

25

Contributors

26

Financials

27

Mission THE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE PROVIDES LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING AND ENHANCING THE ARTS IN LETHBRIDGE.

Vision A VIBRANT ARTS COMMUNITY ENRICHES LETHBRIDGE.

A lo n g f o r m o f t h e A nnu a l R epo r t w i t h f u ll d e pa r t m e n t r e por ts c a n be r e qu e s te d a t the AAC 7 St r e e t off ic e.

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

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Presidents Message 2020 was the most challenging year the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC) has faced in its over 60-year existence.

The year began with the AAC Board and staff continuing to focus on implementing the goals in the AAC 2019 – 2022 Strategic Plan. Despite the emergence of the COVID–19 global pandemic, this focus remained throughout the year:

• fostering healthy relationships with its members, stakeholders, interested community members and the

• growing programs and services to meet the needs of the community

• ensuring the AAC has a strong operational and financial plan in place to accommodate growth

various level of government

To achieve these goals our strategies had to shift drastically.The AAC modified our activities to support our community, stakeholders and members. Our established programs went virtual due to many issues, specifically the restricted entry to our 7 Street office, the closure of Casa and the strict restrictions around gathering. Our organization was able to adapt quickly and shifted on how we delivered programs.

Even with drastic challenges, positive experiences did emerge throughout the year:

• Early in the year, AAC hosted a series of facilitated focus groups with its members and stakeholders to improve our knowledge of their needs and expectations. These final in person meetings of 2020 provided valuable feedback which will help the AAC create concrete plans as we move forward.

• The AAC took its first jump into the virtual meeting world when we hosted the 2020 Annual General Meeting via a ZOOM Webinar. Louise Drysdale retired from the Board after six years of dedication and service and we welcomed new board member Jon Oxley.

• A highpoint of the year was The Art of Giving, The Mayor’s Celebration for Business and the Arts. This was the fifteenth annual event hosted by the AAC to build appreciation for the vital relationship between our local arts community, businesses and municipal government. The traditional luncheon was reformatted as a virtual performance-based celebration and awards ceremony showcasing many local performing artists.

• 2020 also saw the signing of the two City of Lethbridge fee for service agreements. We finished our year in a strong financial position despite a significant decrease in earned revenues and grant funding.The latter was due to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) funding and the continued support of our donors and sponsors.

Although there were many positive experiences this past year, we must also acknowledge that there were also difficult moments and challenges. The closure of Casa necessitated a very difficult decision to lay off our frontline staff.

As we move into 2021, the AAC must be concerned about our financial security. There is much uncertainty about the future funding from all levels of government, our donors, and our sponsors due to the negative impacts of the pandemic on the economy. This financial insecurity also extends to the artists and arts organizations in our community.

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ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

Artists are resilient and creative people. During the early days of the pandemic, artists across the world pivoted to virtual platforms to reach out and support the larger community. This early response by artists was well received across the globe. People were provided with the diversion of positive arts experiences during a time of huge adjustment. Lethbridge’s arts community was also quick to respond and as we acknowledge their efforts, we also acknowledge the significant negative impact of the pandemic on the arts sector. The AAC had an opportunity to conduct an arts community survey in mid-April. We were able to check in with our members with phone calls in July. A number of broad themes emerged from this community scan:

• concern for their incomes because of the loss of access to creation and presentation spaces

• difficulties of monetizing virtual arts experiences,

• the loss of grant opportunities, and the expectation that artists will continue to provide experiences for free

Artists also expressed concerns in regards to:

• their mental health due to isolation

• loss of creative energy and skills

• most importantly the loss of direct contact with their audiences

The AAC will prioritize and monitor the potential loss of arts organizations and people working in these sectors. We are particularly concerned about the impact on the development of cognitive/critical/social skills that children gain from a strong arts education. We must reconnect to our audiences.

I must also mention the passing of Brian Gallant, a former AAC Board member, who served on the board from 2003 – 2005. Brian was an arts enthusiast and champion as well as the husband of Donna Gallant, an AAC life member, a long-time visual art instructor and avid art supporter.

It is mine and the board’s hope to see a return to normality. As 2021 unfolds, the AAC, its members, local artists, and community audiences will once again be able to experience the power of the arts in person.

I must also commend and thank the staff of the Allied Arts Council for their creativity and resiliency as we navigated through the challenges of 2020. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank our members and donors who continued to support us as we reimagined our program and event delivery.

Margaret (Peggy) Mezei President, AAC Board of Directors

The AAC Board acknowledges the funding support received from the City of Lethbridge, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Government of Alberta, and Heritage Canada. We would especially like to acknowledge the Federal COVID funding programs which provided financial stability during a difficult year.

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

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Executive Directors Message 2020 was a roller coaster of a year for the AAC staff as they navigated the impacts of the COVID–19 pandemic.

Facility closures and reopening, program cancellations and modifications, and accommodations for social distancing and gathering restrictions confronted our staff who demonstrated great resiliency and creativity as they met each challenge. The pandemic required our team to re-evaluate how we support and provide opportunities for artists and arts organizations while offering arts experiences to the community. Our efforts, for the most part, were successful and our process of finding creative solutions led us to improved programming.

