The Newsletter of the English-Language Arts Network
Director's Message
The staff and board of ELAN are pleased to officially launch ELANews. This monthly newsletter has been a pet project for what seems like a long time, although ELAN is barely 18 months old. The original impetus to form ELAN was driven by the vision of a network of artists sharing ideas, resources, contacts and enthusiasm.
The format we have chosen for ELANews is designed to create a dynamic and interactive cyber-community where ideas, information, opportunities and resources can be shared. This will also lead to real-life contacts between members. Each of those contacts and relationships will become a link in a stronger, healthier community. At least that is the intent behind ELANews, and indeed ELAN itself.
A cyber-community is useful and efficient for many purposes. Yet it will never be a substitute for getting together with other artists for business meetings or social events. ELAN's Annual General Meeting is your opportunity to get together with other artists for the serious business of electing board representatives from each discipline, followed by a party. Mark it in your calendar—the afternoon (business) and early evening (party) of Monday November 13.
Guy Rodgers
Executive Director
What's New?
This summer ELAN has employed a small team to phone and email all members to explain the workings of our new website features: the Showcase and the Events Calendar. They have also been obtaining up-to-date email addresses and phone numbers, and inviting those who have not yet done so to submit bios. Thanks to all the members who provided information, offered suggestions for new projects, or volunteered to become actively involved in ELAN. A fledgling network like ELAN needs active involvement from its members.
Showcase
The Showcase was launched last May. This new feature was funded by Canadian Content Online. The purpose of the Showcase is twofold. It is designed to increase our own sense of community as artists by knowing what others are doing. The Showcase is also intended to eliminate some of the invisibility surrounding English-Quebec artists and their work. Each professional artist member of ELAN may upload five pieces of work. If you have not yet sent in your work, don't be shy. Other members—as well as the general public—are interested in knowing you better.
Arts Calendar
The Arts Calendar was also launched last May and funded by Canadian Content Online. It has already become an excellent source of information about English-Language art events in all disciplines and in all regions of Quebec. During the coming months we will be approaching Tourisme Québec and Tourisme Montréal to become official partners.
ASK
We have received official confirmation of funding for the Arts Service Kit (ASK) which is ELAN's newest project. ASK will create an entire directory of resources, funding, services and support for artists. We will keep you posted as the work proceeds.
We're Moving
ELAN has been sleeping on the sofa at the Atwater Library since we were incorporated in spring 2005. We are grateful for the hospitality of the Quebec Writers' Federation and the Association of English-Language Publishers of Quebec, but it is time for ELAN to stand on its own feet (or sleep in its own bed.) In September we move to our new digs at 4710 St-Ambroise. The large recycled factory is home to many visual artists and seems like a good fit for ELAN. Our office has an excellent view of the canal and bike path. Come by and check out the view. We are keeping the old phone number and email address.
back to topOpportunities for Artists
CALLS FOR PROPOSALS/SUBMISSIONS
CAFKA: Call for Proposals
CAFKA invites proposals for new or existing works that engage with the theme and the environment in and around City Hall. Works in all media will be considered including sculpture, performance, video, audio, installation, photography, painting, drawing and new media. Video artists are invited to submit work relating to the theme. CAFKA.07 will create a video compilation to be screened during the Forum.
The exhibition will take place in and around Kitchener City hall for 11 days at the end of September 2007. Artist Fees paid for Visual and Media Art Projects: CND $2,000 (intended to cover all aspects of mounting including materials and transportation). Video and one-time Performance fees paid in accordance with CARFAC (Canadian Artists' Representation/le Front des Artistes Canadiens).
Please submit 10 images (JPG/JPEG format or 35mm slides), or video documentation (NTSC DVD or VHS), along with 10 copies of printed matter including: Curriculum Vitae, project proposal, technical requirements, budget, and a completed application form. All applications must be received by November 1, 2006.
