The Newsletter of the English-Language Arts Network
Director's Message
ELAN was the brainchild of the Quebec Arts Summit back in November 2004. The amount of energy and enthusiasm generated by the Summit took everyone by surprise, culminating in a popular desire to give birth to an English Language Arts Organization. In that sense, ELAN was as much a lovechild as a brainchild.
The past two years have been a frenetic period of growth, networking and bridge building. ELAN's website has exploded with new information, membership is cruising toward the 1000 mark, and English-language artists are both more visible and more involved in the larger community than ever before.
This is a critical moment to re-evaluate our needs as individuals and as a network. ELAN is currently conducting a strategic plan. We are talking to partners in the arts community (e.g.. Quebec Writers Federation, Quebec Drama Federation, the Association of English-Language Publishers, the Montreal Film Group etc.) to see how we can work together most productively. We are also talking to partners at the Arts Councils, in education, tourism, the media and the business community about the kinds of support they can provide to ELAN and its members. And of course we are talking to artists about their interests and how ELAN can be of service. The funding for the Strategic Plan does not permit us to interview every single ELAN member, but we have devised a questionnaire and any members who wish to participate in this planning process are welcome to fill out a copy. If you would like to contribute to shaping ELAN's future direction send an email to admin@quebec-elan.org with Strategic Questionnaire in the subject line.
ELAN's new Action Groups are proving to be an excellent way for members to get involved. Next week the Professional Development Group will be sending out a short survey so you can help them fine tune their plans for professional development workshops. The Social Group got off to a rosy start with the pre-Valentine 5 à 7 at the Empress Theatre. The evening included a flash-light guided tour of the construction site which will eventually house offices and two performance spaces. The Social 5 à 7 was so popular that we're going to make it a monthly event. See below for details. If you didn't make the last one, we hope to see you at the next one.
back to topWhat's New?
The Social Events Group launches 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
Monday, March 12, 5–7pm
BILY KUN Bar
354 Mont-Royal Est
Metro: Mont-Royal
Admission: ELAN Members $2; Guests $5
Cash Bar
Book the second Monday of every month for ELAN's Schmoozer. This is an opportunity to meet artists working in all disciplines in a relaxed ambience. Marilyn Casselman and her team will provide lessons in schmoozing to ensure that no one remains a stranger. To help us cater for the Schmoozer, please RSVP to the ELAN office by sending an email to admin@quebec-elan.org with Schmoozer in the subject line.
The Professional Development Group
Watch your inbox later this week for a brief survey from the Professional Development action group. They're seeking your input on potential workshops for ELAN members.
New Intern
Thanks to YES (Youth Employment Services) ELAN has been able to hire an intern for the next 6 months. Elizabeth Woodyard is studying Fine Arts at Concordia University. She will be learning some valuable admin skills and also helping us devise a project to make ELAN more student-friendly. Welcome aboard, Elizabeth.
back to topOpportunities for Artists
Calls for Submissions
Media Arts
Oboro New Media Creation Grant for Young Artists—Call for Proposals
OBORO, a centre dedicated to the production and presentation of contemporary art and media, is now accepting proposals for its 2007 New Media Creation grant. This grant is for artists under 35 who wish to dedicate themselves to the production of innovative artwork in the field of media arts (including video, audio, multimedia, or the web). The grant is for $5,000 in access to the equipment and resources of OBORO's new media lab. Consult www.oboro.net/lab/equipment.html for a detailed description of available lab resources.
Application procedures and proposal requirements are available at www.oboro.net/bourse_pop/. The deadline for proposals is April 15, 2007, and must be mailed to:
OBORO
4001 rue Berri #301
Montreal, QC H2L 4H2
Performing Arts
GLBT Festival Seeks Production Proposals
Performing artists and companies are invited to submit production proposals for the fourth annual Harvest International Theatre Festival (October 29 to November 4, 2007). Drama, Comedy, Music, and Dance productions are welcome, and must contain entertainment value and either GLBT themes or topics of community diversity. The deadline for submissions is April 15, 2007.
For more information about submission procedures and categories, visit village Scene's website or contact Davyn Ryall.
Out Productions—Call for Open Mic Performers
To compliment OUT/Mim Productions' annual girly night "Le Boudoir," OUT is seeking volunteer acts for this year's open mic fundraising evening, an event that celebrates the very male experience. Whether you're a DJ, multi-media artist, dancer, singer, performance artist or writer exploring new text, your participation is welcome! Send your resume, bio, and proposal (max. 500 words).