Many of the traditional AAC activities looked radically different in 2020: with the annual Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts morphing into a performance based The Art of Giving: the Mayor’s Celebration for Business & the Arts; a virtual Art/Work professional development series for artists; a social distanced Arts Days celebration; The Gallery exhibition viewings by appointment; limited access shopping and curbside pick-up at the AAC Works retail boutique and an online Christmas at Casa art market.

Sadly, some of the artist support initiatives such as the Exhibition Farmer’s Market information table and the Downtown Public Library display case program were not possible because of the pandemic. It was also disheartening to experience the closure of Casa in the spring and again in the late fall which negatively impacted artists’ ability to create and the community’s ability to experience the arts through education programs as well as exhibition and event audiences. The pandemic also had a profound impact on the AAC team dynamics as members were required to work remotely and participate on various community committees via Zoom.

On a positive note, our communication strategies intensified and we continued to connect with the community through the use of websites, social media channels, and a variety of publications.The pandemic prompted a number of new initiatives and activities in 2020 including:

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• AAC Artist Spotlight: an online series sharing local artists and artwork. Artists answered three questions: “Who you are,” “What is your practice,” and “Why did you choose this work [to share]”

• Compelling Collections: a video series featuring artists speaking about art from their personal collections

• I solation Art Walk YQL: a self-guided tour of artwork displays in public and private windows throughout Lethbridge

• ART.PAUSE.PLAY: in partnership with the Lethbridge Society of Independent Dance Artists, showcased the intersection of public artworks with choreography

• Kiosk Concert Series: a series of 6 mini-concerts in front of the Kiosks on Rotary Square at Casa

• Keeping It Reel: Art Docs from Around the World and Art City virtual film presentations

• Mi Casa es Su Casa & Creativity Kits: education program with free or subsidised supply kits with YouTube instructional videos

• Pop-in, Pop-up AAC Art on the Square: by donation, adult outdoor art workshops

• Curbside Casa Clay Services: drop off kiln firings and pick up of clay supplies and materials

ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

The AAC’s ability to deliver exceptional arts programming as well as support our community artists and arts organizations is the result of having a committed and knowledgeable staff. Unfortunately, two valued staff members left our team in 2020. Lorraine Lee, who served as Casa reception from its opening in 2013 retired in June, and Dawn Leite, an AAC employee since 2013, left the Community Relations position in late October to pursue new endeavors. We offer both individuals our thanks and wish them all the best. We were pleased to welcome new staff member Katie Fellger to the Casa reception position in September. We were also delighted that a number of our staff members were able to access board supported professional development in 2020; with Projects and Membership Manager, Tara Gillanders participating in the Rosza Foundation RAMP program and Education Manager Katie Bruce completing Beyond Conflict: Moving to Accountability, a program on conflict management.

The challenges of 2020 could not have been tolerated without the efforts of a number of individuals. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the support of the hardworking AAC Board of Directors who responded to the pandemic with insight and thoughtfulness as well as immense compassion for our staff; a committed and resilient staff who, throughout the year, considered the needs of artists, arts organizations and the community as they implemented programs and initiatives; our empathetic city liaison, Jillian Bracken who helped us navigate the City’s response to COVID–19, and our membership who, although experiencing their own challenges, continued to support us. I am honored to have shared 2020 and the COVID–19 journey with them.

Suzanne Lint Executive Director

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

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Advocating & Engaging Advocating the value of a vibrant arts ecology for our community; Engaging with our stakeholders The AAC endeavors to increase appreciation, understanding and support for artists and arts organizations in our community through a number of initiatives and activities, while also striving to build and maintain good relationships with members, stakeholders and the larger community.

CITY OF LETHBRIDGE The AAC maintains a strong relationship with it’s major funder, the City of Lethbridge, by acting as a bridge to the arts community, through participation on City of Lethbridge committees, and by providing expert advice and support services. A key AAC support is the management of Casa the City of Lethbridge’s community art centre.

2020 Contributions:

• City of Lethbridge Art Committee

• Heart of the City Committee

• Performing Arts Centre Steering Committee

• Yates Memorial Centre Joan Waterfield Gallery exhibition support

• Input to Municipal Development Plan

• Presentation to City of Lethbridge COVID–19 Recovery Committee

PERFORMING ARTS A vibrant and sustainable arts ecology requires adequate facilities for both arts producers and arts enthusiasts. The AAC continues to works towards the realization of a new performing arts centre in Lethbridge through participation on the City of Lethbridge Performing Arts Steering Committee and the Performing Arts Advocacy Group. The AAC acts as a conduit for both committees by sharing relevant information through AAC communication channels while maintaining the Performing Arts Centre website and dedicated social media platforms.

COMMITTEES AAC staff also provide an arts perspective through their participation on a number of community committees including: Tourism Lethbridge, Alberta Summer Games and Team Lethbridge.

AAC FOCUS GROUPS The AAC began 2020 with a series of moderated focus groups to better understand how the public views the AAC and what types of opportunities and engagements are desired by members. Meetings included AAC Artist Members, AAC Allied Members, nonmember artists, the business community, the non-profit sector and arts students from the University of Lethbridge.

