The Newsletter of the English-Language Arts Network
President's Message
The beginning of a new year is a natural time to reflect on the past and to imagine possible futures. The creation of ELAN was the result of major changes that took place during the 80s and 90s. English-speaking artists are far more bilingual and bicultural than in past generations. We are enriched (figuratively at least) and stimulated by Quebec's dynamic cultural environment. One of the great strengths of ELAN has been to create a showcase for the many English-speaking artists achieving success at home in Quebec, across Canada, and around the world. But collectively we are still quite isolated and too invisible.
In an ideal world, artists would be fully integrated with the business community, the education sector, tourism, patrons of the arts and the media. The Quebec Community Groups Network has set up a Task Force to look very carefully at how those kinds of links can be created. I have been asked to chair the Task Force and I dare to imagine that a new kind of relationship can be developed with the larger community, both English-speaking and French-speaking. It is encouraging that the QCGN recognizes art and artists are not a superfluous luxury but the heart of a healthy community.
p style="margin: .6em 0 0 0; font-size: 12px; color: #333;">Guy RodgersPresident back to top
Director's Message
With the coming of a new year, one has a tendency to look back and reflect on what has past, which I can't really do seeing as I have only been Executive Director since November. But I can reflect as an individual member of the organization. ELAN in a very short period of time (having just turned 3 years) has grown exponentially; transforming itself from having a predominantly web-based presence to one far more visible, tangible and integral to the arts community in general. It's not often that you witness that type of growth within that brief a time period. Clearly our greatest challenge is to sustain this growth, elicit further growth, and to ensure that the organization is structurally sound and has the necessary resources to support it through future endeavours.
Overall we ended the year energized, focused and with a strong sense of motivation. Each new-year will subsequently bring along new ventures, initiatives and challenges, especially as we begin new projects such as our ARTS/Education initiative and tackle issues such as own source revenue & fundraising (which includes examining the possible inclusion of membership fees in the future), as well as developing the means to produce member-centric arts events. The success we achieve will stem from our fundamental dedication, responsiveness, our flexibility in continuously adapting to the needs of our members, our ability to obtain the necessary resources to meet the demand on a timely basis and, without a doubt, our ability to direct our resources where they are most needed.
In closing, I'd like to pay tribute to all of ELAN's Board of Directors, and to the Staff (Sandra and Elizabeth) who make this organization so vibrant and viable, who truly care about its members, and who believe wholeheartedly in its mandate. It's great being part of the team.
All best for 2008.
Michael Toppings
Executive Director
What's New?
The Schmoozer
schmooze \'shmüz\ vb 1: socialize: talk to people: mill about: have a drink: meet new people: see old friends: forget about work for a few hours
All ELAN members are invited to the next Schmoozer on Monday, January 14, 2008, from 5 to 7pm at le Salon Officiel (310 Roy East, metro Sherbrooke).
The Salon Officiel is a newly redesigned bar located on the site of the old Lupien Tavern, and most recently the Roy Bar on the corner of Roy and Drolet in Montreal's Plateau region. The ELAN Schmoozer is a great opportunity to support a new local venue and meet other ELAN members in a relaxed and social setting. To help us cater for this event, please RSVP to the ELAN office by sending an email with "Schmoozer" in the subject line.
back to topOpportunities for Artists
Calls for Submissions
All Disciplines
Nextfest: Syncrude Next Generation Arts Festival
Nextfest: Syncrude Next Generation Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary arts festival of and for young emerging professional artists. For their purposes an emerging artist is under 30, has made a personal commitment to a career in the arts, is not yet recognized with professional associations, and is in need of professional development and exposure. There is no application fee or form. From playwrights, they are looking for un-produced scripts from anywhere at any level of development. From local designers, directors, actors, stage managers, etc., they are looking for submissions that address your professional development goals that may or may not be attached to a specific project. For further information or for submissions in other disciplines (dance, music, visual art, non-script based performance, etc.) contact Festival Director Steve Pirot or call (780) 453 2440.