Visual Arts
Art Wanted for AIDS Benefit Auction
AIDS Community Care Montreal (ACCM) is planning its first annual art exhibition/auction entitled Project Health Optimism Prevention Education (HOPE) for Spring 2008. Project HOPE is a fundraising endeavour that offers artists the opportunity to expand their audience, gain exposure, and promote HIV/AIDS awareness and education.
ACCM is currently accepting visual art submissions for this event that already includes works from local, national, and international artists. For further details on how you can participate in this exciting and worthwhile project, contact Chris Elliott. Further information is available at the ACCM website.
Commonwealth Photographic Awards—Deadline Extended
Due to many requests for more time to prepare entries, the organizers of the 2006-2007 Commonwealth Photographic Awards (the Commonwealth Press Union) have decided to extend the deadline for entries to April 27, 2007. The theme this year is "Achievement," and there are three categories: "Overall," "Young Photographer," and "Three Pictures—One Story." Rules and entry procedures are available at the Commonwealth Press Union website.
Galerie Charmante—Submissions Wanted
Galerie Charmante is having an orchid celebration and is accepting submissions in all mediums of artwork: painting, photography, sculpting, ceramics, prints, stained glass, etc. Visit their website for details and an application form.
Writing/Publishing
Samuel French Contest for Canadian Playwrights
Samuel French (Canada) Ltd., play publisher and authors' representative, is sponsoring a playwriting competition that is open to all Canadian playwrights. Writers are invited to submit full-length stage play manuscripts that are original and have never been published. The winning play will receive publication and representation from Samuel French.
The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2007. Application forms can be downloaded at their website.
Completed applications should be sent to:
Samuel French (Canada) Ltd.
Attn: Andrew Shaver
100 Lombard Street (Lower Level)
Toronto, ON M5C 1M3
For more information call: (416) 363-3536
Poetry Contest for Those Living With Mental Illness
The BrainStorm Poetry Contest, organized by NISA/Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA), invites submissions for its fifth annual competition. The top three poems (as judged by a panel of mental health consumers and family members) will be awarded prizes and be published in Open Minds Quarterly, a literary journal dedicated to publishing the writing of individuals living with mental illness.
If you are a poet who has experienced mental illness or mental health difficulties, you can download the entry form and rules from the NISA website. The deadline is March 23, 2007.
Writing Contest Honours Robert Burns
The Winnipeg Robert Burns Club is sponsoring a contest for lovers of the works of the Scottish Bard, Robert Burns. The winner of the Vision Writing Contest receives the James Turnbull Memorial Award ($500) and an opportunity for possible publication in the Celtic Faerie Magazine.
To enter, choose your favorite poem/song by Robert Burns and explain why you like it, what you believe Robert Burns was trying to convey to his readers, and any relevant history or documentation of interest (maximum 2000 words). The deadline for entries is May 1, 2007, and the entry fee is $10. Entrants are strongly encouraged to contact the contest trustee via email for full guidelines or at (204) 482-8271. More information is available on the website of the Winnipeg Robert Burns Club.
Tightrope Books—Call for "Graphic Poems"
Tightrope Books is seeking poetry submissions from contemporary Canadian writers/artists for an anthology of "graphic poems," to be edited by Paola Poletto and Jake Kennedy. A graphic poem is contemporary verse combined with multiple images; something between the graphic novel and concrete verse. Submissions should be proportionately disengaged from strategies such as dada or concrete poetry, and play up the narrative tropes of the contemporary graphic novel and/or comics. The graphic poems Tightrope is looking for will tackle the topic of boredom.
The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2007. The works may be collaborative or by a single author. Selected authors will receive two contributor's copies of the publication, slated for release in early 2008. Please send submissions or proposals for submissions to follow to Paola Poletto and/or Jake Kennedy.
CV2 Announces Fifth Annual Two-Day Poem Contest
The Two-Day Poem Contest is the annual offering of Contemporary Verse 2: The Canadian Journal of Poetry and Critical Writing. For a $10 fee, contestants receive ten words via E-mail at midnight (CST) on March 31, 2007. Contestants have until midnight on April 2, 2007 (CST) to send back a poem (not exceeding 48 lines) that uses these ten words (only one entry per participant is allowed).