Mail address:
Haptic - CAFKA.07 Submissions
P.O. Box 1122
Kitchener, ON N2G 4G1 Canada
Courier Address:
Haptic - CAFKA.07 Submissions
141 Whitney Place (rear entrance)
Kitchener, ON N2G 2X8 Canada
Application forms are available for download at www.contemporaryartforum.ca
23 projects will be selected and artists will be notified within approximately two months. Absolutely no fax submissions will be accepted. Support material must be in one or more of the following formats: CD, DVD, VHS, JPG/JPEG, PDF (for text) or 35mm slide. Other media will not be considered. Please do not refer CAFKA to a website for information about you or your work.
For more information please contact cafka@contemporaryartforum.ca or call (519) 744-5123.
Conseil des arts de Montréal
Dernier appel du Conseil des arts de Montréal de relever un défi intéressant et de remporter une bourse de 10 000 $ pour la conception d'un trophée
Date limite : le 15 Septembre
Merci de faire circuler l'information auprès des artistes, designers, artisans et autres. Tous les détails dans l'annonce ci-jointe ou au www.artsmontreal.org (concours de design) ou 514-280-3587
REEL DIVERSITY: Call for Proposals
The National Film Board is putting the call out to new filmmaking talent with REEL DIVERSITY, a national competition for emerging filmmakers of colour. REEL DIVERSITY will give three promising directors the chance to direct their own documentary with the NFB, to be broadcast nationally on CBC Newsworld: The Lens.
Following last year's revamped competition process, up to 15 semi-finalists will be short listed to develop their proposals and as many as eight finalists will be selected to attend a 3-day intensive training session.
Deadline for submissions is October 27, 2006.
For information on eligibility and how to apply to REEL DIVERSITY, visit www.nfb.ca/reeldiversity or call 1-800-267-7710. For more info on The Lens visit: www.cbc.ca/thelens/
If you are in Montreal, please come to our information session:
When - Monday, September 18 at 7PM
Where - NFB CinéRobothèque, 1564 St. Denis Street (near Berri-UQAM metro station).
Loneliness Anthology: Call for Submissions
Members of the Quebec Writers' Federation are seeking your true, inspirational personal essays for an uplifting anthology on Loneliness. Writers should describe the circumstances surrounding their experiences, with particular emphasis on coping strategies used to offset the emotions.
Up to 12 pages double-spaced. Manuscripts not returned.
Please include email address, if applicable.
Deadline November 20, 2006.
Submissions may be sent by email to: loneanth@sympatico.ca or mailed directly to:
Loneliness Anthology,
P.O.Box 404,
Westmount Station,
QC H4Z 2T5
Canada
Writers' Trust of Canada - Literary Contests
Drainie Taylor Biography Prize - $10,000 prize
Brownwen Wallace Memorial Award - $1,000
Visual Artists Required
This is a call for Visual Artists, in all mediums, to participate in a visiting artist series at a large alternative private school in Montreal. I am the visual art educator as well as a member of ELAN and the Society of Canadian artists.
I am looking for artists to present their work, talk about their experiences as an artist and to explain the processes they go through. I am also interested in artists who would be willing to do a mini-workshop in their medium and way of working to a group of senior students. These are secondary students who love art and need to experience art from the point of view of the artist as opposed to the curriculum.
I can offer you a fixed pay for your visit, which we can be negotiate directly. Please contact me at gaiastudio_stgeorges@yahoo.ca. Send me a link to your site, if you have one or your name listed on ELAN, if you are listed there, just so I have a sense of your work. We'll carry on from there.
You can check out my website which will give you my experience as an artist and art educator. I am looking forward to talking with you. It will be a great experience for you and us.
Darlene St. Georges
Art Educator
site: www.darlenestgeorges.ca
e-mail: gaiastudio_stgeorges@yahoo.ca
Dance Photos Wanted
Contemporary dance photos wanted for display at Subway Restaurants on St. Laurent / St. Denis street.
Approximately 13 photos are necessary to fill the available space (two brick walls - one in each restaurant).
The artist is responsible for printing photos and framing photos as well as providing a bio. Great exposure to a non-dance crowd. The space is available for likely about 6 months per artist.