Call for Partnerships and International Projects
The 8th Biennale of Champ Libre will take place in the Quartier International de Montreal (QIM) from September 24–28, 2008. The theme for the biennale event is Forêt/Forest. Artists, curators, architects, and lecturers are reminded that the deadline to present an artistic project to Champ Libre for this event is the 1st of March 2008. Individuals or organizations working in fields related to art, architecture, new technologies or the public space are invited to submit applications for a partnership project with Champ Libre by March 1, 2008. For more information and the subscription form, visit the Champ Libre website.
Theatre
Optative Seeks Creator-Performers
Optative Theatrical Laboratories is seeking interested creator-performers for Sinking Neptune II, a postcolonial theatre project that will play in Quebec City's 400th Anniversary Celebrations next summer. For more details, visit Optative's website or watch the Sinking Neptune II trailer.
Writing & Publishing
Calling all Poets
Heidi Garnet and Kevin McPherson Eckhoff are seeking poetry submissions for an anthology of contemporary Canadian poetry featuring up-and-coming mature writers. Email for details.
Freehand Books Seeks Manuscripts
Freehand Books is a new literary book publishing operation by Broadview Press of Calgary and Guelph. This new press aims to discover and publish new and established writers of literary fiction, poetry, memoir, biography, and creative non-fiction on a variety of timely topics. Submit manuscripts with SASE to: Freehand Books, 412–815 1st Street S.W., Calgary T2P 1N3. The Deadline for submissions is January 31, 2008. For more information, visit the Broadview Press website.
Film & Television
Scripts and Treatments Wanted
Rotating Planet Productions is looking for quality fictional and non-fictional scripts and treatments for feature, television, and short films. If you have a script or treatment please email a one page synopsis.
Visual Art
Articule Programming 2008–09
Articule artist-run centre would like to invite local, national and international artists, groups of artists and independent curators to submit exhibition proposals for its programming season from September 2008 to June 2009. Prior to sending a proposal, it is strongly recommended that you consult the Articule website for current and recent exhibits, the Articule mandate, gallery images, and a floor plan. Submission guidelines are available on the Articule website. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2008.
New Media Creation Grant for Young Artists
OBORO artist-run centre welcomes original projects which further critical thinking and artistic practices from artists, artists' collectives and independent curators. Projects may include exhibitions, events, conferences, publications, or residencies. For projects with important technological requirements, please contact OBORO to check the availability of their resources. OBORO pays artist fees in accordance with RAAV's standards. For more information on programs, deadlines and procedures, or to submit a proposal, please visit the OBORO website. The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2008.
Job Opportunities
Theatre Seeks Interns
MainLine Theatre seeks intern(s) for the 2007–08 season (includes the 2008 St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival). Tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on applicant's past experience and expressed interests, and could include technical, administrative and/or production roles. Previous interns have used MainLine internships to receive university credits. If interested, please contact Jeremy Hechtman or call (514) 849-3378.
Extras Needed for French Feature Film
A French Feature Film starring Karine Vanasse is hiring people between the ages of 18–30 years old to be background performers. The shoot starts in the beginning of February. This is a paid, part time employment. Please email any type of photo and your contact number. It is extremely important that you write "QDF" in the subject heading or your email will be disregarded.
University of Calgary Writers Residency
The Markin-Flanagan Distinguished Writers Program is accepting applications from emerging Canadian writers for a ten-month residency at the University of Calgary from August 15, 2009 to June 15, 2010. For information on the Markin-Flanagan program, visit the University of Calgary website, contact Janice Lee (leej@ucalgary.ca), or call (403) 220-8177. The deadline for applications is Thursday, January 31, 2008.
