Operating assistance to arts organizations
Registration is now open for a in-person discussion about Operating Assistance to Arts Organizations in Cape Breton on Friday, November 10 from 2-5pm at Eltuek Arts Centre, Sydney NS.
Register here
This event is aimed at professional arts organizations and artists who work as part of collectives. Please feel free to pass on the invitation to others who you think may be interested.
This registration is for the Cape Breton gathering only. Further information will be sent out about a Halifax gathering and an online gathering soon.
About the Event
Arts Nova Scotia has a long-running Operating Assistance to Arts Organizations program, which was designed to enhance stability within established arts organizations that develop and sustain Nova Scotia’s arts community.
We are currently reviewing the program and are seeking input from members of the professional arts community in Cape Breton.
Arts Nova Scotia board and staff will be in attendance and the three-hour session will be facilitated by Eryn Foster.
Tea and snacks will be provided.
Where and when?
We will be at the Eltuek Arts Centre on Friday, November 10 for a facilitated session from 2-5pm.
Who should come?
This session is meant for organizations and artists who have accessed Operating Assistance to Arts Organizations from Arts Nova Scotia in the past or wish to in the future. Including:
- Staff, board, or volunteers from professional arts organizations
- Artists who work as part of a collective or ad-hoc groups
Will there be other opportunities to participate?
Arts Nova Scotia will be hosting three sessions so if you are unable to participate on this date, there will be other opportunities.
- November 10 – Sydney
- November 17 – Halifax
- TBA – Online
About the Facilitator
Eryn Foster is an interdisciplinary artist who also works as a filmmaker, educator, curator, community arts organizer and arts consultant. For the past three years, she has been working in close collaboration with ISANS (Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia) and the arts organization Nocturne, to offer free programming to members of the newcomer community in Halifax. In previous years, Foster has worked as the program Director/Administrator for the Yukon School of Visual Arts, and the Director of the artist-run centre, Eyelevel Gallery.
Background
The 2023-2024 provincial budget included a $1.4 million increase to Arts Nova Scotia’s budget for operating grants. With this increase, Arts Nova Scotia committed to reviewing the Operating Assistance to Arts Organizations fund to ensure it remains responsive to community needs and supports the long-term sustainability of sector. Previously, the structure of the operating assistance program did not allow for meaningful changes in funding levels for established organizations or the welcoming of new and emerging organizations.
The review of this program takes into account the learnings from the Building Back Better Report as well as the Arts Nova Scotia’s 2023-2025 Strategic Priorities established by the Arts Nova Scotia board that were outlined in the 2022-23 annual report.
The review is divided into three phases:
Phase 1: Board and Staff Planning (completed)
- Jurisdictional scan of operating programs across Canada
- Informational interviews
- Establishing board priorities
Phase 2: Community Engagement (October – December 2023)
- Sector-wide survey
- Drafting of new guidelines
- Targeted in-person and online engagement sessions with professional arts organizations
Phase 3: Implementation (January – March 2024)
- New guidelines to be available in early January 2024
- Application intake for all organizations March 1, 2024
Lawrence MacLellan
Congratulations, Lawrence MacLellan!
The Margaree Salmon Museum is pleased to nominate Lawrence MacLellan as our 2023 Volunteer of the Year for his ongoing work as a member of the Board of Directors.
Lawrence has taken a leading role in a number of building renovations in recent years including the installation of a new front entry ramp. Currently, he is involved in plans to improve the heating system within the building. His leadership on these projects is much valued.
In addition to his involvement with the museum, Lawrence is active in numerous organizations throughout the community, offering his support wherever he can.
We appreciate Lawrence’s ongoing volunteer efforts in the Margarees and we are pleased to have him represent the museum this year.
Congratulations, Lawrence!
Karen MacLellan
Congratulations, Karen MacLellan!
The Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is pleased to nominate Karen MacLellan as our Volunteer of the Year for 2023.
In past years, Karen frequently volunteered as a spare at the Auxiliary Tuck and Gift Shop in the summer months. Now that she is living in Inverness full time, Karen is a regular behind the counter at the gift shop, always friendly and helpful to those who stop by.
Karen has been particularly supportive this past year when the Tuck Shop re-opened after pandemic restrictions, covering shifts when others were not available.
Congratulations, Karen! We are extremely happy to celebrate your nomination!
Claire MacNeil
Congratulations, Claire MacNeil!
The ladies of Stella Maris, Creignish wish to recognize Claire MacNeil as their 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
Claire has been a lector at Stella Maris for many years and she can always be counted on to deliver a beautiful platter of delicious pinwheel sandwiches for our teas.
For the past several years, Claire has worked diligently to support Syrian families who have moved to our area; she is instrumental in preparing suitable housing, providing transportation and teaching English as a second language.
