September 2007 - Newsletter

Showcase Applications for the 2008 Pacific Contact, March 28 - April 1, 2008 are now available on the BCTC website at www.bctouring.org. Deadline October 1, 2007.

Now in its 32nd year, Pacific Contact is the BC Touring Council's annual trade show and booking conference for performing arts touring in British Columbia. Pacific Contact includes Mainstage and Studio Stage showcases, contact room (trade show area), workshops and networking opportunities for artists and arts presenters. If you're interested in touring British Columbia Pacific Contact is your most important first stop. If this is your first time applying to showcase at Pacific Contact and you want to know more or what to expect, go to the archived 2007 and other Pacific Contact conference highlights also on the BCTC website.The preliminary schedule for Pacific Contact 2008 will be posted to the website in the fall.

Membership - The BC Touring Council was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1976 to serve presenters and professional performing arts touring artists in British Columbia. It's goals are to expand touring opportunities, provide professional development and conference services, promote audience development and advocate for artists and presenters. Become part of a growing regional, national and international network. Virtual meetings and association through the website and E-newsletters, by email, telephone, in person at Pacific Contact and at regional meetings. See details of membership options and benefits at http://www.bctouring.org/membership/index.html.

ArtsOnTour - is a comprehensive web and print performing artist and agency directory. It is a member benefit of the BC Touring Council for artist and agents. Registration for the 2008 directory begins November 1st. Full details about ArtsOnTour can be found at www.artsontour.com.

Venue & Presenter Website Listings - are also a benefit of membership with the BC Touring Council. When renewing membership this fall be sure to update your contact and venue description information with us. See listings and descriptions at the following links
http://www.bctouring.org/presenter-listings/
http://www.bctouring.org/venue-listings/

The BC Touring Council Board of Directors will travel to Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton September 21st to 23rd. The BCTC board's commitment to host one annual face-to-face meeting in a region outside of Vancouver's South West is in an effort to get to know members better and to understand regional issues and concerns. It's a chance for regional members to meet all together at a time other than Pacific Contact and to invite the arts community to find out more about the BC Touring Council and touring of professional performing artists touring the province.
Invitations are being sent but if we've missed one and you are interested in attending, please contact the BCTC office by email at fyi@bctouring.org. A full List of the BCTC Board members and their organizations can be found at www.bctouring.org/about-us/

BCTC Fall Plans, Dates and Deadlines
CPA adjudication meeting - September 10-12. Grant awards notification begins following meetings.
BCTC Board to Okanagan - September 21 - 23, 2007
BCTC Membership drive/renewal - September/October, 2007
Showcase Application Deadline – October 1, 2007
Pacific Contact preliminary schedule – October 15th
ArtsOnTour - for 2008 Web and Print Directory begins November 1
Facility Managers Fall Meeting - November, Vancouver - location TBA
Showcase Selection Committee Meeting – Mid November
Pacific Contact 2008 Early Bird Registration - December 1st
32nd Pacific Contact 2008 - March 28 - April 1, 2008

New Job Postings - can be found on the BCTC website at www.bctouring.org/job-opportunities/ .Submit postings to the office by emailing fyi@bctouring.org

Funding News

ARTSPOD - Grants available for organizational development for BC's arts and heritage not-for-profits. The Centre for Sustainability is now accepting applications from arts and heritage organizations in BC that have identified a need to improve their organizational effectiveness, and wish to engage an experienced consultant to help them with the process. Funding is available for three different components: Problem definition (up to $2,000), Organizational Assessment (up to $3,000), or Planning (up to $10,000). The deadline for submissions for ArtsPOD’s Fall granting program is September 21, 2007. For more information and to download guidelines and application forms, visit our website at: www.centreforsustainability.ca/programs.

Arts Now - Innovations and Catalyst Review - Upcoming Innovations Deadline - September 28, 2007. Please note that the program guidelines and application forms have been changed to reflect the recommendations made in the Innovations and Catalyst review. The comprehensive review of Catalyst and Innovations programs is now available to download from our website at: http://www.2010legaciesnow.com/catalyst/ or http://www.2010legaciesnow.com/innovations/.

The John Hobday Awards in Arts Management are made possible by a $1 million donation from The Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation. In this inaugural year, and in every subsequent year, two $10,000 awards will be presented and will allow recipients to enhance their own professional development by taking part in a recognized program, seminar or workshop; or to pass their knowledge on to the next generation as a mentor for another arts administrator outside their own organization. The awards are intended for established and mid-career arts managers.The application forms and guidelines can be found on the Canada Council for the Arts website at http://www.canadacouncil.ca/prizes/john_hobday. Application Deadline: 28 September 2007

Member & Industry News

ArtStarts Showcase 2008 - Do you have a children's show? Are you interested in touring BC schools? Then apply to the ArtStarts Showcase and perform an excerpt of your school show. This three-day showcase attracts over 100 arts programmers from across BC (and beyond) interested in booking artistic and educational performances for their schools and communities for the 2008/09 school year.  It all takes place at the Roundhouse in downtown Vancouver this April and features over 40, 12-minute mini-performances.
Application Deadline: October 12, 2007. Showcase: April 2,3,4, 2008
http://www.artstarts.com/

Music BC is proud to announce the Demo Program as part of Music BC's Music Assistance Program (MAP). The Demo Program assists new BC artists with the production of a high quality demo recording used to present to key music industry professionals to secure recording, publishing and live performance agreements. Applications must be received by November 16th, 2007. www.musicbc.org. info@musicbc.org | 604.873.1914 | Toll-free: 1.888.866.8570

Interested in house concert development? Check out http://www.homeroutes.ca/