Author Residency at Memorial University
The Department of English Language and Literature invites applications for an Author Residency for Fall Semester 2008 or Winter Semester 2009, subject to the availability of matching funding from the Canada Council and Memorial University. The position is intended to honour new and established writers who have published their work professionally. In the course of the residency, the author continues his or her writing projects while making time available to students and writers within the University and in the community at large. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose innovative ways of bringing Canadian writing to communities both inside and outside of St. John's.
Authors wishing to be considered for the position are asked to provide a letter of application and a CV. When the successful candidate is selected, joint application for funding will be made to the Author Residency programme of the Canada Council. Remuneration for the position, if approved, will be $12,000 (plus return air fare). Written or electronic applications should be addressed to:
Dr. Faith Balisch
Interim Head,Department of English Language and Literature,
Memorial University, St. Johns, Newfoundland, A1C 5S7
Telephone (709) 737-8277 / Fax: (709) 737-4528.
The deadline to apply is Friday January 11, 2008.
Writer-in-Residence at McMaster University
The Department of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University invites applications from Canadian creative writers for the position of Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer-in-Residence from September 1, 2008 to December 12, 2008 (position subject to Canada Council funding). This residency involves work with the McMaster and Hamilton communities through public readings, individual consultation with creative writing classes, group workshops, and seminars. The position also reserves considerable time for the candidate's own writing.
Applicants must:
- be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
- have a minimum of 2 books in print, published by a professional publishing house
- have made a significant contribution to their area of specialty over a number of years
- still be active in their profession
- intend to work on a new writing project, normally intended for book-length publication
Applications should include:
- a curriculum vitae indicating publication history in fiction, poetry, children's literature, literary non-fiction, or drama; awards received for literary work; and professional experience in teaching, consulting, mentoring, residencies, and publishing
- three letters of reference
Remuneration: $20, 000 for a four-month term (September to December). Send applications to:
Writer in Residence Selection Committee
Department of English and Cultural Studies
CNH 321, McMaster University
1290 Main St. W.
Hamilton, ON, Canada
L8S 4L9
Application deadline: January 15, 2008.
The Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program
The Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program has announced special competitions for the Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Creative Writing at Arizona State University, and the Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Creative Writing at New York University. The special competition is for an award to be taken up in September 2008 or January 2009. An award carries a stipend of US $25,000 for one semester. Canadian scholars, professionals and post-doctoral researchers interested in conducting research or teaching for one or two semesters in the United States are encouraged to visit the Fulbright website for further information and application details. Application deadline: January 15, 2008.
Playwright-In-Residence
The University of Regina's faculties of Arts and Fine Arts, in association with Campion College, First Nations University of Canada and Luther College at the University of Regina, invite applications from Canadian writers for a ten-month Playwright-in-Residence position beginning August 15, 2008. The successful candidate will devote most of his/her time to personal dramatic writing projects but will also spend on average 14 hours/week working with the community.
Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and they must have a substantial record of play production and publication. Experience in working with First Nations writers and/or writing for radio, film, television and/or new media as well as live theatre will be regarded as an additional asset.
Applicants should submit a letter of application proposing the types of exchanges the writer would like to undertake within the community, a CV, a one-page description of the proposed dramatic writing project or projects to be pursued during the residency period, a sample (20–30 pages, typed or word processed, single-sided and suitable for photocopying) of the writer's recent work and 3 letters of reference. Applicants may also submit reviews of recent work.
Anticipated remuneration will be approximately $40,000, although exact salary and length of term are dependent on Canada Council funding. An administrative expense budget is also provided. Terms of employment are based on Canada Council guidelines. For further information visit the University of Regina website (Human Resources section) or contact Mary Blackstone (blackstm@uregina.ca), Department of Theatre. The deadline for application is January 15, 2008.
Apply to:
Playwright-in-Residence Selection Committee
c/o Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4S 0A2
Upcoming Grant Deadlines
Programmes de soutien aux organismes artistiques et littéraires
Le Conseil rappelle à tous les organismes que les prochaines dates d'inscription aux programmes de soutien aux organismes artistiques et littéraires sont les 1er et 15 mars 2008, selon les disciplines. L'évaluation du printemps 2008 est cruciale puisqu'elle porte sur les demandes pour le soutien au fonctionnement sur une base pluriannuelle allant de 2008 à 2012, et sur les demandes pour le soutien au fonctionnement et les projets pour 2008–09.