If you are interested email Ilona ilona@actionthroughart.com or call (514)951-1831 ASAP. Whoever gets back to me first will get the space.
English Language Arts Network
ELAN Project Assistant -Job Description
8 to 12 week, Part time, project starting late September 2006
ASK: Arts Services Kit
Deadline for applications - Wednesday September 13, 2006
Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to, and under the direction of the Office Manager and the Executive Director, the ASK project assistant will help the ELAN team compile lists of various art-related service providers (ie editors, translators, web designers, art materials etc.) as well as other resource lists of value (ie studios and galleries in Quebec as well as government programs available to artists). This work may involve contacting English-Language artists and arts organizations in Quebec to poll them on which service providers they recommend.
General Qualities and Qualifications
- excellent communication skills (oral and written) in both English and French
- strong organizational skills
- ability to make 'cold calls' and follow up leads
- good computer skills
- a good knowledge of arts organizations in Quebec, such as theatres, galleries, artist run centres, studio 'hub spots', etc would be beneficial
- training in the arts and experience with a non-profit arts organization would be an advantage
Please send CVs to info@quebec-elan.org. For more information, please call (514) 935-3312.
ELAN Team Leader - Job Description
8 to 12 week, Part time, project starting late September 2006
ASK: Arts Services Kit
Deadline for applications - Wednesday September 13, 2006
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direction of, the Office Manager and the Executive Director, the ASK team leader will supervise and help the ASK project assistants in compiling lists of various art-related service providers (ie editors, translators, web designers, art materials etc.) as well as other resource lists of value (ie studios and galleries in Quebec as well as government programs available to artists). This work may involve contacting English-Language artists and arts organizations in Quebec to poll them on which service providers they recommend.
General Qualities and Qualifications
- excellent communication skills (oral and written) in both English and French
- strong interpersonal skills
- previous supervisory experience an asset
- strong organizational skills
- ability to make 'cold calls' and follow up leads
- good computer skills
- a good knowledge of arts organizations in Quebec, such as theatres, galleries, artist run centres, studio 'hub spots', etc would be beneficial
- training in the arts and experience with a non-profit arts organization would be an advantage
Please send CVs to info@quebec-elan.org. For more information, please call (514) 935-3312.
Playwrights' Peer Group
Are you a playwright looking to grow and learn from others? If so, join Play on Words, a free, weekly group providing playwrights of all levels an opportunity to share their work in progress, obtain feedback, explore writing exercises, and network. Spaces limited.
For more info: spokenwordshow@yahoo.ca
back to topMember News
Want to know what your fellow ELAN members are up to? This month, we have info about the following members:
Licia Canton
Co-edited by Licia Canton, Writing Beyond History was launched at the 8th Blue Metropolis Festival in April 2006. The anthology features contributions by 30 Canadian writers who share a connection to Italy as inspiration for their craft, including Fulvio Caccia, Mary di Michele, Carmine Starnino, Caterina Edwards, Joseph Pivato, Peter Oliva. (Writing Beyond History: An Anthology of Prose and Poetry, edited by Licia Canton, Delia De Santis, Venera Fazio. With an introduction by Licia Canton. Montreal: Cusmano, 2006. ISBN 0-9730581-4-5)
Liliane Goldman
Liliane Goldman was the featured artist on the poster of the Art Fair of Bethel, Maine on July 1st, 2006.
G.Scott Macleod
G.Scott Macleod, first time director, and Emmet Walsh, have been invited to Berlin this September to lecture and begin shooting After the war with Hannelore and also to Buenos Aires this October to shoot their road film Argentina.
Ilona Martonfi
Ilona Martonfi participated in an interview on August 16 2006 on Arte Mondo (Channel 14, Global TV Community TV) with Anita Aloisio. To be aired noon september 10 2006.
