I have to say, I love my job. After working for over 10 years in communications roles in theatre, dance, music, film and visual art in Calgary, I've landed myself in a spot where I am able to work for them all!

The learning curve has been steep and I see mountains of work to do, but I work with people every day that push themselves to make this the kind of city we want it to be and it is pretty darn inspiring.

When I used to work in theatre, if I was feeling bogged down by the weight of admin work and challenges ahead, all I needed to do was pop into the rehearsal hall or sneak quietly onto the balcony to soak it in and remember why I was toiling away. Worked every time.

In my time here I have found those same moments in conversations, in hearing the stories from artists and administrators about why they do what they do and even learning a bit about the how.

Answering that "how" question leads me to the point of this post. I have enjoyed the task, along with our team, of assembling the images for our annual Accountability Report. We have an amazing repository of images provided to us from organizations we fund through our operating grant program.

For this year's cover shot I was looking for an image that I felt conveyed the vibrancy of Calgary's arts sector. Vibrancy not only in the shot itself, but also in the organization and the "how" behind it.

I have had several of those conversations that remind me why I do what I do with Nicole Mion, curator of Springboard Performance's Fluid Movement Arts Festival in Calgary. Nicole and her team got into a bit of a mess creating the promotional image for the 2011 Fluid Festival, which has emerged as a nationally acclaimed presenter of outstanding dance and physical performance.

When I talked to Nicole about the behind the scenes work of the photo I heard all about who to go to if I ever needed to buy dehydrated milk in HUGE bulk quantities!

Photographer Kimberley French, who lived in Calgary for many years and now lives in Vancouver shooting stills for the movie industry, photographed dancer Jennifer Clarke in a vat of milk poured into a little kids' pool. The white "slime" in the shot was the same material used in the Ghostbusters film that makeup artist Cory Roberts mixed up for Nicole and the team. So they just had a little bit of fun.

I’m grateful that we are able to use the photo to help tell Calgary Arts Development’s 2011 story and that we can tell their story just a little bit, too.

Here's another reason why cities matter in Canada, at least to the arts and culture sector: they disproportionately fund our work.

Stats Can recently published data on government expenditures in culture. I've long had a thesis that cultural planning/strategy and investment is more important and perhaps more relevant at the local level, because of how it relates to identity: people and places linked together. I wonder if the graph below supports my thesis:

At 29.1% of the total spending on culture (which, by the way, is a VERY wide bucket, including libraries, broadcasting, etc.), municipalities way outspend the other orders of government relative to their revenue generation capacity. Take a look at this graph, adapted from A Case of Fiscal Imbalance: The Calgary Experience, which breaks down the tax revenue generated by the 3 orders of government in our city in 2007:

Yes, that's right... of all the taxes paid in Calgary in 2007, The City of Calgary received only 6.6%. Though I haven't seen the data, my understanding is that the revenue picture isn't much different in other Canadian cities.

What are we to make of this? 

First, when Mayor Nenshi says that, in this provincial election "Cities Matter," the graphs above illustrate just how much cities matter for culture. I think this is logical: civic leaders are increasingly realizing that a thriving arts scene is critical for both economic development (see this report from Calgary Economic Development) AND for quality of life: people want to live in neighborhoods with character and visit downtowns that buzz with activity. They want arts education opportunities for themselves and their children. Because our local council members hear about these local issues every day, it is no wonder that they find ways, with their limited means, to ensure that culture thrives in their city.

Second, Provincial and Federal governments should perhaps take a lead from their municipal colleagues. Culture matters to citizens, and municipal councils across the country are leaders in ensuring their citizens have access to these experiences.

Finally, and most importantly: imagine what would happen if that little orange slice of pie in the second graph was able to expand? What if cities in Alberta had the opportunity to control their own destiny? To fund their priorities with no strings attached? I'm confident that Calgary's Council will continue to invest in the arts if we have a strong vision and clear plans for how this sector will grow and contribute to the quality of life and economic growth of our city.

I can't tell you who to vote for in this or any election, but based on this quick and dirty analysis, it is clear that a better deal for cities in Alberta would amount to a better deal for the arts.

Please join us as we embark on a year-long journey to define the future for the arts in Calgary in the #yycartsplan process!

