The Newsletter of the English-Language Arts Network
Director's Message
On behalf of the board and staff of ELAN, I want to wish all our members and friends a splendid Holiday Season. Many people have contributed in different ways to move ELAN from an idea to a reality. So far, ELAN has existed mainly as a cyber community, which now numbers more than 800 members. Starting in 2007, ELAN will begin moving from being a web-based network to a people-based network. Four Action Groups will meet on a regular basis so that members can meet, talk, dream aloud, and do the things this network was created for. See below for information about the Action Groups and how you can get involved.
To complete the final phase of ELAN's web-site we are going on-line with the complete Arts Services Kit (ASK), which was in the works throughout 2006 thanks to a project grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage. I am personally very excited about ASK. It brings together three kinds of valuable information: 1) service providers who specialize in working with artists, 2) a concise overview of a wide variety sources of funding sources, residencies and awards, plus tips about making successful applications, and 3) info about a host of professional associations, ranging from well known to obscure, which provide resources for artists. ASK is a major undertaking and is no doubt not yet entirely de-bugged. Please take some time to look through it to see what works and what could be made better then let us know what you think. If you have suggestions for valuable additions, send them along to admin@quebec-elan.org. See below for a brief outline of how the Arts Services Kit was designed and built.
May the year 2007 bring many surprises, opportunities and satisfactions. I look forward to working with old friends and meeting new ones.
Guy Rodgers
Executive Director
What's New?
ASK (Arts Services Kit)
The intention behind the Arts Services Kit (ASK) is to bring together a useful collection of contacts and resources.
The service providers section is still embryonic but will grow as it becomes known and as ELAN members make use of it. The services are listed by logical categories: Administrative Support (research assistant, secretary, student assistant etc.), Artistic Services (cameraman, choreographer, composer, designer, director, editor, movement instructor, musician, photographer, stage manager, videographer, voice coach etc.), Career Management (agent, manager, counselling etc.), Computer Services (database design, graphic designer, programmer, web design etc.), Copying & Printing, Equipment & Materials, Financial Services (accountant/ bookkeeper / tax advice/ financial advisor etc.), Health Services (massage, chiropractor, therapy etc.), Legal Services (copyright, entertainment, tax etc.), PR and Funding Support (fundraiser, grant writer, publicist etc.), Space Rental (rehearsal, storage, performance, specialized darkrooms, editing or soundproof studio etc.), Technical Services (construction, electrician, framer, metal technician, new media technician, wood technician etc.), Translation, Transportation / Mover, Workshops / Training (teachers, coaches), and Other.
The Government Funders and Foundations section is accessible by discipline. Each grant is listed with a short description. If the snippet sounds interesting you can access a longer description and eligibility requirements. If it still sounds interesting, you can click on a link to the funder's website. ASK is designed to provide easy access to a wide world of useful services and information. Thanks to Internet technology we do not have to duplicate the myriad of information that is out there. ASK simply provides doors and windows to take you to interesting places. All you need to do is ASK.
Action Groups
Four ELAN Action Groups will begin meeting in 2007. They are:
- A Professional Development Group to plan and organize workshops/seminars.
- A PR Group to look at ways to create opportunities for promoting artists, events and venues.
- An Outreach Group to make contact with potential allies like the Education sector and to increase dialogue with francophone colleagues.
- A Social Events Group to organize activities purely on a social, schmoozing networking basis.
If you want to be on the email list for one or more of these groups, please send an email to admin@quebec-elan.org with Action Group in the subject line.
Advocacy Committee
Many members have asked what ELAN is doing about federal cuts in funding to the arts, museums and literacy. This is a complex issue that affects many people so a newly created Advocacy Committee will begin monitoring government decisions that affect artists. If you have news you want to flag, or if you wish to participate in the committee, please send an email to admin@quebec-elan.org with Advocacy in the subject line.
back to topOpportunities for Artists
Calls for Submissions
Dynamic Theatre Factory Scriptwriting Competition 2007
Dynamic Theater Factory (DTF) is proud to present its 4th annual Original Works Showcase writing challenge. It has now grown into a week-end Festival of Works, showcasing over 60 members!