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ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

MAYOR’S CELEBRATION FOR BUSINESS & THE ARTS The AAC presented the 15th annual event recognizing the critical relationship between our municipal government, our business community and our artists and arts organizations.

As a result of COVID–19 the traditional luncheon was reimagined as The Art of Giving, a virtual performance-based evening incorporating the annual AAC awards presentation. The evening was a celebration of Lethbridge’s arts community and a recognition of the individuals, organizations and businesses who have contributed to the vibrancy of the arts in Lethbridge.

Hosted at Casa, the event was televised in partnership with Shaw Channel 9, allowing our audience to enjoy the event safely from home.

2020 AWARD RECIPIENTS • AAC Aspiring Artist:

Janelle Wipf

• AAC Young Artist: Nole • AACE Individual:

Richardson

John & Lynn Gilliat

• AACE Business: North

& Company LLP

• AACE Service Organization: Helen

Schuler Nature Centre

• Joan Waterfield Memorial Award: Mary-Lynn

Muhly

The Art of Giving Contributors Performers: Gabriel Thaine (singer/songwriter) Catherine McLaughlin (dance) Troy Emery Twigg (dance) Olivia Rose Tailfeathers (singer) Claire Lint (dance) John Wort Hannam (singer/songwriter) Catering: Prime Catering Technical assistance and awards video: Sonic Multimedia

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: The Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts was reimagined as a virtual event with a new format.

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

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Facilitating Facilitating the growth and sustainability of artists and arts organizations by linking them to or providing them with relevant professional development, support services and related artistic practice opportunities.

CASA Lethbridge’s community arts incubator, Casa is the home of many artists, arts groups and guilds. Casa provides opportunities for community members to develop an arts practice or develop an appreciation for the arts through the use of studio spaces, classes or exhibition spaces.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: This year was one of rapid adjustments following the initial as Casa shifted multiple times to react to COVID–19 related requirements and the needs of its patrons. Following the shutdown in March, delivery of programs remained in flux; services were moved to online or curbside delivery before returning to limited in-person activities for the summer and fall. Facility systems, staffing and infrastructure were reworked to provide a safe environment to Casa’s guests as the facility moved through different stages of public access. Further provincial restrictions were put in place at the end of November with a second shutdown being ordered on December 13, 2020.

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ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

DOOR COUNT

2018

166,230

2019

168,082

2020

40,617

RENTAL STATISTICS ROOM

# OF BOOKINGS

2018

2019

2020

# OF ATTENDEES

2018

2019

2020

Community Room

235 251 38

20,170 16,500 1463

Meeting Room

337 266 68

4314 3244 938

Dance Studio

878 819 363

9683 8320 2829

2D Classroom

507 471 180

3449 3820 1435

3D Classroom

413 551 265

3985 5706 1877

Textile Studio

33 32 5

370 463 75

Woodworking Studio 61 69 30

598 758 256

Atrium

23 12 2

125 54 6

Rotary Square

3 4 12

661 700 141

Upper Patio

3 3 0

55 32 0

TOTAL

2493 2478 963

43,410 39,597 9020

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

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STUDIO ACCESS The Casa studio access program offers community artists, at all stages of their careers, fully equipped studio space at an affordable price. Clay, woodworking, textile/darkroom, 2D and printmaking studios are available.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: The studios at Casa were closed in March 2020 and reopened in June. Protocols were developed that allowed artists access to Casa studios with safe physical distancing. The studios were closed for a second time in December 2020. Studio access fees were suspended during closure periods.

• Casa Clay Services started a curbside system that allowed artists to maintain a level of access to kiln firings and materials for home production.

• Canvas Ware Boards were made available at cost to enable studio users and community members alike to set up a temporary home-based clay studio.

ORIENTATIONS FOR NEW STUDIO ACCESS ARTISTS:

2020 67

2019 141

STUDIO ACCESS HOLDERS

2018

2019 2020

Daily

358

351 84*

Monthly

110

104 92

Yearly

60

76 43

Student

20

40 19

TOTAL

549

571 238

*Daily Passes were suspended when the building reopened in order to properly trace individual users

AT THE END OF NOVEMBER, CASA REACHED THE MILESTONE OF 100 CONCURRENT ACCESS-PASS HOLDERS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE OPENING OF THE BUILDING.

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ARTIST VISIT BY STUDIO

2018

2019 2020

Clay Studio

1983

2142 1820

2D Studio

597

735 516

Weaver’s Studio

1560

1533 1063

Textile Studio

162

113 32

Woodworking

137

333 347

Darkroom

10 6 5

Printmaking

18

44 47

TOTAL

4467

4906 3830

STUDIO SALES Boxes of Clay

346

Studio Tool Sets

69

Kiln space booking by artists

618

Locker Rentals

284

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE The AAC Artist in Residence program provides artists from across the country free access to Casa studios through an adjudicated application process. Artists are invited to participate in the program based on the strength of their application and available space.

Successful artists commit to a community engagement event as part of their acceptance to the residency.