Montreal School of Performing Arts
Always looking for room to grow, Montreal School of Performing Arts is moving to a bigger and better location! As of September 1, Montreal School of Performing Arts, Express O Theatre and MSOPA Casting are taking up residence at 3975 Notre Dame Ouest (Metro Place St Henri). For further information, please contact Josa Maule at: (514) 483-5526 or e-mail us at: info@msopa.com.
Barry Webster
Barry Webster's first book, The Sound of All Flesh (The Porcupine's Quill) recently won the Relit Award for best book of short fiction for 2005. The Relit Awards are given annually for works published by the Canadian Independant Presses.
back to topWorkshops & Seminars
Acting Workshops
So you want to be an Actor?
Montreal School of Performing Arts OPEN HOUSE Sat Sept 9th 3-5pm Free Trial Classes, Meet our staff, Questions & Answers about the industry and registration
DATES: Saturday, Sept 09 2006
TIME: 3-5 PM
LOCATION: 3975 Notre Dame W.
ADMISSION: FREE
As Montreal School of Performing arts celebrating their 14th year now in a new location MSOPA is more than an acting school we are an acting community.
MSOPA invites you to our open house, come in try a class, ask questions, meet our staff, and register for some of our upcoming workshops.
In an industry where there are no guarantees, we educate, prepare and introduce our actors to be realistic and learn the business. MSOPA produces over ten theatre production a year, cast student, independent, low budget and box office film projects, as a result our efforts, many of our actors are working in the acting profession.
For more information, please contact Josa Maule at: (514) 483-5526 or e-mail us at: info@msopa.com
Creative Writing Workshops
Canadian Authors' Association, Montreal Branch
SATURDAY OCTOBER 21, 2006
10 am to 4 pm
Leo Brent Robillard will lead you through a series of forced and timed writing exercises designed to unleash your creativity and fill the page. This creative writing workshop will involve feedback on writing done during the workshop. It will provide writing exercises designed to spark creativity, hone skills and give you insight in preparing your work for publication. The participants will meet several times in smaller groups to discuss the writing process and share their work.
Location: Board room, Westmount Library, 4574 Sherbrooke West
Leo Brent Robillard is an award winning author and teacher whose poetry, and fiction have appeared in anthologies, journals and magazines across Canada and abroad. His first novel, Leaving Wyoming, was named one of Bartley's top five for best fiction 2005. His second novel, Houdini's Shadow will be released in the fall of 2006. Currently he teaches English Literature and Creative Writing at a high school in Eastern Ontario. His website is www.leobrentrobillard.com.
COST of Workshop: $25 for members, $45 for non-members.
For a registration form and details, please call Ken Kalman at 514-865-6616 or email him at kenkal60@yahoo.
Spaces are limited so reserve your spot now!!!
Cancellation Policy: 2 weeks notice required for full refund.
Creative Writing Workshop with Jeanette Paul
A Writing Sampler: Discover Your Genre
This workshop addresses the question: "Is it mystery or memoir, poetry or prose, in which I can best express myself?" Each participant will try their hand at writing a variety of short fiction and nonfiction pieces, discovering hidden talents and personal preferences. For all writing levels.
Offered by St Lambert Memorial Library, 490 Mercille, St Lambert
When: Tuesdays 2 to 5 pm, Sept 26 to Nov 28, 2006
Cost: $100 for 10-week session
Registration begins: Sept 11 for St Lambert residents/ Sept 18 for all others
Information: Call library at 450-466-3910 (Caroline Régis, Public Services Coordinator)
Music Workshop
A workshop on new music for the church will be given by veteran song writer Linnea Good who with her drummer husband and family of three is crossing Canada from west to east and the USA from east to west this fall, presenting workshops and giving concerts. Join us for a morning and afternoon of singing, as well as an evening concert, on Saturday, October 7, 2006. The events will all be in Knowlton, Quebec, one hour from Montreal, in the middle of resplendent fall colours and Thanksgiving.
Information: Donald Patriquin (450) 297-2779 and donaldpatriquin@hotmail.com
YES Workshops for Artists
YES is holding two exciting workshops for artists in September and October which will provide insight from leading experts in law and sales.