Well that was a fun week!  Calgary Arts Development staff and board members welcomed close to 100 artists, administrators and board members in our Current State of the Arts Dialogue Sessions that wrapped up yesterday. Below are observations from Calgary Arts Development staff about the last few sessions. These conversations are phase one of a three-phase process that will include a public consultation and vision-setting process this summer, leading to the development of a long-term strategic plan for the development of the arts in Calgary. This process is described in our most recent Strategic Plan. 

Our next immediate step is to incorporate your feedback from these Dialogue Sessions into our Current State of the Arts report to City Council in May. And we are looking forward to sharing a summary with you in our Report to the Community on May 28, so stay tuned for those details shortly. Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk with us, it is an exciting time to refresh our vision for the future of the arts in Calgary.

Finally, if you haven't had a chance to be in the room, there is still time to have your say. We are keeping our online questions open until Friday April 20 and you can respond to the discussion questions online.

An outstanding bright spot from our small to mid-size Board Dialogue Session was the transition of small to mid-size arts organization boards away from operational work towards boards who take on more of a governance role. The organizations have also experienced a number of successes when it comes to increased access to space. A few examples include the approval of land towards an International Avenue Arts & Culture Centre, Morpheus Theatre's new office and rehearsal space in the Parkdale Community Centre and Evergreen Theatre's Community Studios. -Emiko Muraki

The outlook of the Arts Marketing Dialogue Session was on the whole optimistic, and while it's recognized that we may not have fully realized the vision of the Civic Arts Policy, incremental steps are being taken towards that vision. There is a budding recognition by Calgary citizens that the arts sector is producing great, new, innovative work and the "no rules" entrepreneurial spirit that Calgary has always operated under is a large contributor to an environment that allows this kind of work to thrive. We have seen not only the creation of several new arts organizations, but have seen them evolve rapidly over the past 8 years. Established institution such as Theatre Calgary are posting record numbers of audience engagement in both subscription sales and single ticket buyers. Calgarians are finding avenues to involve themselves in the sector through other avenues as well, most notably by volunteering. Finally, arts organizations are benefiting from increased accessibility to grant writing guidance from organizations such as CADA and The Calgary Foundation and programs such as artsVest and the Executive in Residence. -Emiko Muraki

A Bright Spot from the Festival Dialogue Session was the fact that Calgary has gained a reputation for being a fantastic host when national and international artists come here to perform in our festivals. The artists we employ in our festivals talk about how great Calgary is to work in and by extension are able to infuse their performances or presentations with more passion. Our festivals have been able to remove the hassles out of touring for these artists and in turn they are able to deliver to Calgary audiences what they do best: world class performance or art! -Emiko Muraki 

During our dialogue with board members from small to mid-size companies the bright spots that illuminated our conversation were the strength of collaboration among small companies; the increased bench strength and capacity of boards to govern; the untiring efforts of our volunteers who handle EVERYTHING as we try to raise the funds to hire staff; the huge "groundswell" of cultural groups and activities that have surfaced in the last 8 years. -Patti Pon

also see previous comments: 

• Current State of the Arts Dialogue Sessions: What We Are Hearing So Far
• Dialogue Sessions: More Insights
• Dialogue Sessions: Festivals, Visual Arts and Individual Artists

Great conversations continue, here are more observations from Calgary Arts Development staff about this week's sessions.

Understandably, there were many parallels between the Visual Arts dialogues and the Individual Artists sessions, such as the recognition of the increased level of meaningful discussion around the arts and Calgary's growing international (if not yet local) reputation in the arts. From a purely artistic perspective, a factor for this reputation seems to be that artistically, Calgary is increasingly aware of its identity and is articulating its own experiences more. Also, many of the same challenges were identified, but interestingly a comment was made that most of the infrastructure for solutions already exists and just needs to be accessed or reactivated. An example of this from the perspective of arts education is the now inactive CAPES (Calgary Arts Partners in Education Society), which essentially integrated individual artists into education. -Jordan Baylon

Perhaps the biggest take-away from the Visual Art's session was how resourceful, innovative and resilient Calgary artists are. A lot of progress has been made in fostering a positive feeling about the role of the artist in the city's vitality and there are more opportunities than ever for participation in the arts - it was noted the enthusiasm and energy of volunteers are a big part of this. What's more, the strength of Calgary's art scene is gaining an international reputation and awareness that exceeds that of Calgarians themselves. Each of these successes is underpinned by challenges that we know all too well, like the notion that scarcity has forced artists to innovate, but there was a sense that everyone is willing to pitch in and move forward with us. -Jordan Baylon