Local artist Arianna Richardson completed a month-long residency in September. Richardson dedicated her time experimenting with slip-casting in the clay studio and continuing her textile-adjacent practice in the Textile Studio. Arianna’s community engagement project included a “Crafting with Trash” workshop as well as an installation in the Kiosks at Casa which showcased multiple projects made from garbage and an Open House event coordinated with the Gallery Stroll.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: The pandemic interrupted a robust line-up of Artist in Residence programs, postponing the attendance of artists Michelle Mackinnon and Andrew Testa (Cornerbrook, Newfoundland), Joy Wong (Etobicoke, Ontario) and Becky Thera (Edmonton, Alberta); these artists have had their residencies rescheduled for future dates.

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AAC WORKS AAC Works offers artists the space to sell their work in a prime downtown location, and provides the Lethbridge community with a dedicated retail space to purchase high-quality fine art and fine craft. The retail space and website work to familiarize the community with a range of exceptional artists. In addition to financially supporting artists, the role of AAC Works has always been to reinforce the tenets fostered by the Allied Arts Council – to support, cultivate, and promote local artists in Lethbridge and surrounding region.

In the first month of operation the AAC Works website had 478 visitors and 3,870 views.

Despite being closed intermittently throughout the year, AAC Works has continued to support local artists through a difficult financial time with an increase of 24% in total sales from 2019.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: A large portion of the year was spent responding to the impacts of the pandemic which required implementing safety protocols in the store for our customers and staff. With the restriction of in-person gatherings and activities, there was a collective shift to online programming and events. In late April, plans for an online retail space were established with the website, aacworks.ca, being developed and launched on December 1, 2020 in time for the holiday sales season.

STATISTICS

2019 2020

Number of artists

44 52

Gross Sales

$10,500 $13,025

Artist Payout (70% of gross sales) $7,350 $9,118 C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

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ART/WORK PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES The ongoing AAC professional development series was expanded to 10 monthly sessions in 2020 as well as being rebranded under the banner ART/WORK, placing equal emphasis on expanding artists’ practices and improving their business skills. Like all activities, the ART/WORK program was impacted by COVID–19 and the sessions moved online beginning in May. Zoom has proved to be a very successful platform and attendance has been excellent, doubling and sometimes tripling many of the in-person events from previous years.

In addition to improving audience engagement, each of the sessions presented over Zoom were recorded for further distribution.

STATISTICS

2019 2020

Number of PD Sessions

3

10

Number of Participants

27

175

2020 SESSIONS:

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: The AAC artist sessions went virtual as a result of the pandemic to great success.

Grant Writing with the Alberta Foundation of the Arts (February) Tax Tips for Artists with Nicole Barnett, CPA (March) Time Management with Jen McCarthy (April) Proposals Writing with artist Mary-Anne McTrowe (May) Beyond the Square: Documenting your Visual Artwork from Home with Assistant Facility Manager Angeline Simon (July) Social Media Marketing with artist Tonya Spears and Communications Manager Kelaine Devine (August) How To Get Paid – Running Your Business Online presented by ATB Branch for Arts and Culture (September) Preparing Exhibition Proposals with The Gallery at Casa Curator Darcy Logan (October) and Art Economics with Mortar & Brick owner Cheryl Baxter (November)

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: The pandemic had a major impact on the delivery of AAC events in 2020 due to safety concerns and the need to physically distance. Thanks in part to funding provided by the Heart of the City Virtual Grant, new opportunities became available, and the AAC was able to produce two multiartist projects. These projects provided entertainment for arts audiences and income to artists who had been financially impacted by the pandemic.

• ART.PAUSE.PLAY: in partnership with the Lethbridge Society of Independent Dance Artists, showcased the intersection of seven public artworks with the choreography of six local dancers.

Dancers responded to the public artworks were and shared virtually.

• Kiosk Concert Series: a series of six mini-concerts involving eleven performers were filmed in front of the Kiosks on Rotary Square at Casa.

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Coordinating Coordinate collaborative events and activities that allow the community to have positive arts experiences.

EVENTS: Family Fun Day Box City, button-making and community painting project at Casa for families. 300 in attendance. February 17, 2020.

Arts Days 2020 Arts Days was one of the only in-person events the AAC was able to successfully program in 2020 and an emphasis was placed on engaging as many artists and performers as possible, compensating them appropriately and offering opportunities for both emerging and seasoned professionals to participate. September 24 – 27, 2020 Allied Arts Council coordinated events included:

•W indow

Painting Project provided paid work to beautify downtown businesses

during Arts Days. September 24, 25, 26 & 27 • 6 artists

•A AC

Cabaret went virtual, with pre-taped performances recorded in the Community

Room and played on Rotary Square via a large projection screen. September 26 & 27 • 13 artists

•G allery

Stroll involved multiple downtown galleries including Mortar & Brick Gallery,

The Gallery at Casa, the AAC popUP Gallery, SAAG, The Joan Waterfield Gallery and 519 Gallery. September 26 • 100 artists across all galleries • Street

Performers were engaged to entertain Gallery Stroll audiences as they

travelled between the various venues. September 25, 26 & 27 • 45 artists

• Family

Affair on the Square included live music, chalk art, artist demonstrations

and art installations in the Art Kiosks. Sepetmber 27 • 7 performing and visual artists

The AAC popUP Gallery, located in an empty building adjacent to Casa provided over 31 artists an opportunity to participate in a juried exhibition and attracting over 100 physically distanced guests to the opening.