September 18 - "Letter of the Law: The World of Contracts for Entrepreneurs and Artists"
Contracts are a crucial element of all business transactions. Learn about the various types available, what to include or be on the look-out for in a contract. Various topics include: non-disclosure/confidentiality issues, partnership/shareholders agreements, service contracts, non-competition clauses and intellectual property issues.
October 16 - "Let's Make a Deal: The Art of Selling"
Building relationships and creating new ones are key ways to grow your business, increase your sales and put you ahead of the pack. Learn valuable tips from our expert who will show you how to improve your skills whether you're selling art, a product or service.
Workshops are $15 each and are held from 6:30pm – 8:45pm at YES Montreal's offices. For more information, or to register, please call 514-878-9788 or visit our website, www.yesmontreal.ca.
back to topELAN Classifieds
COMMUNITY
Walk For Life
If you would like to contribute to the fight against AIDs, help AIDs Community Care Montreal (ACCM) and sponsor an individual for the Farha Foundation's annual Walk for Life taking place on Sunday, September 17, 2006.
Since 1993, the Farha Foundation has raised over 6 million dollars in Quebec and participants have walked over 14,000,000 km. If you or a friend would like to sponsor an individual or group but do not have someone walking, ELAN member Chris Elliott will be walking on behalf of numerous individuals and would be happy to include you on his list of sponsors. You may reach him through email at chriselliott@videotron.ca. Please include your pertinent information and contact number and he promises to speak with you directly.
ITEMS FOR SALE
Wacom tablet 6x7 in.
for sale $50.00. Please contact by e-mail: ragaikaras@yahoo.ca
LANGUAGE SERVICES
Conversatile - A Custom Made Language Service
If you wish to practice speaking French, if you have a need for translations or proofreading, if you're looking for original bilingual slogans or titles, if you want to rehearse a job interview or a public presentation before the event, do not hesitate to inquire about my services which are adapted to your individual needs: long term or short term, in private or in small groups, for students or professionals.
Please contact: Julie Hamel, 514-453-1756
MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Jazz piano demystified!
Critically acclaimed pianist / composer / Dora award nominee also available for accompaniment in most styles. www.hollyarsenault.com, (514) 842 9630
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
Apathy is Boring has settled into our new office. And we want to share with NGOs, Artists & like minded individuals!
Where: 10 avenue des Pins, #412 (corner St. laurent) Montreal.
When: as of September 1st 2006.
Size: 2000 sq ft. (with full bathroom &; kitchen)
What's the deal: We will be using the space as an office & a studio (for dance, film screenings etc.).
Cost: $125 per month per desk space.
We are looking for: 1 or 2 individuals to share the office space with us. We will include wireless/high-speed internet, heating & electricity in the price. Besides the Desk you also get full use of the space for meetings etc. You can rent by the month or for longer.
Get in touch with us: (514) 844-2472 or info@apathyisboring.com
RETREATS
Escape to Artscape Lodge
Artscape Lodge is a unique service for professional artists working in all disciplines that provides affordable short-term studio rentals & accommodation in a stunning, natural setting at the Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts on Toronto Island, only a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Whether you require a week or a month to escape life's distractions and focus on your work, Artscape Lodge has an artist retreat package for you.
Artscape Lodge is open year-round and has provided an inspiring and productive artist retreat to hundreds of artists from Toronto, across Canada and around the world. The 30-Night Studio & Bedroom package is available at seasonal rates, with shorter stays and custom bookings also available. All studios are fully equipped with wireless access. Rentals at Artscape Lodge consist of a furnished private studio and private bedroom. Amenities include a fully-equipped common kitchen, shared bathroom, laundry facilities, shared Internet access, and bicycles for on-island excursions.
30-Night Studio & Bedroom Packages
May–October: $650
November–April: $475
*rates are subject to change
For more information on Artscape Lodge contact us at bookings@torontoartscape.on.ca, 416-392-7837, or visit www.torontoartscape.on.ca/artscapelodge/
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