These shows strive to educate, provoke, and inspire audiences of all ages. From dramatic moments, to situation comedy, using sound, rhythm and movement-based storytelling, these successful showcases challenge our actors' full range of skills and talents while allowing DTF to present tomorrow's stars today.
The cast members will be comprised of young adults (15-25) & kids (10-15). Characters appropriate to the ages of the actors must be created. Writers may submit a scene for any of the following six themes:
- For characters 10–15 years of age:
- Fears
- Changes
- For characters 15–25 years of age:
- Power
- Battle
- Time
- Invasions
Deadline to submit scenes: January 15th. Please send to info@dtfonline.com and write scene submission in the subject line of your email.
Only original, unpublished scenes will be accepted and all scene submissions must be typed and in English. Scenes must be no longer than 5 minutes in performance length (approximately 5 typed pages). Stories must be suitable for a theatre performance with minimal props, sets, costumes, and preferably set in one location. Each page must be numbered and must include the story title. The Author's Name, Address, Telephone Number, Email and Scene Title must appear on a cover sheet.
Winning authors will be required to sign an Agreement stating that they are in accordance with the vote regulations. DTF reserves the right to edit winning scenes in any and all manner(s) deemed necessary for performance.
For further details on contest rules and prizes, please contact the Dynamic Theatre Factory at 514-393-3383 or info@dtfonline.com.
Emerging Artists 18–30 yrs Old: Ecomusée du fier monde
Ecomusée du fier monde invites artists between the ages of 18 to 30 years old, who reside in the Centre-South (centre-sud) region of Montreal, to submit their dossier/CV for exhibition opportunities. Ecomusée has been instrumental in the support of artists and the art world for many years. Please contact Michel Gendron at: (514) 528-8444. You may learn more about Ecomusée by visiting www.ecomusee.qc.ca.
Gibraltar Point International Artist Residency Program on Toronto Island—Artscape
Artscape is currently accepting applications for the Gibraltar Point International Artist Residency Program, taking place June 1–30, 2007. This program aims to further the professional development of artists by: enabling the creation and production of new work; fostering an exchange of ideas and influences; encouraging the sharing of expertise; inspiring new works of art and creative collaborations; and building relationships between artists working in different media. The program is designed and managed by Artscape and takes place for a single 30-day term each calendar year at the Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts on Toronto Island.
The program is open to Canadian and international artists who are engaged in the research, development or creation of work. Emerging, mid-career and established professional artists are invited to apply. Participants in the residency program receive accommodation, a private work studio and all meals at no cost. Travel and material costs are the responsibility of participating artists.
Submission Deadline: February 21, 2007, 4pm EST
2007 Program Dates: June 1–30
Mail submissions to:
Gibraltar Point International Artist Residency Program
Artscape
Suite 111–60 Atlantic Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M6K 1X9
Canada
For the Guidelines for Submissions, Application Form and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit Artscape's website. For questions regarding the Gibraltar Point International Artist Residency Program please contact by email only: residency@torontoartscape.on.ca
Musicians Wanted
No Damn Good (Art, Music and Tomfoolery from NDG) requires musicians for NDG 3. For further details, please contact Jeremy Wexler by email.
Visual Arts Submissions—McGill Graduate Career Week
This year's CAPS/PGSS Graduate Career Week (March 12-16 2007) will celebrate visual artists among McGill's graduate students, faculty and staff. Unleash your talent!
Submissions may include paintings, drawings, sculptures, 3D art, photographs, textiles … anything the eye can see! Please submit a digital photograph, original dimensions and asking price.
Deadline: Submit to susan.molnar@mcgill.ca by January 15 2007.
