January  2008 - Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE
Pacific Contact 2008 – Changes and Early Bird Deadline – January 31st
PDI 2008 - Day with International Presenters – March 27th
Real Time – Conversations at Pacific Contact
In-Conference Workshops, Meetings & Networking
Hilton Hotel at Metrotown - Official Hotel & Conference Centre
Advertising & Sponsorship
Arts On Tour Directory - Launched!
Arts On Tour Print Deadline – February 15th
Membership Renewal
Job Postings
Member News
Industry News

PACIFIC CONTACT – March 28 –30, 2008
Early Bird Deadline for Draw – January 31st, 2008
There are a few changes to the conference this year. The main activities - showcase, contact room, workshops/networking, will run three full days, from Friday March 28th to Sunday, March 30th. Thursday, March 27th will be a professional development day with international presenters (see next item). Registration is now made easier for BCTC members as you can register online by using both the fast track (includes all meals) and regular registration and if you register for Pacific Contact before January 31 st you could win two free nights at the conference hotel, The Hilton Metrotown during the conference. Online Registration, showcase line-up, schedules and other conference information is now available at
http://www.bctouring.org/pacific-contact/index.html .

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INTENSIVE
- International Presenters Day – March 27th
PDI for 2008 is a pre-conference day with distinguished international presenters from Australia , the UK and the United States. This daylong event is focused on bridging gaps, broadening opportunities and building relationships in International performing arts touring. Made possible through the generous support of the Canadian Heritage Trade Routes Program this networking event will be of benefit to those in the performing arts, whether you are an artist, agent, manager or presenter. The expertise and knowledge of our guests from away are diverse. They book Canadian artists in their seasons and series, are engaged in successful and innovative booking and touring programs and are active change agents in their respective communities. For more details including guest bios and registration go to
http://www.bctouring.org/pacific-contact/2008/pdi-detailed.html

Real-Time - Conversations
– Saturday March 29th, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Within a shorter more intensive conference we are experimenting with a new format for delivery of workshops/professional development and networking http://www.bctouring.org/pacific-contact/2008/real-time.html. As we continue to innovate and improve we are asking participants to tell us what they want to talk about. This year we have the opportunity to be one of the first arts conferences in North America to deliver - Real Time Professional Development - addressing the most pressing issues you (and our colleagues) are facing today.
With the help of Jerry Yoshitomi, http://www.meaningmattersnet.net/ we'll craft design these sessions for and with you. But first, we need your wisdom and advice. We need to know what you want to hear and/or talk about and ask that you take a few minutes to answer our survey at the following link:
http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey.zgi?p=WEB227CUDH2EWA. 
We hope to have your responses by the end of the day on Thursday, January 31, 2008, so that we can begin our work to design these sessions to meet your needs.

In-Conference Workshops, Meetings & Networking
- There will also be other workshop, networking sessions and opportunity to meet with peers throughout the conference. Be sure to refer to the At A Glance conference schedule at
http://www.bctouring.org/pacific-contact/2008/pre_schedule.html.

Hilton Vancouver (Metrotown) Conference Hotel:
The Vancouver (Metrotown) Hilton is the location for all conference activities except showcases. If you plan to stay at the conference hotel you need to call and book your reservation as soon as possible. The special BCTC room rate will be available until February 23rd or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. A block of rooms has been reserved for March 25 to April 1, 2008. Guests wishing to arrive early and/or leave late may do so. For full details including online booking go to:
http://www.bctouring.org/pacific-contact/2008/hotel.html

Advertising and Sponsorship opportunities are a great way to increase exposure for you or your organization. It also shows your strong support for the BC Touring Council, our programs and services and helps offset the cost of many aspects of Pacific Contact. Information for both can be found online at:
http://www.bctouring.org/pacific-contact/2008/sponsorship.html
http://www.bctouring.org/pacific-contact/2008/advertising.html

2008 ARTS ON TOUR DIRECTORY - is launched! www.artsontour.com
See the amazing variety of Artists and Agents from across North America who are interested in touring in B.C., Alberta and the Pacific North West. Check out the new format with artist photos, tour schedules and quick to use search buttons!
Rick Scott was the winner of the free advertisement in the directory.

