Speakers: Andrew Walker adnd Sonja Tilroe

November 2024

In a time of instability for both arts organizations and governments across Canada, arts advocacy has never been more important. This session included a discussion of the state of play in arts funding, success stories of arts advocacy both now and looking forward, and tangible steps for arts leaders to take to advocate for their organization.

Andrew Walker

Andrew Walker is Director, Arts, Culture, and Procurement at PAA. He has extensive experience in both provincial and federal politics, technology, arts, and culture advocacy, and as a working professional musician. Andrew speaks both English and French.

Based in Ottawa, Andrew has previously worked for Members of Parliament in both government and opposition, including the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. He also has extensive experience in the advocacy sector, having worked for TECHNATION, an association representing over three hundred technology companies that work in Canada. Andrew has also worked in advocacy for over forty arts and culture organisations, ranging in interests from arts infrastructure funding and grant applications to cultural policies, such as broadcasting and copyright.

Andrew is also a working professional musician, having sung for over fifteen years with Grammy- and Juno-nominated groups around Canada, Ontario, and abroad. He also previously served as President of Choirs Ontario, the arts service organisation which represents over 1 000 choirs, musicians, and administrators across the province of Ontario.

Andrew holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Canadian Studies and Political Science, with a Law and Social Thought Certificate (Glendon College, York University), and a Master’s degree in Canadian Studies (Carleton University), including his thesis on cultural policy and professional artists.

Sonja Tilroe

Sonja Tilroe, an Advisor with PAA’s Arts & Culture group based in Ottawa, is committed to providing public policy monitoring, analysis, and research. She also extends her support in logistics and communication to her clients and team members. Her profound passion for the arts and culture sector is deeply rooted in her background as a musician, where she mastered both the cello and the clarinet.

Originally from Alberta, Sonja holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Royal University in Calgary, where she majored in Anthropology and Political Science. Her leadership skills were recognized when she co-founded the school French Club and was subsequently elected as its President.

Prior to her role at PAA, Sonja was selected for the 2022-2023 cohort of the Parliamentary Internship Programme. This nonpartisan program provided her with invaluable connections and direct experience in the legislative process, both in government and opposition, enhancing her understanding and expertise.

Speaker: Jason De Mata

October 2024

In this session, we discussed what the successes and challenges are in community building within diverse communities, and how to best engage and connect with youth audiences to promote enthusiastic participation. Topics of discussion were:

• Priorities vs. Best Interests (who are you serving and for what purpose?)
• Youthful POV (Point of View)
• Opportunities for meaningful engagement and retention

Jason De Mata

Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Jason has a BA in Criminology and Social Sciences and Humanities. Jason is RISE Edutainment’s Operations Director, and VIBE Art’s Mentorship & Projects Manager. He is an avid supporter of local Toronto artists and mentor for emerging arts organizations. Jason has previously served on the Board of Directors for UNITY Charity, contributed to the City of Toronto’s Youth Equity Strategy, and helped to expand Nuit Blanche to Scarborough.

Speaker: Michèle Stanners

September 2024

Community engagement is one of the most important aspects of sustaining your nonprofit organization and/or charity. Your community serves as a solid foundation for your donor base, your audience, and your overall success. Participants joined us for a session focused on how to build and engage your community and your board to foster a mutually supportive environment. This interactive session was held in French and was intended for French-speaking or bilingual participants.

Michèle Stanners

With more than two decades experience in leadership, branding and fund development, Michèle Stanners is a long-time advocate and dedicated member of Calgary’s arts community, having founded, served with or consulted for several organizations. In 2019, she joined ViTreo Group as Senior Counsel where she consults to non-profit organizations across Canada.

She is recognised for her leadership and skills in Indigenous relations; executive leadership, creativity and strategy; financial sustainability; and national networks and perspectives.

Michèle holds a Master of Business Administration/Master of Law combined degree from the University of Alberta and graduated from the Harvard Divinity School with a Masters in Theological Studies in 2012. While at Harvard University, she worked with faculty at the Kennedy School to design leadership courses and seminars on the integration of the arts for positive social movement and change.

She is a longstanding member of the International Women’s Forum, a Director with the College of Alberta Psychologists and publicly traded Criterium Energy Ltd. where she is a voice for diversity, equity and inclusion. She is culturally and linguistically bilingual (English & French) with a working knowledge of Spanish. She is a passionate pianist and provides strategic advice to leaders throughout Canada.