Bright spots for the Festival session I sat in on were that these organizations felt well supported by The City and CADA. Festivals have a much easier and productive relationship with The City than in other municipalities when it comes to events. Calgary Arts Development was also credited with being crucial to fostering dialogue and awareness of the arts, as well as acting as an access point for the arts sector to other civic partners (ie. Tourism Calgary and CED). There has been an overall growth to festivals and a high level of communication/collaboration between groups. Evidence for this is HPR's Snowblower, which sees high attendance and broad participation despite taking place outside in the frigid cold. -Jordan Baylon

A bright spot from the festival dialogue was the fact that Calgary has gained a reputation for being a fantastic host when national and international artists come here to perform in our festivals. The artists we employ in our festivals talk about how great Calgary is to work in and by extension are able to infuse their performances or presentations with more passion. Our festivals have been able to remove the hassles out of touring for these artists and in turn they are able to deliver to Calgary audiences what they do best, world class performance or art! -Emiko Muraki

The outlook of the Arts Marketing Dialogue was on the whole optimistic, and while it's recognized that we may not have fully realized the vision of the Civic Arts Policy, incremental steps are being taken towards that vision. There is a budding recognition by Calgary citizens that the arts sector is producing great, new, innovative work and the "no rules" entrepreneurial spirit that Calgary has always operated under is a large contributor to an environment that allows this kind of work to thrive. We have seen not only the creation of several new arts organizations, but have seen them evolve rapidly over the past 8 years. Established institution such as Theatre Calgary are posting record numbers of audience engagement in both subscription sales and single ticket buyers. Calgarians are finding avenues to involve themselves in the sector through other avenues as well, most notably by volunteering. Finally, arts organizations are benefiting from increased accessibility to grant writing guidance from organizations such as Calgary Arts Development and The Calgary Foundation and programs such as artsVest and the Executive in Residence. -Emiko Muraki

These conversations are phase one of a three-phase process that will include a public consultation and vision-setting process, leading to the development of a long-term strategic plan for the development of the arts in Calgary. This process is described in our most recent Strategic Plan.

You don't need to take part in these sessions to tell us what you think. Please feel free to respond to the discussion questions online.

also see previous comments: 

• Current State of the Arts Dialogue Sessions: What We Are Hearing So Far
• Dialogue Sessions: More Insights

 The Arts Co-Lab has been a busy place as of late and there have been some great discussions. Here are the latest observations from the team:

Today's festivals dialogues were filled to the brim and we needed to open a second room to accommodate the attendees! The biggest takeaways for me: Fairytales Film Fest told the group that their bright spots included "bring a straight" night and Q Arts which has opened them and our city to new and younger audiences. We also heard a lot about the value that arts in education and artists in education bring to the sector and how important it is to have the long view in this regard. Raising our children in a culture of culture, imagine that! -Patti Pon

Bright spots ran amuck during the film and new media dialogue. YYC is a great place for emerging artists to develop, the number of film festivals are flourishing, its 2nd nature how the YYC arts community collaborate so much, and Mayor Nenshi. -Patti Pon

There were several bright spots from the literary arts session today. All of the groups represented have experienced increases in their audience/subscription/membership numbers in recent years, and there were many individual successes as well as collective (poet laureate program for one). There are new exciting orgs popping up like the People's Poetry Festival and When Words Collide. Both a contributing factor and a result of these successes could be the strength of U of C's creative writing program (similar to what was described as happening in dance). -Jordan Baylon

Collaboration dominated as a contributing factor to bright spots in the Community Music session this morning. Several in the group suggested that increased collaboration has stemmed from more opportunities to build capacity and increased networking opportunities that weren't so readily encouraged seven years ago. -JoAnn Reynolds

These conversations are phase one of a three-phase process that will include a public consultation and vision-setting process, leading to the development of a long-term strategic plan for the development of the arts in Calgary. This process is described in our most recent Strategic Plan.

You don't need to take part in these sessions to tell us what you think. Please feel free to respond to the discussion questions online.

also see previous comments: Current State of the Arts Dialogue Sessions: What We Are Hearing So Far

What a day! Yesterday was the first of six days in which Calgary Arts Development staff and board members are listening to Calgary's arts sector in our Current State of the Arts Dialogue Sessions. Until April 17 we are hosting over 140 and counting artists, administrators and board members in sessions grouped by discipline and size in the Arts Co-Lab in Art Central. These conversations are phase one of a three-phase process that will include a public consultation and vision-setting process this summer, leading to the development of a long-term strategic plan for the development of the arts in Calgary. This process is described in our most recent Strategic Plan.