2008 ARTS ON TOUR DIRECTORY
– Print Directory Deadline – February 15th.
Don't be left out of ArtsOnTour 2008! Don't give up hope! You can get-your-act-together and get listed in the print version and next round of updates to the ArtsOnTour website. The print publication will be distributed to presenters in the US, across Canada and in BC. The ArtsOnTour website is used year-round by presenters and actively marketed by BCTC as a member service. Don't be left out. It's a member benefit. Let us serve you better. Sign up now! Really! http://www.artsontour.com

BCTC MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL for 2008 - For those who have renewed membership or if you are a new member, welcome! If you are planning on registering for Pacific Contact or ArtsOnTour you may also renew your membership at that time. For those of you who have allowed your membership to lapse, please consider the benefits and support the BC Touring Council. For full information please visit
http://www.bctouring.org/membership/.

JOB POSTINGS - As a service to BCTC members you can list your job postings on our site. Check out new listings at http://www.bctouring.org/job-opportunities/

BCTC MEMBER NEWS

Jazz artist Flora Ware is playing at the Old Firehall Wine and Jazz Bar in Rossland, BC, on Saturday February 2. Described as both a "little-known vocal treasure" and "one of the rising jazz talents" in BC, Flora is ready to step into a bigger spotlight. Check Flora’s new ArtsOnTour directory listing at http://www.artsontour.com/artist_detail.php?Genre_id=4&listing_id=40

Talking Stick Festival 2008 - February 12th - 17th, 2008 - The 7th annual Talking Stick Festival provides a stage for the best emerging and established Aboriginal artists and enriches Vancouver's vibrant artistic landscape. From February 12 - 17, 2008, audiences will have an opportunity to witness and feel the dynamic energy of today's Aboriginal cultural expression. Celebrating the diversity and talents of Aboriginal artists, Vancouver plays host to this exceptional festival showcasing 100 artists at seven venues. www.fullcircle.ca for a complete schedule of events. Volunteers needed. Contact Valri Wright: volunteer@fullcircle.ca

The Prince George Folkfest Society is very pleased to present: COLDSNAP 2008 - January 26th - February 2nd www.coldsnapfestival.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

BC Arts Council - A Canadian television icon, a multi-faceted First Nations artist, a professional musician and an artist/arts administrator have been appointed to the BC Arts Council. With a mandate to develop arts and cultural activity throughout the province, the Council is very pleased to announce the addition of Marie Clements ( Galiano Island ), Jackson Davies ( Vancouver ), Neelamjit Dhillon (Coquitlam) and Bill Usher (Golden) to its Council. For full details, please visit their website at www.bcartscouncil.ca

CAPACOA Appoints New Executive Director - The board of directors of the Canadian Arts Presenting Association / L’Association canadienne des organismes artistiques (CAPACOA) has named Erin Benjamin as its new Executive Director. Ms. Benjamin comes to the national arts service organization from a highly successful tenure with the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF). On behalf of all of us at BCTC, welcome Erin! http://www.capacoa.ca

Hill Strategies Research - Audience Development, Arts marketing and Communications - a focus on arts marketing and communicating the value of the arts. A recent Australian conference, relevant to organizations around the globe, provides numerous resources on this topic, including advice on communicating values and benefits of the arts, peer-to-peer marketing, media strategies, digital marketing, engaging audiences, as well as connecting with diverse audiences.
http://www.HillStrategies.com
http://www.ArtsResearchMonitor.com

Arts Partners in Organizational Development (ArtsPOD) is now accepting applications from arts and heritage organizations in BC that would like to work with an experienced consultant to enhance organizational effectiveness. The deadline for submissions is Friday February 29, 2008. For more information visit:
www.centreforsustainability.ca/programs/ArtsPOD.
ArtsPOD is a program of the Centre for Sustainability.

Jamie Grant, General Manager of the Centre in the Square, has been awarded the 2007 ACE Award for his outstanding contributions to cultural management in Canada. The ACE Award is presented each year to a member of the Association of Cultural Executives (ACE), Canada’s only national, cross-disciplinary professional organization of cultural leaders working in heritage, performing and visual arts. Congratulations Jamie!

Canada Council For The Arts – Grant Deadlines
Dance - Production Project Grants March 15, 2008. No late applications will be accepted. http://www.canadacouncil.ca/grants/dance/ld127217818915468750.htm

Arts Now has updated the External Funding Opportunities database on their website. You can find information about other arts funding organizations and opportunities at the following link: http://www.2010legaciesnow.com/152/.

ATTENTION ARTISTS!
CINARS 2008: Call for Showcases Applications - multidisciplinary arts, dance, classical music, world music and theatre, submit your applications now to be part of the CINARS 2008 official programming! Deadline: March 1, 2008. http://www.cinars.org/

Check out the list of contact event dates and deadlines on the BCTC website at http://www.bctouring.org/helpful-links/contact-events.html