Speaker: Heather Clara Young

September 2024

This interactive and empowering session was designed for small arts organizations. Participants discovered five financial practices that they could cultivate right away. Avoiding technical jargon as much as possible, they gained foundational skills to incorporate into their day-to-day processes. Intimidating? Not really – they were likely already doing some of this right. The session provided an opportunity to gain confidence and enhance their ability to apply financial data to strategy and decision-making.

Heather Clara Young, CPB – Principal, Young Associates

Heather Clara Young, CPB (Principal, Young Associates) has worked in the field of arts management for over thirty years. Her experience includes leadership roles with arts and heritage service organizations, theatre and dance producing companies, facilities, festivals and community organizations. Young Associates, founded in 1993, provides strategic planning, financial and data management services to not-for-profits and charities, specializing in the arts and culture sector. Heather teaches accounting and financial management in Humber College’s Arts Management program, and has taught for Humber’s Fundraising and Volunteer Management program and University of Toronto’s Arts Management program. She was the 2012 recipient of the Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture, and a 2004 recipient of Humber College’s Continuing Education Award of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Contribution. Finance for the Arts in Canada (2005, 2023) is a unique self-study guide, reference source and textbook for the accounting and finance functions in cultural organizations.

Speaker: Joanne Bull

June 2024

This session will help take the mystery out of the sponsorship-seeking process for small arts organizations, by revealing a roadmap consisting of four key steps. You will learn some vital tips on how to implement these steps, by breaking it down into: Strategizing, Organizing, Right Sizing and Prioritizing. Equip yourself and your organization to better prepare yourselves for this undertaking, and work towards your goal with more confidence.

Joanne Bull

Joanne is a senior sponsorship leader with over 20 years of experience and a record of strong results across a variety of cultural, music and sports marketing programs. After retiring from her career in Financial Services focusing on Marketing Communications, Brand Strategy and Corporate Sponsorship, Joanne began consulting and mentoring for not for profits. She also most recently served as the Executive Director, of Artists for Peace and Justice Canada. As a proven professional in the sponsorship industry, she has a track record of creating partnerships that drive results. Many of her activation programs have received industry recognition including the JUNO Awards, music festivals, and the TD Music Access program. Recognized as an expert in sponsorship, Joanne has participated in several industry events as a speaker or panel member. A passionate volunteer, she continues to serve on the Board of Artists for Peace and Justice Canada, and also on the Board of Canada’s Music Incubator. She thoroughly enjoys mentoring in the Business and Arts artsvest Program.

Speaker: Lyanne Campbell

May 2024

Who is your audience? What’s the best way to connect with them? What’s happening that could be impacting your organization? What strengths can you really lean into? What organizational goals will the marketing support? What timeline will the communications be in market?

This informative and empowering session is aimed at equipping you with the knowledge and tools to bridge the gap between organizational strategic planning and marketing efforts. You will leave with an understanding of how to develop a strategic marketing plan; A powerful asset to make the most of your precious resources – human, financial, and time – for a positive impact on your organization’s goals and objectives. This session will be conducted in English, with French captioning available.

Lyanne Campbell

Lyanne Campbell, consultant and founder of blue dragonfly Marketing Strategies Ltd., is an accomplished marketing strategist and mastermind facilitator with a strong background in business. With 30+ years of experience in various roles within and outside of the credit union system, Lyanne brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the table. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, she developed a focused and strategic mindset from a young age. Lyanne’s passion for marketing began early and she has been recognized with numerous national awards for innovative campaigns and materials developed by herself or with her team. In addition to her practical experience, she holds prestigious designations and is committed to lifelong learning. Lyanne’s love for fitness and adventure, along with her unique perspective and genuine desire to help, make her an invaluable resource for leaders in any industry.

Speaker: Irene Cheung

April 2024

Every major decision in your not-for-profit hinges on your board of directors. But for many small organizations, stretched resources often go to day-to-day operations, leaving governance as an afterthought until the next directors’ meeting. Learn some of the ins and outs of working with a board to help turn your ideas into real action.