Christmas at Casa – November 21 – December 1, 2020 Christmas at Casa went virtual due to the COVID–19 pandemic. Customers were able to purchase work from 30 local artists through a Shopify enabled website over the span of twelve days. ART/WORK professional development sessions were provided to participating artists prior to the event with guidance for the transition to online sales.

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

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EDUCATION: The AAC continued its commitment to excellence in art education across a wide demographic including children, youth and adults in 2020.

In addition to a robust children’s education program, arts programs are offered for adults and for specific audiences such as the Accessibility Modified Art Programming for Adults (AMAPA) and a program for individuals transitioning from homelessness (RAW). The community is also able to access custom arts workshops and arts based social events and birthday parties. Programs are delivered by AAC contracted instructors as well as Artist Partners who develop and deliver independent art education programs.

The two Adaptive Wheelchair Accessible Pottery Wheels (purchased late 2019) were activated in our Clay Classroom in January allowing for additional sections of AMAPA Clay Wheel-throwing courses to be added to the schedule to meet demand.

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COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: The Education department was severely challenged by the COVID–19 pandemic, resulting in numerous program cancellations due to closures and fewer program offerings for fewer participants during periods when in-person learning was available. AAC instructors and the independent artists that led Artist Partnerships rose to the challenges that were presented by the pandemic and were willing to try alternative modes of teaching and program delivery to expand our offerings under restricted gathering protocols.

• Mi Casa es Su Casa: a series of seven educational YouTube videos aimed at children ages 6-12; projects included three hand-building assignments, watercolour portraits and landscapes, as well as collage portraiture and decoupage landscapes. 130 free kits were distributed with supplies for 2-3 children.

All kit pick-ups were facilitated using curbside protocols and all kits were claimed within 72 hours of announcing the program.

• Revamped Summer Program: Six weeks of children and youth programs with a total of 42 participants were offered with safety protocols in place. Summer Art Camps for 9-12 year olds were co-taught by two instructors, providing more one-on-one attention and assistance. A Youth Art Week became a single cohort for young ceramic artists aged 12-15 who created both sculptural and functional pieces during their four-day intensive.

• Pop-in, Pop-up AAC Art in the Square: outdoor workshop series which allowed adults to resume creating together, focused on both 2D options such as live model drawing and en plein air instruction, as well as dance offering belly dancing, ballet and tap.

• Revamped Fall Program: was focused exclusively on core programming with reduced class numbers; Artist Partnerships and the RAW program were put on pause.

• Creativity Kits: a revamped kit program offered during the second closure. Six different options were available: Basics of Sculpture; Gallery in a Box; Sketchbooks and Collage; Painting with Acrylics; Painting with Watercolours; and Scratchboards. Kits were made available through a cost-recovery model, through an AAC sponsored subsidy program, ensuring all could participate.

STATISTICS

2018 2019 2020

Core Courses (including AMAPA)

117 148 62

Total number of Students (including AMAPA) 1052 1131 469 Artist Partnership Programs

63 71 7

AP Students

536 572 60

Birthday Parties and Workshops

46 49 15

Birthday Party and Workshop Attendees

510 709 169

The Education statistics for 2020 have omitted courses that resulted in a pro-rated refund due to building closures.

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

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THE GALLERY AT CASA: The AAC continues to facilitate a robust exhibition program that provides opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers to share their work with the community. Artists were invited to participate in curated exhibitions in the Gallery at Casa, the Project Space and our non-fee-paying auxiliary galleries.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: 2020 was a year of many challenges and many successes during a complex and complicated time. Innovative exhibitions, important community partnerships, and new initiatives were designed to address the challenges of minimal on-site audience engagement. During the winter and spring closure, the gallery program pivoted activities online as it continued its commitment to support local, regional and national artists with a connection to our community.

• AAC Artist Spotlight: an online series that ran featuring images of an artist’s work and the answers to three questions: “Who you are,” “What is your practice,” and “Why did you choose this work [to share]?”

• Compelling Collections: a five-episode video series in which artists filmed themselves speaking about a work of art from their personal collection that was important to them.

• Isolation Art Walk YQL: used google maps to guide the public to art displayed in both public and private windows throughout Lethbridge. Twenty-three artists participated at twenty locations during several weekends in April & May. The event attracted 3,338 Google Maps views. In partnership with Mortar & Brick|Arts & Events.

• Keeping It Reel: Art Docs from Around the World: a series of rare documentaries about contemporary artists; provided by filmmakers from around the globe (Switzerland, France, the UK, the United States, the Netherlands and beyond) who generously donated one-time screening rights to the Allied Arts Council.

• Art City: a one-time live stream of the art documentary Wreck City (2016) about a public art project in Calgary was followed by a live Q&A with artist Caitlind r.c. Brown and director Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi.

Immediately following the Q&A, Paris Tower 13 (2016), which invited 100 artists to interact with an abandoned building, was screened.

1 8 ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

PROJECT SPACE EXHIBITIONS 2019 2020

Total Exhibitions 2

4

Artist Fees Paid $800 $1600

FILM SCREENINGS 2019 2020

Total Film Screenings 5

10

426 people tuned in to the 2020 film presentations.