Les programmes sont disponibles de façon progressive sur le site Web du Conseil. Des modifications ont été apportées aux programmes et processus d'évaluation qui entrent en vigueur pour l'exercice 2008–09. Elles sont présentées dans un texte diffusé sur le site du Conseil.
Upcoming Canada Council Grant Deadlines
These are the upcoming deadlines for applications at the Canada Council for the Arts. Please check the Canada Council website for more information on the programs listed below, or call (800) 263-5588 ext. 5060.
The Canada Council for the Arts is a national, arm's length agency that provides grants and services to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations in dance, media arts, music, theatre, writing and publishing, interdisciplinary work and performance art, and the visual arts.
All Canada Council programs are accessible to Aboriginal artists or arts organizations, and artists or arts organizations from diverse cultural or regional communities of Canada.
The Canada Council is funded by Parliament and reports to it through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
All Disciplines
Artists and Community Collaboration Program(ACCP)
Dates vary
Audience and Market Development
Grants to Agents, Managers and Artists' Representatives in the Performing Arts (annual and Multi-year funding in Theatre, Dance and Multidisciplinary)
1 March 2008
Dance
Grants to Dance Professionals
1 February 2008
Production Project Grants in Dance
15 March 2008
Music
Professional Choir Program (project, annual and multi-year funding)
15 January 2008
Residencies for Composers and Conductors
15 January 2008
Commissioning of Canadian Composition
15 January 2008
Professional Orchestra Program
1 February 2008
Music Project Grants
1 February 2008
Music Festivals Programming Project Grants (for festivals taking place between 1 June and 30 November 2008)
15 February 2008
Music Festival Travel Grants (for festivals taking place between 1 June and 30 November 2008)
15 February 2008
Aboriginal Peoples Music Program
1 March 2008
Grants to Professional Musicians (Individuals) Classical and Non Classical
1 March 2008
Media Arts
Grants to Film and Video Artists
1 March 2008
Grants to New Media and Audio Artists
1 March 2008
Grants to New Media and Audio Artists: New Media Residencies
1 March 2008
Theatre
Theatre Production Project Grants (for productions taking place after 1 September 2008)
1 March 2008
Operating Grants to Professional Theatre Organizations (annual and multi-year funding)
1 March 2008
Visual Arts
Assistance to Professional Canadian Contemporary Art Dealers
15 January 2008
Grants to Professional Independent Critics and Curators
1 February 2008
Assistance to Aboriginal Curators for Residencies in Visual Arts
1 February 2008
Assistance to Culturally Diverse Curators for Residencies in Visual Arts
1 February 2008
Assistance to Contemporary Fine Craft Artists and Curators (project grants)
1 March 2008
Assistance to Practitioners, Critics and Curators of Architecture
1 March 2008
Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture
1 March 2008
Ronald J. Thom Award for early Design Achievement (architecture)
1 March 2008
Jean A. Chalmers Fund for the Crafts
1 March 2008
Writing and Publishing
International Translation Grants
Any time
Grants to Literary and Art Magazines
1 March 2008
Literary Readings, Literary Festivals and Author Residencies Program (Readings between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009)
1 March 2008
Writing and Publishing Residencies
1 March 2008
Travel Grants
Any time (at least 6–10 weeks before departure date; varies with each section) for all disciplines except Visual Arts, which has four precise deadline dates: 1 January, 1 March, 1 June, and 1 October. Please check Canada Council website for more information.
back to topMember News
Want to know what your fellow ELAN members are up to? This month, we have info about the following members:
Nitza
Nitza opened the Los Angeles Music Awards and won "World Music Artist of the Year" on November 28th in Hollywood.