Prizes include $300 for first place, $150 for second, $75 for third, and three honourable mentions. All selected entries will be published in a future issue of Contemporary Verse 2, and all winners receive a complimentary year's subscription to the magazine. Registration takes place on on-line at the CV2 website. Pre-registration and an E-mail address are required. For more information, contact Lukas Thiessen or Clarise Foster at (204) 949-1365 or by E-mail: contestsatCV2@mts.net or CV2@mts.net.
All Disciplines
"Art au Travail" Project Needs Artists
Culture pour tous is seeking Quebec artists of all disciplines to participate in their pilot "Art au Travail" project. Artists in the "Art au Travail" project should be interested in working with both private- and public-sector employees to instruct them in ways in which creative arts techniques can improve work environments. This could include augmenting creative potential, building teamwork, and increasing productivity. Applicants should have ideas for projects which lend themselves to workplace participation and collaboration.
Culture pour tous is currently building a bank of artists who can participate in this project in the upcoming months and years. To apply, send your CV, a summary of your work, a letter of intent, and one or two potential projects you would be capable of leading to:
Eva Quintas, Projects Director
Culture pour tous
4750 av. Henri-Julien
Montreal, QC H2T 2C8
(514) 873-2679 or (866) 734-4441
evaquintas@journeesdelaculture.qc.ca
www.journeesdelaculture.qc.ca
Call for Papers – PureData Convention 2007
The PureData Convention Steering Committee is now accepting paper proposals for presentation at L'œuvre ouverte (the Open Work), the 2nd International PureData Convention (August 21-26, 2007 in Montreal). L'œuvre ouverte invites an open relation between artwork and the public as well as open attitudes and practices in the fields of programming, artistic creation, and scientific research.
Selected papers will reflect varied perspectives and outlooks on the artistic possibilities of free software and hardware that emanate from a wide-ranging community. These include, but are not restricted to, connections to art, science and society as well as the demonstration of innovative and intuitive interactions. The committee seeks papers that offer varying perspectives on technical, social, cultural, or art theoretical/historical aspects of PureData, or the aesthetics and politics of the Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) culture. The deadline for paper submissions is March 31, 2007. For more information go to the PureData Convention website
Employment Opportunities
Assistant to the General Director—Cirque Eloize
Cirque Eloize currently has an opening for the full-time, permanent position of Assistant to the General Director [Secrétaire-assistant(e) à la direction], to assist the management in day-to-day administrative tasks. The successful candidate should be bilingual, conversant with Microsoft Office and Filemaker, and familiar with legal issues related to cultural organizations. This position is 35 hours per week and offers a salary of $25000–$28000 (to commensurate with skills and experience).
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV by March 22, 2007 to eloize@cirque-eloize.com or by fax to (514) 596-3938.
General Manager—Black Theatre Workshop
The Black Theatre Workshop is currently inviting applications for the position of General Manager for a one-year replacement contract (June 2007–June 2008). Reporting to the Board of Governors, the General Manager's tasks include: management of revenues and expenditures, preparing grant proposals, fundraising, management of box office staff, liaising with the government and other service organizations, and the supervision of day-to-day administration.
The successful candidate must be bilingual, have experience in non-profit arts management, and above-average computer skills (including word processing, database management, and desktop publishing). Salary for this position is $2000 per month based on a 35-hour workweek.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV by March 16, 2007 to the attention of Adele Benoit by E-mail or fax (514) 932-6311.
Artistic and Executive Director—Centaur Theatre
The Centaur Theatre Company invites applications for the position of Artistic and Executive Director to begin in their 2007/2008 season. Review of applications will begin on April 2, 2007. Applications should be sent to:
Search Committee, Centaur Theatre Company
453 rue St-Francois Xavier
Montreal, QC H2Y 2T1
Fax: (514) 288-8575
centauradsearch@gmail.com
Communications Agent—Repercussion Theatre
Repercussion Theatre is seeking a Communications Agent to promote its 2007 Theatre in the Parks Festival. The responsibilities of the Communications Agent include graphic design and layout, media relations, and sponsorship development. Candidates must be eligible for subvention salariale. For more information contact Kathy van Bronswyck.
Administrative Coordinator—Orchestre de Chambre de Montréal
Under the supervision of the director, the administrative coordinator is responsible for tasks related to the management of the orchestra, including: sponsorship and donations development, preparing correspondence, meeting minutes, and other documents related to the orchestra's administration, financial bookkeeping, and other administrative duties. The successful candidate should be bilingual, possess a diploma in office administration or a related discipline, and have at least three years related experience. Interested applicants should forward their CV by E-mail to Alain_Ishak@haygroup.com.