THE GALLERY AT CASA: MAIN GALLERY

2019 2020

Total Exhibitions

12 9

Solo Exhibitions

10 8

Group Exhibitions

2 1

Participants in Group Exhibitions 21 68 Artists Fees Paid

$18,540 $12,360

TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS 31

72

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

19

THE CASA SUMMER SALON The Summer Salon was our inaugural re-opening exhibition after the first 14 week closure. The Summer Salon was conceived as way to celebrate our entire arts community, and bring together the creative individuals who were thinking, planning, and creating through a long period of social isolation. The exhibition was un-juried and thematically neutral. The Summer Salon accepted pieces from all artists who wanted to participate this celebratory show. The show was hung salon-style throughout all of the display spaces in the facility; upstairs and down.

The exhibition ran from July 6 - August 21, 2020.

AUXILIARY GALLERY EXHIBITIONS

2019 2020

Total Exhibitions

27 22

Solo Exhibitions

17 17

Group Exhibitions

10 4

TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS 74

53

In addition to the spaces throughout Casa, The Gallery also installed three exhibitions in the Waterfield Gallery at the Yates Theatre. One exhibition, The Value of Art, showcased the City of Lethbridge’s Buchanan Collection including examples of Modernist Canadian and European art.

WATERFIELD GALLERY (YATES) EXHIBITIONS

2019 2020

Total Exhibitions

1 3

Participants

9 25

Artist Fees Paid

$1545 $0*

2 0 ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

PUBLIC ART The AAC has provided administrative support to the City of Lethbridge public art program since its inception in 2007. Members of the staff participate on the Art Committee as well as supplying recording secretary services, provide administrative support for artwork acquisition processes, offer technical advice as requested, and assist with communications. The public art program weathered the COVID-19 pandemic better than most arts activities and there were significant accomplishments in 2020.

•

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden: Winnipeg artist, Takashi Iwasaki, was selected through a rigorous public process to create a major public artwork for the Café space in the new community building at Nikka Yuko.

• Utility

Box Wrapping: Six artists were selected through a juried process to participate in a pilot project to vinyl

wrap boxes in Galt Gardens and at Casa. Installation started in late 2020 and is scheduled to finish in 2021.

• Mural

Project: an enhancement project to create community murals was initiated by the public art program in

cooperation with the Heart of the City Committee.

•

Public Art Policy: revisions to the Public Art Policy were presented successfully to City Council in September. A significant change to the policy will be the approval of a four-year public art work plan by Council before acquisition processes commence rather than approval of recommended projects once artwork selection processes are complete.

AAC staff, working in conjunction with School District 51, produced and installed banners on construction fencing at Nikka Yuko Gardens.

The banners incorporate images from the Arts Alive and Well exhibition hosted annually by the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.

A public art website, publicartlethbridge.ca, was launched by the AAC in 2020. This website provides information on works in the public collection and their geographic location as well as being a vehicle for sharing information on calls for artists and new projects happening in Lethbridge.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: Two major public art commissions were impacted by the pandemic. Faye Heavy Shield’s project for the public library was paused due to challenges with the public engagement aspect as a result of social distancing requirements, and there was a delay in the installation of Collin Zipp’s Sports Hall of Fame project until July. Official opening of the SHOF was also delayed due to the pandemic.

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

21

Promoting & Communicating Promoting arts activities and events of artists and arts organizations; communicating arts issues and information.

The AAC communications strategy affects every department at the 7 Street office and Casa. Communicating the story of the arts to the greater community is achieved by promoting, educating and documenting the activities of the AAC. Due to the unique needs of the departments, events and projects of the AAC, individualized marketing plans are created for each instance spanning from traditional media such as posters, invites and programs to online solutions like e-newsletters and websites.

MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS The AAC relationship with the Lethbridge media is strong. Our media champions include LA Beat, CTV Lethbridge, Global TV, Miracle Channel, Shaw TV, Lethbridge Herald, 94.1 Juice FM, 98.1 2Day FM and Lethbridge College Endeavour.

Vista Radio - Art Tracks, a weekly feature about arts events in our community gleaned from member submissions.

Played each Wednesday on 94.1 Juice FM and 98.1 2Day FM.

The Lethbridge Herald - monthly article submitted by the AAC on art topics that impact our community.

23 0 8 St reet Sou th

PUBLICATIONS

pages sharing information on AAC members and their activities and Casa.

By the numbers: 44 pages created • 314 events listed

idge.ca salet hbr

27 2 4 03 . 327 . 2

• City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Guide: 4 AAC

4 03 . 327 .

2 27 2

By the numbers: Published 3 times a year; Winter, Spring/Summer and Fall.

Spr ing/Sum mer 2020 PROGR AM GUIDE

w w w.ca

education classes, upcoming gallery exhibits and events at Casa.

