Funding support for Aboriginal artists and arts organizations
Funding support for Aboriginal artists and arts organizations
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) is committed to enhancing support for Aboriginal arts in the province. We recognize the important role the arts play in Aboriginal communities and in the province as a whole and want to ensure that Aboriginal artists and arts organizations are aware of funding available in the arts and are able to access grants to further develop Aboriginal arts in Alberta.
To best understand how to enhance support for Aboriginal arts, the AFA completed a three-part research project. Part one considered funding programs available to Aboriginal artists and arts organizations in other jurisdictions across Canada. Part two involved talking with Aboriginal service providers to explore best practices in working with Aboriginal communities. Part three consisted of a series of nine discussion sessions throughout the province. Based on the results of this research, recommendations were made on how to effectively enhance their relationship with Aboriginal artists and arts organizations.
Building relationships and networking with Aboriginal artists and arts organizations is the cornerstone of how we will move forward. In the fall of 2006, an Aboriginal Outreach Coordinator will be working with the AFA to promote arts funding and support available for Aboriginal communities. In addition, the AFA will pilot an Aboriginal Arts Organizations Grant Program aimed at supporting arts organizations that create, produce or present Aboriginal arts. Up to $100,000 will be available for distribution in the pilot program for support of Aboriginal arts organizations. Existing project grants available to individual artists in the literary, media, performing and visual arts will also be promoted to Aboriginal artists.
Capacity building will also play a central role in our strategy. Grant writing workshops will be offered around the province through various Aboriginal service providers and workshops will be available for groups by request. Artists and arts organizations can also access one-on-one assistance from Arts Development Consultants by telephone, e-mail or in-person at the Arts Branch’s offices in Edmonton.
The AFA views this as the beginning of an on-going dialogue with Aboriginal artists and arts organizations in the province. Working with various partnerships and directly with artists, the AFA strives to strengthen support for Aboriginal arts.
For information on grant funding available from the AFA - or to discuss assistance with an application contact the Arts Branch: 10708 - 105 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 0A1.
Phone (780) 427-6315 or 310-0000 (toll free), website: www.affta.ab.ca, e-mail: [email protected].
Cirque du Soleil's "Delirium" a stunning performance
By Kane Blacque
Cirque Du Soleil has a reputation for leaving crowds stunned and amazed and I now know why. ‘Delirium’ left me speechless and almost breathless. I am hoping that this isn’t the only show I’ll get to experience by Cirque Du Soleil in the City of Edmonton. Shows like this expose us to true Canadian talent and let us know when it comes to concerts that it’s all about the music and musicians involved.
This was my first Cirque experience and certainly not my last. The music of ‘Delirium’ was absolutely amazing and every time I listen to ‘Delirium’ CD, it brings the whole show back to me. From the music of Francis Collard and lyrics of Robbie Dillon, come 20 of Cirque’s most memorable melodies (with titles such as Time Flies, Too High,Walk on Water, Bridge of Sorrow, and Let Me Fall) rearranged into an awe-inspiring, never-forgetting, spiritual, jaw-dropping, uninterrupted masterpiece. In other words, Cirque has reinvented the “Rock Concert”.
To top it all off, everything and everybody, including the audience, were accompanied by breath- taking sets & design, eye-popping makeup & costumes, and magnificent special effects that would be worthy of any visual award.
With the amount of talent that the Cirque has to offer, on & off the stage and in front of & behind the cameras, it’s no wonder that many left Rexall Place feeling like more needs to done in the world to make it a better place. That may sound corny and all, but it’s true. During the show I wanted to cry, I wanted to dance, & I wanted to sing. I didn’t do any of those things because I didn’t want to miss a thing, but I felt it. The performance helped me feel things I hadn’t felt in a while – almost like a spiritual awakening. The set up of the performance facilitated a sense of camaraderie & fellowship when I was watching the entire show.
The theme of the performance, though not clearly defined, was left up to the interpretation of the viewer. My opinion is that Delirium was a portrayal of a lost soul desperately seeking human contact, love, & acceptance.
I have to say, while being brilliant, the whole show was pretty “out there”, if you know what I mean. I would also have to say that it made me think! Not too many concerts these days can make a person think that’s for sure. This is a show that made me want to be a better person in the world and to help make the world a better place. The music moved me, the performers moved me, and the visuals & sounds moved me. I was one of the many standing on my feet at the end of the performance and I would recommend this show to anyone who wants to have their mind opened to a new world, the world of Cirque Du Soleil.
By Penny Choponis
Nitza’s performance, held on October 21st, 2006, prior to Cirque De Soleil's Delirium can only be described as stunning. My breath suspended and my heart pounded. I was held captive by the emotion, strength and power of a voice and sound that was a complete delight to the senses. If one were to close their eyes and imagine, they could relive scenes from times past. A radiant gypsy spirit that entranced emperors and empires in an immortal lyrical grasp.
Our Nitza, a Canadian native of Montreal, is an absolute pleasure to speak to and she’s so very down to earth. Native Journal caught up with her while she was in Los Angeles recording her next full length album after 8 consecutive shows in Calgary and Edmonton.
Nitza’s newly released CD, ‘AGELESS’, is just that, ageless! This piece is truly a find for any who appreciate music with a prodigious flair. This Grecian beauty has a haunting ability to hold your heart in her hands with a voice gifted to her by Zeus himself. We can all have pride in the fact that this Canadian artist displays a rare talent. I have my own copy of her ‘Ageless’ CD and look forward to her next. If you wish to have your own copy visit www.nitza.com.