Lyne Paquette
Talisman Theatre's new Artistic Director, Lyne Paquette, took up her official duties on Monday December 11th. "Among my top priorities," says Paquette, "are promotion and fundraising." Paquette's first production as Artistic Director shall be Michel Marc Bouchard's Down Dangerous Passes Road, translated by Linda Gaboriau. Paquette replaces Montreal's rising star, Emma Tibaldo who has taken up her new duties as Artistic and Executive Director of Playwrights' Workshop Montreal.
QBWN and WECQ
The Quebec Business Women's Network inc. and The Women Entrepreneurial Center of Québec have moved. As of January 3, 2008 their address has changed to 10 794 Lajeunesse street, ground floor, Montreal (Quebec) H3L 2E8.
back to topWorkshops & Seminars
Theatre
Business Coaching for Women Artists
Le Centre d'entrepreneuriat féminin du Québec will be offering business coaching for women artists of all disciplines, a one on one, bilingual workshop and information session. Interested participants should either have a business project or enterprise in development. Next sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, January 15 and Tuesday, January 22 at 9:30 AM. For additional information, please contact Lucie Laviolette, workshop coordinator at (514) 521-3137, ext 133 and 134. Enrolment is limited.
The Perfect Fit: Choosing an Agent & Manager
Unique in Montreal, YES Montreal's "Business Skills for Creative Souls" workshops are designed for the employment and self-employment needs of artists. Whether you are just starting out, or well on your way in your artistic career, good representation can be hard to find. A good agent or manager can manage your time and/or career while allowing you to hone in your artistic skills. Participate in this workshop and meet with an industry professional who will provide practical advice about how to choose an agent or manager who is right for you. Space is limited to 30 participants, so register early to ensure your participation! Seminar takes place on Tuesday January 15th, 6:30pm–8:45pm at YES Montreal's offices at 666 Sherbrooke Street West, on the 7th floor. To register, call (514) 878-9788, or visit the YES Montreal website for more information.
Introduction to Cognitive Mapping
Learn how the cognitive mapping technique can help your organization to develop a realistic plan to reach your objectives. This technique focuses on harnessing the knowledge and expertise within your organization, and develops a strategic plan designed specifically for you! This workshop, offered by the Concordia Small Business Consulting Bureau will take place on January 23, 2008, from 3:30–5:00pm. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited, so email CSBC to register today.
Theatre
Shakespeare Classes for Actors and Non-Actors
This January, Repercussion Theatre offers classes in Shakespeare training tailor-made for three groups of people: Professional Shakespeare Training with Paul Hopkins and Rea Nolan, from January 21 to February 21, 2008. Acting for Teens with Amanda Kellock and Jeanne Bowser, from January 19 to February 23, 2008. For the Love of Shakespeare (for adults) with Domini Blythe, TBA. Space is limited, and registration is required. For course information, visit the Repercussion Theatre website or call (514) 931-2644.
Act Now / 2 Day Intensive Acting Workshop
This workshop is a weekend concentration of Tom Todoroff's Hollywood scene-study class. The next weekend workshop is January 12th & 13th 2008. It includes: two free "Voice & Movement" workshops with Julia Lenardon, voice teacher at the National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal; and a bonus audition workshop with Elite Casting (date to be announced). In this workshop, you will learn how to strengthen and find your true voice. To learn more about Tom Todoroff, visit his website. For more information on the Montreal workshops, contact Carole Bureau, the Montreal Studio Producer at (514) 966-8857 or visit the Act Now website.
Dance
Kalaripayattu Workshop
Centre International de recherche et d'action artistique et multimédia presents a Kalaripayattu Workshop (Martial Art from South India) with Master Satyanarayanan Nayar from India. For more information about Kalaripayattu read the wikipedia definition. The workshop will be held from February 11 to 29, 2008, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Maison de l'Inde Bharat Bhavan (to be confirmed).