Claire, thank you for your contribution to our parish and for being such a support for new families who now call Inverness County home.
Congratulations!
Brian MacPhee
Congratulations, Brian MacPhee!
The Mabou Seniors Club is happy to nominate Brian MacPhee as our 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
Brian is willing to take on any task for the Seniors Club. He is always interested in new initiatives, and we can always count on him for his honest opinion.
Brian is the “cog” in the wheel for our weekly card games, which are held twice a week. He is dedicated to this throughout the entire year, and we truly appreciate this commitment.
We thank you Brian for all your dedication. We truly appreciate your involvement with the club.
Congratulations!
Marie Hilda MacIsaac
Congratulations, Marie Hilda MacIsaac!
St. Michael’s Parish, Margaree is pleased to nominate Marie Hilda MacIsaac as our 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
Marie Hilda is a lifelong member of St Michael’s Parish. She is an active member of the choir, a Eucharistic Minister, lector, sacristan and a member of the CWL.
Marie Hilda is a generous community member, always ready to do what she can to help those in need. Whether selling tickets or working at the admission gate of the Highland Games, Marie Hilda is always willing to do what she can for the betterment of her community. She enjoys offering her driving skills to local senior’s and visiting with them as often as she is able to. Marie Hilda and her husband James are well known throughout the area for their elegant and graceful dancing, often admired for taking to the floor for a solo spin around the hall.
It is with sincere gratitude for all she has done and continues to do that we nominate Hilda Marie as our Volunteer of the Year.
Congratulations!
Dannie MacInnis
Congratulations, Dannie MacInnis!
The members of St Mary of the Angels Community Hall are proud to nominate Dannie MacInnis as their 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
Dannie is a dedicated and busy family, working man, who takes time out of his busy schedule to help his community as best as he can. He is a low-profile volunteer who deserves to be recognized for all his silent work.
Dannie has been a valuable volunteer to our hall committee for at least forty years. He does general maintenance and repairs to the building. In addition to volunteering for our hall committee, Dannie also volunteers with other organizations in the community.
We appreciate you Dannie, thank you for sharing your knowledge and precious time for our community.
Congratulations!
Sheila MacInnis
Congratulations, Sheila MacInnis!
St. Mary of the Angels Parish, Glendale would like to nominate Sheila MacInnis as our 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Sheila has lived in Glendale for 40 plus years and we have benefited greatly from her giving spirit and ability to turn something ordinary into extraordinary.
Her love for plants and floral arrangements has beautified many a stage in Glendale as does her weekly altar displays which are thoughtful forms of art. Not only does she ensure our church is properly adorned, but also contacts and organizes our lay ministers for weekly masses while reaching out to our youth and encouraging them. Her culinary skills are exceptional. She has worked tirelessly at many community events – always the first and often the last to leave the kitchen while ensuring that any food served looks and tastes wonderful. All this she does quietly behind the scenes.
Sheila, your care for our parish is expressed so beautifully through the work of your hands. Thank you for all you do.
Congratulations!
Jack MacDonald
Congratulations, Jack MacDonald!
Jack MacDonald has been a valued member of Port Hood Area Development since moving back to Port Hood in 2017. He is always ready to pitch in wherever he is needed and lends his expertise in painting our signs and other infrastructure. Jack has contributed many hours at our Chase the Ace fundraiser, as well as helping out with Boardwalk maintenance and the Murphy’s Pond Music Fest.
Jack and his wife Margie are proud citizens of Port Hood; they have one son.
Port Hood Area Development is fortunate to have Jack as a member, and we are pleased to select him as our Volunteer of the Year for 2023.
Congratulations, Jack!
Chester LeLievre
Congratulations, Chester LeLievre!
Chester LeLievre is a founding member of Le Club Kinsmen de Cheticamp. The club was founded in 1977 and Chester has served as President three separate times in the span of 46 years. He is an active member, currently holding the treasurer position, a position he has held for many, many, years. Chester can always be counted on as one of club’s volunteer bingo callers for the Kinsmen TV Bingo.
Chester is a past President of NIRCA (Cabot Trail Arena & Le Portage Golf Club) in Cheticamp. He was chairman of NIRCA’s major fund-raiser “Bonanza Draw” for approximately twenty years.
Chester is a 51-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #32 Cheticamp. He has held the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the branch for many years, and he is also one of the volunteer bingo callers at the weekly legion hall bingos.
Chester is a past member on the Board of Directors of the Acadian Credit Union in Cheticamp. During that time, he held the position of chairman of the Audit Committee and served as 1st Vice-President of the Board.
Thank you, Chester for all your volunteer time!