Grant Writer—Dynamic Theatre Factory
Dynamic Theater Factory (DTF) is presently looking for an experienced grant writer to lead a special workshop targeted at children. Please contact DTF for more details or at (514) 393-3383. For more information visit their website.
Upcoming Grant Deadlines
Canada Council for the Arts
Please check the CCA website for more information on the programs listed below, or call (800) 263-5588 ext. 5060.
Audience and Market Development
The Flying Squad: Audience and Market Development
April 1, 2007
Dance
Grants to Dance Professionals
March 15, 2007
Production Project Grants in Dance
March 15, 2007
Aboriginal Peoples Short Term Production Project Grants in Dance
March 15, 2007
The Flying Squad I: An Organizational Development Program in Dance
April 1, 2007
Music
New Music Program: Project Funding (includes Music in Alternative Spaces grants)
March 15, 2007
New Music Program: Annual Funding
March 15, 2007
Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording
April 1, 2007
The Flying Squad: An Organizational Development Program in Music
April 1, 2007
Theatre
The Flying Squad: An Organizational Development Program in Theatre
April 1, 2007
Visual Arts
International Residences Program in Visual Arts
April 1, 2007
Support to National Visual Arts Service Organizations
April 1, 2007
Project Assistance to Visual Arts and Fine Craft Organizations
April 15, 2007
Writing and Publishing
Cooperative Projects in Writing and Publishing
March 15, 2007
Grants for Professional Writers: Creative Writing
April 1, 2007
Spoken Word and Storytelling Program
April 15, 2007
Book Publishing Support: Art Books
April 15, 2007
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 is February 15 to May 1, 2007. For more information call (800) 521-5721 or E-mail plr@canadacouncil.ca.
Travel Grants
Applications for travel grants can be submitted at any time (at least 6–10 weeks before departure date—varies with each section). This applies to the following disciplines: Aboriginal Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, Media Arts, Writing and Publishing, InterArts, Audience and Market Development. Please check the CCA website for more information.
Ville de Montréal—les programmes 2007 de developpement culturel
Programme montréalais d'action culturelle 2007
Date de tombee : le vendredi 16 mars 2007
Programme de partenariat culture et communauté 2007
Date de tombee : le vendredi 30 mars 2007
Ces programmes sont disponibles sur le site Internet de la ville de Montrél.
back to topMember News
Want to know what your fellow ELAN members are up to? This month, we have info about the following members:
Chih-Lin Chou
Chih-Lin Chou, the artistic director of the Gu-Zheng Ensemble of Montreal (GZEM), is a virtuoso of the gu-zheng, the 21-string Chinese zither. On February 28, 2007, Ms Chou and GZEM presented a concert of music by Canadian composers that combines Asian and Western instruments, dance, and media (electroacoustic and video). This concert is another important stage in developing collaboration between Chinese-Canadian and other cultural communities in Montreal.
Liz Davidson
Liz Davidson was recently commissioned by the Bourse Rideau and Cirque du Soleil to do a limited edition (8) of the print "The Spirit Highway Tree." This print was awarded to the 2007 winners of the Bourse Rideau Prize at a ceremony held in Quebec City on February 15, 2007.
Seymour Blicker
Seymour Blicker's hit comedy "Never Judge a Book by its Cover" recently completed a three-month run at the prestigious Kammer Theater in Karlsruhe, Germany. His latest comedy, "Pipe Dreams," had its premiere on February 1 in Aylmer, ON in a production directed by Barbara Warnock. Blicker is presently completing an original screenplay, "The Schoolboy," under a grant from Telefilm Canada.
Licia Canton
Licia Canton recently published "My Italian Shoes Were Made for Walking" in Accenti Magazine (Fall 2006) and "Our Women, Our Writers" in Italian Canadiana, vol. 20. An Italian translation of this also appears in the Canadian Literature section of Bibliosofia.
Dynamic Theater Factory
The Dynamic Theater Factory (DTF) recently offered a special self-esteem building workshop tailored to children with ADD, ADHD, and learning difficulties. After a tremendous response from parents, area psychologists, and local schools, DTF has copyrighted its curriculum and is planning future workshops. If you know of a child that could benefit from this kind of workshop, call (514) 393-3383 for more information.
back to topWorkshops & Seminars
Performing Arts
Edgy Women Workshops Series
VIP rates for ELAN members are available. All workshops are bilingual and space is limited.