This workshop is aimed mainly at actors, dancers and martial arts enthusiasts. You'll learn Kalaripayattu basics, but it is recommended to have good training in physical movement and expression to fully appreciate the guest master's teachings. Registration is limited to 20 participants and costs $300 (cheque payable to CIRAAM, post-dated January 10, 2008). For more information visit the CIRAAM website. To register contact Pascal at (514) 577-4586 or Annie-Claude (514) 277-1098.
You Should Be Dancing Workshop with Robin Henderson
Choreographer Robin Henderson will be holding beginner and intermediate Jazz classes every Monday night beginning January 14th. Location and times to be announced. Please contact Robin with any questions or call (514) 529-5002.
Studio 303: Voice & Movement with Lin Snelling & Josée Gagnon
This workshop guides a fluid exploration of sound and movement using breath, resonance, rhythms, singing techniques, Body Work, Topf Technique, improvisation and dance. These techniques strive to open the body to a dynamic softening and an ability to compose in the moment. Lin Snelling is a dance and theatre artist who performs, improvises, teaches and creates, both nationally and internationally. Dancer-singer Josée Gagnon's teaching and creative work include Tai chi, Qi gong, artistic coaching, dance & voice improvisation. The workshop will take place January 14–25, 2008 (2 weeks), Mon–Fri, 9:30am to 12:30pm. Registration costs $130 (Emploi-Quebec, please verify your elligibility). To register contact Studio 303 or call (514) 393-3771.
Studio 303: The Falling Body with Dana Gingras (Holy Body Tattoo)
These classes are presented as a series of kinetic explorations combining skills and practices of rolling, releasing, giving and supporting weight. Participants will investigate the fluid pathways and transitions inherent in falling and recovery with emphasis on the initiation of movement and the use of momentum and gravity as a means to full-bodied, dynamic and risky dancing. Dana Gingras co-founded The Holy Body Tattoo and has taught as a guest teacher at various institutions across North America and Europe. The workshop will take place January 28–Feb 1, 2008, Mon–Fri, 10am to 1pm. Registration costs $75 (Emploi-Quebec, please verify your eligibility). To register contact Studio 303 or call (514) 393-3771.
back to topELAN Classifieds
Rehearsal Studio for Rent
Large rehearsal studio available for rent for theatre or dance development. Located at 5500, Rue Fullum, Montreal (between Masson and Dandurand). To view photos, visit the Gorgone website. For more information and reservations contact Guylaine Savoie or call (514) 527-6173.
Studio Space Exchange
Proposed exchange: 2 hours of free rehearsal time per week for 1.5 hours of cleaning per week. You scrub down the studio in exchange for free practice time in an ideal location; Suite 412, 10 Pins W. (corner of St. Laurent). The studio measures 20 feet by 20 feet with hardwood floors. For dance / theatre rehearsals only. Available after 5pm and on weekends anytime. Private bathroom & kitchen in space. Need to be able to commit for January–May 2008; 1.5 hours of cleaning per week. For more information, contact Adrienne or call (514) 844-2472.
Drupal Training
Élizabeth Robert seeks anyone willing to offer Drupal training in Montreal. If interested, please contact Élizabeth Robert.
MainLine Offers FOURPLAY "Carte Fidélité"
Mainline now offers, FOURPLAY, a "carte fidélité" which for $48 gets you 4 tickets to any or all of the following shows this winter and spring: Jan. 29–Feb.16, Hedda Gabler (MainLine Theatre); Feb. 20–23, Richard III (A Company of Fools); Apr. 16–27, [title to be announced Dec. 15] (Fallen Angel Productions); May. 1–17, the Fifth Column (Pumpkin Theatre). Your Four Play card can be used to purchase one ticket to each show, four tickets to one show, or any combination in between. A Four Play card does not guarantee entry to a sold out performance. Get your ticket(s) early to avoid disappointment. You can get your Four Play over the phone at (514) 849-3378, in person at MainLine (3997 St-Laurent), or on the MainLine website via PayPal.
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