Realwheels Theatre: Empowering Local Partnerships
Navigating the challenges of a new role can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with staff turnover and organizational instability. For Shawn MacDonald, Managing Co-Artistic Director of RealWheels Theatre, based in Vancouver BC, artsvest came at a crucial time, providing the support and guidance he needed as the organization dealt with unprecedented challenges.
Initially recommended by peers to help ease his transition into leadership at Realwheels, artsvest turned out to be the perfect resource for learning the ropes, offering tools and mentorship that empowered him to realize the potential of partnership that can be found in community.
Macdonald said that one of the most impactful aspects of the program was the mentorship provided by artsvest mentor Kathy Mackenzie, which helped him transform his organizational vision into actionable steps. Through invaluable budgeting assistance and fostering key understanding of board governance, artsvest gave Macdonald and Realwheels the confidence to navigate the unfamiliar landscape of fundraising, leadership development, and more.
In particular, a webinar by Michelle Yeung, sparked an initiative that eventually led to a remarkable transformation: Realwheels, which previously had minimal experience in fundraising, grew into a team deeply engaged in fundraising efforts, and have now hired a fundraising firm to continue their success and efforts in ensuring long-term financial stability and partnerships.
The artsvest experience not only helped establish new fundraising initiatives, such as the James Brown Memorial Creativity Fund that supports new works by artists with disabilities, but also gave the organization the confidence to build long-lasting community partnerships. artsvest’s resources continue to shape their approach to governance and board roles, ensuring that the skills gained through the program remain relevant to their present and future goals. For organizations who are debating whether artsvest might be right for them, Macdonald’s advice is simple: “Do it! Prioritize your urgent needs and find peace of mind through artsvest’s network of support.”
Photos by RealWheels Theatre
Funders
artsvest in British Columbia is made possible by the Government of Canada and the province of British Columbia / BC Arts Council