Employment Opportunities
Prepose(e) a l'accueil et a l'administration—Studio 303
Le Studio 303 est un organisme a but non lucratif. Il joue un role de diffuseur de spectacles dans le domaine de la danse et des arts indisciplines. Il offre egalement des cours de danse amateurs et professionnels ainsi que des services de soutien aux artistes en emergence.
Responsabilites : Sous la direction de la directrice generale, la personne recherchee assurera l'accueil et l'administration de l'ensemble des activites du Studio 303. Ses responsabilites seront les suivantes :
- Assurer la communication externe et interne;
- Gerer les depots et les comptes a recevoir;
- Assurer l'accueil des artistes et des locataires;
- Coordonner les cours de jour et de soir (contrats, reservations, paiements etc.);
- Assurer les services aux artistes et gerer le centre de ressources;
- Mettre a jour la base de donnees, les babillards et les statistiques de spectacle;
- Gerer les achats a l'interne;
- Assurer la location de salle et d'equipements;
Competences recherchees :
- Bilinguisme francais/anglais;
- Connaissance des logiciels Filemaker Pro, Excel et Word (environnement MAC OSX);
- Aptitude a travailler en equipe;
- Debrouillardise, polyvalence, autonomie et flexibilite;
- Aptitude a communiquer avec le public;
- Etre familier avec le milieu de la danse un atout.
Conditions:
- 28 heures par semaine;
- Salaire de 11.50$/heure;
Faites parvenir votre CV (max. 2 pages) accompagne d'une lettre d'interet par courriel a madame Lys Stevens a lys.stevens@studio303.ca avant le 12 janvier 2007, 17h.
Note 1 : Il y a deux dates d'entree en fonction possibles : 29 janvier 2007 ou 9 juillet 2007. SVP, specifiez votre preference.
Note 2 : Nous ne donnons aucune information par telephone. Priere de ne pas appeler.
Seul(e)s les candidat(e)s retenu(e)s pour entrevues seront contacte(e)s. Pour plus de renseignements sur le Studio 303, visitez le www.studio303.ca
Writer-In-Residence—Markin-Flanagan Distinguished Writers Program
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, 2008 to June 15, 2009.
The Markin-Flanagan program offers writers one of the highest paid residencies in North America. Housed in the Department of English in the Faculty of Humanities, the ten-month residency provides a unique opportunity for Canadian writers to devote their time to writing and to advancing their writing careers. Past Canadian Writers-in-Residence include Melanie Little, Natalee Caple, Robert Finley, Suzette Mayr, Eden Robinson, Richard Sanger, and Peter Oliva. The 2006–2007 Canadian Writer-in-Residence is Jaspreet Singh.
Candidates should have between one and four published books, and preferably, but not necessarily, hold a university degree. The residency involves time for writing, manuscript consultations, public presentations, assistance with hosting visiting writers, and related duties. While the Canadian Writer-in-Residence may be invited to visit university classes, this is not a teaching position.
Applications should include a curriculum vitae; published books; a statement of interest in the residency; a single page description of projects to be undertaken during the residency; and three letters of reference (preferably not from agents or publishers).
Please send your application by mail or courier to Rowland Smith, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Room SS 1350, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4 by Wednesday, January 31, 2007. Please reference PSA 2008–2009 in your application.
For information on the Markin-Flanagan program, visit www.markinflanagan.com, or contact:
Janice Lee
Markin-Flanagan Distinguished Writers Program
Faculty of Humanities, University of Calgary
Ph: 403.220.8177
E: leej@ucalgary.ca
www.markinflanagan.com
www.thinkhumanities.ca
Upcoming Grant Deadlines
Please check the website www.canadacouncil.ca for more information on the programs listed below, or call 1-800-263-5588 x5060.