We'll be posting a blog each day of the series to let you know how it's going. If you were able to join us, please add your feedback about the session you attended below. If you haven't had a chance to sign up for a session, you can RSVP here. Finally, if the remaining times don't fit your schedule, you can respond to the discussion questions online. 

Here's the first day's round up:

I heard about the importance of individual leaders and mentors (especially in dance), a supportive community and the quality and contribution of our major institutions. -Terry Rock

The "Calgary entrepreneurial spirit" is a contributing factor to the opening and encouraging arts community in which our artists create. -Emiko Muraki

The community feels there is a lack of perceived value on the part of the Calgary community at large, that the work itself is undervalued (sometimes even by the artists) and that citizens don't recognize the value of the arts to a vibrant city. -Emiko Muraki

Bright spot: The number of "community" groups operating in Calgary is perceived to be higher than other cities, offering more opportunities for citizens to engage in creation or practice of arts and culture. -Emiko Muraki

In the dance session there were several bright spots around education that came up, particularly about the U of C BA Dance program and the strength of mentorship and networking that extends from the program into the dance community. -JoAnn Reynolds

Our first day of dialogues was yesterday and the biggest takeaway from the two sessions I participated in was the insight that as a sector we ARE inclusive, innovative and culturally vibrant but that it isn't broadly recognized. If that's the problem we have to solve (not such a bad one to have) we have lots that needs to be recognized. -Patti Pon

Some feedback from a dance attendee: "I just wanted to thank you for hosting the dialogue for dance session today. It was the first time since I can remember that all of those artists have been in the same room sharing conversations about the bright spots and challenges of the dance scene in Calgary. I hope it was helpful for you in regards to the civic policy moving forward." -Chantal C. Gandar Corps Bara Dance Theater

As an Executive in Residence (Arts Marketing) at Calgary Arts Development, it has been a complete honour to meet with nearly twenty-five arts organizations and individual artists over the last two months. You can learn more about the Executive in Residence program here.

Generally, there is one consistent question: “...We’re/I’m looking for ways to sell more tickets and get people through the door, we are the hidden gem in the City of Calgary!” So, with much anticlimactic fanfare, this is the first of a few personal blogs over the coming weeks with what I hope will act as knowledge/background/tools for...GETTING BUMS IN SEATS.

In the meantime, if you are interested in meeting with me one-on-one as part of the Executive in Residence program, request a consultation here.

Bradley Walker is Vice President of Bottom Line Productions Inc., and works with many Alberta theatre artists and companies. Bradley is currently an Executive in Residence (Arts Marketing) at Calgary Arts Development and individual meetings can be booked with him.

Cars crossing sidewalk:

Worst New York City hotspot

To run into friends

The New York City Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Safe Streets Fund, has unveiled a new series of traffic warning signs that combine public art with a safety awareness effort for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The signs, which include 12 designs in all, were the creation of Atlanta artist John Morse. Morse previously created a similar public art installation in Atlanta, which featured tongue-in-cheek haiku advertisements such as "Build Personal Wealth, In the Comfort of Your Home, Read to Your Children."

Read more about the NYC Curbside Haiku Project at Inhabitat NYC.

View a PDF of all 12 Curbside Poetry Designs.

"...I see the impossible everyday. Impossible is trying to connect in this world, trying to hold on to others while things are blowing up around you, knowing that while you're speaking they aren't just waiting for their turn to talk. They hear you, they feel exactly what you feel at the same time that you feel it. It's what I strive for every time I open my mouth - that impossible connection." - Sarah Kay, Hiroshima

Sarah Kay is a performing poet and a founder of Project V.O.I.C.E. (Vocal Outreach Into Creative Expression). Sarah travels throughout the USA teaching people how to use poetry as a medium to better understand themselves, their fellow humans and the world we all share. In this TED talk from March 2011, Sarah shares her journey of self-expression through poetry and of feeling shared recognition and acceptance through storytelling.

In April 2012, Calgarians will receive their first official Poet Laureate. The Calgary Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador of the arts to the citizens of Calgary and unite them through the "impossible connection" of poetry.

Nominations for the Calgary Poet Laureate will be accepted until January 10, 2012. For more information on how to submit a nomination, please visit our nominations page.