The Politics of Presence with Antoinia Baehr and Tonja Livingstone
$80 VIP/$90 Regular
March 12–16, 10am–1pm at Studio 303
Register at (514) 393-3771 or info@studio303.ca
Malax'art/The Blender with Nathalie Claude, Dayna McLeod, and Alexis O'Hara
$90 VIP/$100 Regular
March 19–23, 10am–1pm at Studio 303
Register at (514) 393-3771 or info@studio303.ca
Circuit Bending with MINI
$15
March 17, 12–3pm at Studio XX
Register at (514) 845-7934 or info@studio303.ca
QDF Spring Training Workshops
Spring Training Workshops offered by the QDF are open for registration. All workshops take place March 22–27, 2007. Offerings include:
Musical Theatre with Louise Pitre
Film Acting and Auditioning with Andrea Kenyon
Getting Started in Montreal's Film Scene with Robyne Baruchel
Voice-Over with Martin Snape
Monologue Boot Camp with Bryden MacDonald
Some workshops have limited enrolment, and the deadline for registration is March 2, 2007. For more information go to QDF's Workshops web page or contact their office at (514) 875-8698 or via email.
Act Up! Workshop
Act Up!, led by Jacqueline van de Geer, is an acting workshop on dynamics and interaction. Cost is $30.
March 3, 2007
10am–5pm
Purple Dragon Studio (Cavendish Mall)
For more information or it sign up, contact Jacqueline or (514) 276 2919.
Writing/Publishing
Writing With Style at the Banff Centre
Writing With Style (September 17–22, 2007) is the most accessible of the Banff Centre's Literary Arts programs. In this unique workshop, writers edit and shape a work-in-progress under the guidance of an experienced editor. The program encourages the development of new ideas and allows writers to gain confidence in their own style and voice. The director is Edna Alford and the faculty includes Steven Heighton, Trevor Herriot, Candace Savage, and Audrey Thomas. The application deadline is May 15, 2007. For more information or to apply, contact:
The Banff Centre, Office of the Registrar
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Box 1020
Banff, AB T1L 1H5
(800) 565-9989
arts_info@banffcentre.ca
www.banffcentre.ca
Screenwriting Seminar
Learn the basics in one day—characterization, setting, structure, and more—with writing coach Elizabeth Johnston. This seminar covers the three stages of screenwriting: synopsis, treatment, and script. Participants come away with the tools to begin writing their own short film in any genre. No previous experience in screenwriting is needed. Cost is $95 ($75 if paid 15 days in advance).
March 24, 2007
9:30am to 4:30pm.
Mile End area, easily accessible from three metros
For more information, go to www.explore-the-possibilities.com or E-mail information@explore-the-possibilities.com
back to topELAN Classifieds
New Website Connects Independent Artists with Clientele
Trinity Enterprise, Inc., a publisher and distributor based in Saint John, NB, has launched its new website: www.loonielink.com. This new site will connect independent booksellers, authors, musicians, and artists with a wide-ranging clientele. Loonie Link acts as a virtual marketplace for authors and publishers with on-line catalogue and retail systems. For more information, contact Kim Cookson at (866) 693-2259.
Jazz Piano Lessons
Jazz demystified!
Study the exhilarating craft of improvisation with a critically acclaimed pianist (go to www.hollyarsenault.com for more information). Curriculum tailored to your goals and pace. Call (514) 842-9630 for further details.
Writing Services for Musicians and Artists
Experienced writer available for artist biographies, CD liner notes, press releases, grant proposals, and reports. Also available for editing, proofreading, and translation (French to English). Past clients include Holly Arsenault, Tommy Babin, DSM Records, FACT, Justin Time Records, Joel Miller, Monik Nordine, Karl Roth, and Karen Young & Michel Donato. Call (514) 844-4124 or E-mail James Little.
Studio for Rent
Dynamic Theater Factory has a spacious, warm, and beautiful studio available for rent. 16 ft. ceilings, 1800 sq ft. windows, floating wood floor, mirrors, small performance area, office, lounge, CD player, and TV monitor with DVD and VHS available. Located 5 minutes west of the Atwater Market and 5 minutes from Place St. Henri metro. For more information call (514) 393-3383.
back to top