Dance
Dance on Screen Production Fund (pilot program)
15 February 2007
Music
Residencies and Commissioning of Canadian Compositions
15 January 2007
Professional Orchestra Program
1 February 2007
Music Festivals Programming Project Grants
15 February 2007 (for festivals taking place between 1 June and 30 November 2007)
Visual Arts
Assistance to Professional Canadian Contemporary Art Dealers (pilot program)
15 January 2007
Grants to Professional Independent Critics and Curators
1 February 2007
Assistance to Aboriginal Curators for Residencies in Visual Arts
1 February 2007
Assistance to Culturally Diverse Curators for Residencies in Visual Arts
1 February 2007
Acquisition Assistance for Art Museums and Public Galleries
Any time
Writing and Publishing
Book Publishing Support, Translation Grants
2 January 2007
International Translation Grants
Any time
Public Lending Right Commission
The Public Lending Right (PLR) Commission administers a program of payments to Canadian authors for their eligible books catalogued in public libraries across Canada.
Registration period: 15 February to 1 May 2007
Information: 1-800-521-5721 (toll-free) or (613) 566-4378 or plr@canadacouncil.ca
Travel Grants
Any time (at least 6–10 weeks before departure date—varies with each section) This deadline applies to the following disciplines: Aboriginal Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, Media Arts, Writing and Publishing, InterArts, Audience and Market Development. Please check the website at www.canadacouncil.ca 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:
Barbara Florio Graham
Barbara Florio Graham's December column for the West Quebec Post has been nominated by the Post's editor for a provincial community newspaper award. Barbara is also offering some free information sheets on her website: www.SimonTeakettle.com. Some are available now, and more will be rolled out over the winter.
Penny Lang
Canada's "grande dame of folk-blues," Penny Lang, capped off a triumphant career come-back by earning top honors at this year's Canadian Folk Music Awards. Twenty-two Canadian newspapers carried the story. Lang took the prize for "Best Solo Artist," while her new CD, Stone+Sand+Sea+Sky won "Best Album—Contemporary." Please go to: www.pennylang.com for music, bio, photos, press etc.
Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre
The Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre came away from the 13th Annual Soirée des Masques Awards on December 18, 2006 with the Best English Language Production trophy for last season's hit musical, Cabaret, directed by Steven Schipper. Bryna Wasserman, Executive and Artistic Director of the Segal Theatre, accepted the award on behalf of the Theatre.
South Shore Community Partners Network—Park Players (Greenfield Park)
South Shore Community Partners Network would like to congratulate Park Players (Greenfield Park), which recently marked its 45th anniversary of English language amateur theatre production with a well-crafted retrospective of five one-act plays.
Studio 303
Studio 303 recently announced that Lyne Maurier, who served as Director General from 2003 to 2006, will be stepping down in order to pursue other professional and personal goals. Lys Stevens, who has worked for Studio 303 in many different capacities for several years, will be replacing Ms. Maurier in January 2007. Ms. Stevens holds a Master's Degree in Dance (UQAM), has been actively involved with the Montreal dance community for ten years, and is a dance journalist who co-hosted the CKUT radio show Movement Museum for three years.
back to topWorkshops & Seminars
Digital Camera Basics
Take the mystery out of the many menus and sophisticated functions offered by today's digital cameras. Through a combination of hands-on demonstrations, lectures, and weekly assignments, you will learn how to get the most from your digital camera. This course will help you feel in complete control of your digital camera. Bring your digital camera, manual, and all cords and accessories.
Tuesdays, 7am–10pm (12 hours)
Feb. 26 to Mar. 19, 2007
Admission: $130
Courses are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Vanier College is situated in Ville Saint-Laurent on 821 Ste-Croix Avenue between rue de l'Eglise and Cote-Vertu. Vanier College is easily accessible via public transport.
Vanier College
(514) 744-7000
conted@vaniercollege.qc.ca
ESTEEM: Free Seminar Offered by the Dynamic Theatre Factory
Free introductory seminar to ESTEEM workshop: Friday, January 12th 2007 @ DTF 7:00–9:00 PM
This unique workshop offers direct, hands-on support to parents and their children who are troubled by the challenges academic life brings, due to attention or learning disorders. While using creative methods through drama and music with the children, we will also invite parents to explore a holistic approach to problem solving through psychological and environmental solutions.