.ca

• Casa Program Guide: providing information on art

Fall 2020 E PROGRAM GUID let hbr idge

• 33 Pieces of Public Art

w w w.casa

• 169 Artists, Groups and Festival Entries • 12 Discipline headings

eet South 23 0 8 St r

• Arts Directory: online and hard copy 1000 published

lber ta souther n a he ar t s in h o m e fo r t

archite

cture art ser vices comm unity cultu re dance

festiv al film/ne w media

h o m e fo r the ar ts in sout he rn

ARTS Directo1 ry 2020-202

galle

litera

ries

ry ar

ts

music graphy

photo

Publication of 2000 copies of a new updated Public Art Map Brochure including information on 33 artworks in the public domain. The map is a resource for the public and tourists interested in learning about the public art in Lethbridge.

2 2 ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

theat

visua

re

l arts

in our community enhancing the arts to advancing and organizati on dedicated e, a not-for-pr ofit Arts Council of Lethbridg Published by the Allied

alber ta

AAC MANAGED WEBSITES

2019 2020

Artslethbridge.org1

Users

3,564 3,841

Sessions

5,443 5,545

Page views

13,824 13,939

Calendar events

240 167

Calendar entries *events over multiple days

1580

Casalethbridge.ca

Users

28,451 17,815

Sessions

45,534 26,458

Page views

139,216 83,627

Calendar events

111 22

Calendar entries events over multiple days2 135

Christmasatcasa.ca3

Users

N/A 3,530

Sessions

N/A 5,968

Page views

N/A 82,572

Aacworks.ca3

Users

N/A 478

Sessions

N/A 749

Page views

N/A 4,207

Publicartlethbridge.ca3

Users

N/A 1,089

Sessions

N/A 1,471

Page views

N/A 4,576

380

37

1 The AAC maintains a separate URL/landing page for Arts Days artsdayslethbridge.org (Lethbridge Arts Days) 2 This includes art shows, theatre runs and concert series over multiple days 3 New websites launched in 2020

A new AAC Works website was launched on December 1 providing safe online shopping in time for the holiday season.

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

23

E-NEWSLETTERS The AAC regularly produces two electronic newsletters.

Arts in Lethbridge shares issues important to the arts community, artist opportunities and news from the AAC delivered to 360 members.

Casa Connect delivers information on Casa events and activities to 622 subscribers.

Each of the virtual projects, including ART/WORK presentations, are available online for future viewing at the AACLeth YouTube channel.

SOCIAL MEDIA The AAC manages a variety of social media channels to further communicate with the greater community.

SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS

2019 2020

Allied Arts Council Facebook

1241 1355

Casa Facebook

3251 3419

Lethbridge Arts Days Facebook

1409 1444

Lethbridge Performing Arts Centre Facebook 726

725

Allied Arts Council Twitter

1598 1596

Casa Twitter

2177 2172

Allied Arts Council Instagram

861 1179

Casa Instagram

1311 1695

Performing Arts Centre Instagram

205 218

Allied Arts Council YouTube

6 26

Casa YouTube

7 65

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE: The pandemic had a positive and negative impact on AAC communications. Facility closures and safety concerns restricted our ability to produce and distribute many of our printed materials including gallery invitations, the Casa guide, event programs, and information brochures. However, opportunities presented that allow us to rethink how we deliver information while increasing our virtual presence.

2 4 ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

Sustaining

Sustainable organization, maintains healthy finances, a stable organization and looks towards the future.

2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CASA

President Margaret (Peggy) Mezei

Facility Operations Manager Brad Goruk

Vice-President Ian Zadeiks

Assistant to the Facility Manager Angeline Simon

Secretary Jeremy Duchan

Gallery Services Manager/Curator Darcy Logan

Treasurer Scott Rowland

Education Manager Katie Bruce

Directors Sharon Stevenson-Ferrari Krystal Cruickshank David Gabert Jon Oxley

Clay Services Manager Aaron Hagan Clay Program Support Lars Nodge

AAC STAFF 7 STREET

Facility Attendants Diana Zasadny Sheila Shaw Baz Skinner (casual)

Executive Director Suzanne Lint

Summer Facility/Education Program Assistant Sheila Shaw

Finance Manager Danielle Gibson

Program Support Assistant Ethan Roth

Community Relations Manager Dawn Leite (until November 2020)

Reception Lorraine Lee (retired June 2020) Katie Fellger River Del Corro Mikail Tate

Communications Manager Kelaine Devine Member Services & Projects Manager Tara Gillanders AAC Works Manager Kasia Sosnowski

Custodians David Farstad Thorsten Nesch Kent Nagata

Oral Historian Elaine Toth (contract)

VOLUNTEERS

Summer Student Megan Vardy

In 2020, 99 volunteers contributed 450 hours of their time to the Allied Arts Council.

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

25

Contributors AAC ENDOWMENT FUND Elaine and Darren Toth Lethbridge Centennial Quilters The John Family of the United Kingdom - In Memory of Dr. Barbara Lacey

$2000+ ATB Financial Val Matteotti Ranches Ltd.