Dynamic Theatre Factory (DTF) will provide professional guidance to parents and a confidence-building experience to children between the ages of 9 and 12 years. With a strong foundation of "memorable experiences", children who have started to question their worth can build esteem, one "stage" at a time.
Come and meet our team of professionals and learn how your child can benefit from this unique experience to build character and ESTEEM. Anik Matern and Claire Jacques, our DTF trainers will share all the details about this unique workshop. Linda Tees, our psychologist and parenting expert, will answer your questions and Kairiin Bright, our wellness consultant, will present an educational seminar.
Please RSVP for the free Seminar by January 12th: DTF: 514-393-3383
info@dtfonline.com
137 St. Ferdinand, Suite 222
For more information: www.dtfonline.com
Montreal School of Performing Arts—Annual Open House
Free trial classes—come in to meet our teachers, and ask questions about the school and the acting industry.
January 13, 2–4 pm
FREE
3975 Notre Dame West, Montréal
info@msopa.com
Screenwriting Seminar
Elizabeth Johnston's intensive seminar covers narrative structure, characterization, dialogue and more. You'll come away with the tools to begin writing your own film, in whatever genre you're interested.
Date: January 20
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Mile End area
Admission: $95
Register now to take advantage of the early-bird discount.
Contact: Elizabeth Johnston
information@explore-the-possibilities.com
www.explore-the-possibilities.com
YES Workshops
Career Exploration Workshops
Media and Communications February 08, 6:30–8:45pm
Building a Career in Graphic Arts March 29, 6:30–8:45pm
Have you ever considered pursuing a career in a particular field, but didn't really know what it involved? Have you wondered what it takes to develop a specific career here in Montreal? These two workshops, Media and Communications and Building a Career in the Graphic Arts, are geared towards artists and designed to give you an opportunity to meet various industry representatives, to explore these very questions. Topics of discussion will also include industry trends, necessary competencies, and what a "day in the life" of a particular profession is actually like. A question and answer period will follow each discussion.
Grants & Loans Information Sessions—January 10, 24
3:00–4:30pm
Cost: FREE
Are you an artist wondering what grants are out there? Are you a young entrepreneur looking to start a business? Come to our session, which gives an overview of the grants and loans available.
Home Sweet Home: Your Place of Business—January 29
6:30—8:45pm
Cost: 15$
Are you interested in conducting business from home? Whether you're an artist or an entrepreneur, discover some of the challenges and rewards of running a home-based business. Learn how to set up your home as a place of business, how to market yourself, how to maintain a professional environment, and how to avoid isolation. Gain insight into topics such as deductible expenses, tax advantages and other pertinent business issues.
For information regarding any of these sessions, or to register, call: 514-878-9788 ext. 313, or visit www.yesmonteal.ca.
back to topELAN Classifieds
Housing Wanted
Writer, 55, returning to Montreal, seeks suitable housing from January to June, and possibly longer. Looking for house-sitting, furnished sub-let, shared flat, or low-rent solo apartment. $500 or less, if possible. Prefers Mile End/Sherbrooke to Jean Talon corridor, but is open to other possibilities (not suburbs). Non-smoker, vegetarian, quiet, responsible, cooperative, bilingual, no car. Will probably be teaching evenings, and working at home mornings to mid- afternoon. He's currently in BC.
Contact: John Gilmore 250-629-6622 (afternoon or evening, Pacific time), jn_gilmore@yahoo.ca
Jazz Piano Lessons
Jazz Demystified! Study the exhilarating craft of improvisation with a critically acclaimed pianist. Curriculum tailored to your goals and pace. Please call 514-842-9630 for more details, or visit www.hollyarsenault.com.
Space for Rent (Non-Residential)
1400 sq. ft., ideal for office, gallery, studio, etc. Non-residential. Located on the second floor of 4001 Berri. Available on April 1st 2007.
Please contact Daniel Dion at 514-831-1515, or at daniel@oboro.net
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