$1000+ Business/Arts FWBA Architects Sven, Patricia, Leni and Leoni Roder Royal LePage Commercial - Brent Oleksy

$500+ Amy Dodic Anonymous Avail CPA KPMG

GOVERNMENT SUPPORTERS

Melcor Peter Mueller Kirschner SONGER architechture inc Stantec

$250+ Alger Zadeiks Shapiro LLP Brighter Together dwr consulting Erin Dartnell Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Suzanne Lint Westwinds Management Solutions – Shilpa Stocker

MEDIA PARTNERS

<$250 Elaine Henderson James Fisher Lethbridge Chinese Manie Opera Society Sharon Stevenson-Ferrari Susan Pamela Gale Belinda Crowson Gloria Torrance

2 6 ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

F inancials ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL Statement of Financial Position POSITION

Y E A R E N D E D D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 2 0 , WIT H CO MPA R AT IV E INFO R MAT IO N FO R 2019

December 31, 2020, with comparative information for 2019

2020

2019

Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Goods and services tax recoverable Prepaid expenses

$

Cash and investments not available for current operations Capital assets: Capital assets Less accumulated amortization

58,890 6,895 3,802 69,587

$

2,717 40,106 5,256 4,142 52,221

1,086,954

734,197

212,222 157,958 54,264

244,089 169,921 74,168

$

1,210,805

$

860,586

$

18,001 20,088 39,492 77,581

$

9,979 31,160 62,320 103,459

Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue Deferred contributions Unamortized deferred capital contribution Net assets: Invested in capital assets Unrestricted Internally restricted $

4,144 81,725

12,433 115,892

50,120 42,059 1,036,901 1,129,080

61,918 42,059 640,717 744,694

1,210,805

$

860,586

C O M M U N I T Y C O NNEC T 2020

27

12% Program Fees/Membership

REVENUE

24% Federal Wage Subsidies

Program Fees/Membership

$175,035

12%

Projects/Donations/Grants

$93,229

6%

$783,235

53%

Alberta Foundation for the Arts

City of Lethbridge*

$65,250

4%

Federal Wage Subsidies

$350,686

24%

4% Alberta Foundation for the Arts

$1,467,436

*Does not include imputed rent and amortization of deferred capital contribution

53% City of Lethbridge

6% Projects/Donations/Grants

2% Board

37% Administration

EXPENSES

20% Programming

7% Arts Promotion

Administration $401,707

37%

Facility*

35%

$376,331

Arts Promotion

$81,159

7%

Programming

$213,209

20%

Board

$16,454

$1,088,859 *Does not include imputed rent and loss on disposal of capital assets

35% Facility

2 8 ALLIED ART S COUNCIL OF L E T H B R I D G E

2%

Net program surplus (deficiency)

Program allocations

Excess of revenue over expenses

Amortization

Loss on disposal of capital assets

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

Other grants, donations and sponsorships

Government wage subsidies

- facility support

- fee for service

City of Lethbridge

Fees, sales and rentals

Revenue:

Program

-

4,200 4,412

146 25 255 23,672

19,784 366,479

-

121,102

(2,032)

-

123,134

3,577

5,379

203,164

-

39,782

(203,164)

-

-

-

-

19,669

301,534

146,806

-

153,851

163,315

-

-

83

146,715

-

-

8

Board

852

Administrative

Year ended December 31, 2020, with comparative information for 2019

2

(9,412)

(20,316)

10,904

2,547 131,463

248

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

84,461

44,207

142,367

829

-

-

6,350

38,099

-

-

97,089 $

Education

YE AR EN DED DEC EMB ER 3 1, 2 020, WI TH C OMPAR AT IV E INFO R MAT IO N FO R 2019

Statement of Operations

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

202,052

(107,677)

309,729

13,498 930,935

1,315

30

-

19,935

-

13,727

589,700

-

292,730

-

1,240,664

4,393

-

-

-

131,042

589,700

468,135

47,394 $

Facility

19,747

(4,063)

23,810

509 74,236

50

-

-

2,091

-

-

-

2,152

54,087

15,347

98,046

166

-

-

67,782

27,694

-

-

2,404 $

Gallery

50,897

(69,076)

119,973

8,659 154,255

844

-

-

20,221

10,989

-

28,144

46,168

30,000

9,230

274,228

2,818

712

16,028

63,408

-

-

168,385

22,877 $

Leadership

384,386

-

384,386

25,468 1,681,040

2,482

19,960

5,379

45,824

50,771

13,727

617,844

48,320

782,481

68,784

2,065,426

8,289

5,124

16,028

141,740

350,686

589,700

783,235

170,624 $

Total 2020

127,100

-

127,100

27,638 1,815,966

183

17,281

6,451

54,239

62,865

20,778

636,232

75,801

803,104

111,394

1,943,066

8,289

11,308

34,539

166,762

-

608,170

782,585

331,413

Total 2019

Mission

THE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE PROVIDES LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING AND ENHANCING THE ARTS IN LETHBRIDGE.

Vision

A VIBRANT ARTS COMMUNITY ENRICHES LETHBRIDGE.

@AACLeth

@AACLeth

AlliedArtsCouncil

Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge 318 7 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 2G2 phone: 403.320.0555

email: info@artslethbridge.org

artslethbridge.org The Allied Arts Council acknowledges that it operates on traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory. We honour the Blackfoot people and their tradition ways of knowing and caring for this land, as well as all Indigenous and Metis people who have helped shape and continue to strengthen our community.

Photography provided by Angeline Simon, Aaron Hagan, Oscar Jimenez, Kasia Sosnowski and Kelaine Devine