This session will look at common governance challenges and practical tips. Topics covered include: the basics of board administration, the governance framework, and board development and capacity building, all examined through an equity lens.

Irene Cheung

Irene is a strategic advisor with deep experience in education and culture in public policy, politics, communications, and governance. She provides counsel to government and not-for-profit sector leaders on how to deliver real, measurable results for the communities they serve.

Irene’s first career was as a public school teacher before she transitioned to federal politics. She began as a communications advisor to Members of Parliament at the House of Commons, before eventually serving several Ministers of Canadian Heritage as speechwriter, senior policy advisor, and Acting Director of Policy. She oversaw a large portfolio of files that included film, performing arts, visual arts, museums, copyright legislation, diversity and inclusion, and over 10 Crown corporations and agencies. Her work included leading the Minister’s pandemic response strategy, helping to secure over $2.6 billion in new arts funding in support of tens of thousands of arts businesses, organizations, and cultural workers across Canada. She was also Chief of Staff and Corporate Secretary at the National Gallery of Canada where she supported the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion-centred strategic plan.

An active volunteer, Irene has served on the council of the Ontario College of Teachers and the Government Relations Subcommittee of Canada’s National Ballet School.

Speaker: Daniel Poliziani

March 2024

“Online fundraising is a topic we are passionate about at CanadaHelps. In fact, CanadaHelps started because our founders saw the need for giving to be easier in the age of the internet. Since then, we’ve helped over 4.6 million Canadians donate over $3 billion to Canadian charities. It’s clear that online fundraising is a major part of the charity sector and is here to stay. Learn how to maximize your online fundraising with the tools available from CanadaHelps.”
CanadaHelps

Daniel Poliziani

Dan Poliziani is a Charity Engagement Specialist with CanadaHelps and works with their charity partners on a daily basis to ensure they have everything they need to fundraise successfully with the CanadaHelps suite of tools.

Speaker: Nick Maturo

February 2024

In this session, Nick Maturo will discuss the threat of cybercrime from the perspective of arts and culture organizations, sharing firsthand experiences from the English-Language Arts Network. Nick will discuss the topic from a variety of angles including the potential impact on organizational stability, community confidence, staff morale and eligibility for public funding, while also sharing best practices to help organizations and individuals in the arts take the necessary steps to protect themselves and minimize exposure to risk. This session will be held in English, with French captioning available.

Nick Maturo

Nick Maturo currently serves as ELAN’s Interim Executive Director, having originally joined the team in 2019. Prior to his current role, he oversaw ELAN’s Québec Relations project, which facilitates English-speaking artists’ access to funding in Quebec through free grant writing resources. Nick holds an M.A. in Communications Studies from McGill University and a B.F.A. in Electroacoustic Studies from Concordia University. As an artist, Nick has been active in Montreal’s experimental music community for over ten years and has performed at the Suoni Per Il Popolo and MUTEK festivals.

About ELAN: The English-Language Arts Network (ELAN) is a Montreal-based not-for-profit organization that connects, supports, and creates opportunities for English-speaking artists and cultural workers of all disciplines from every region of Quebec. ELAN shares expertise and resources for career advancement, funding opportunities, employment opportunities, and calls for participation in the arts, while also advocating for its members’ interests and making common cause with the Francophone arts community.

Speaker: Alie-Clarence Dupuis

February 2024

Join us for an engaging session that delves into the intricacies of prospecting and making impactful approaches, specifically tailored for small arts organizations. In the ever-evolving landscape of the arts, effectively identifying potential supporters and patrons is a crucial skill that can shape the success and sustainability of your organization.

Our distinguished expert will share invaluable insights, practical strategies, and success stories to empower small arts organizations in their journey to connect with potential donors, sponsors, and partners. From cultivating relationships with art enthusiasts to forming partnerships with local businesses, this session will explore a spectrum of approaches that align with the unique challenges and opportunities faced by smaller entities.

Key Topics to be Explored:

• Identifying Prospects in a Niche Market
• Crafting a Compelling Narrative
• Building Genuine Relationships
• Effective Communication and Outreach
• Navigating Sponsorship and Partnerships

This session is a must-attend for leaders and enthusiasts in the arts community who are eager to elevate their prospecting and approach strategies. Join us as we collectively unravel the art of building meaningful connections and securing the support needed to flourish in the vibrant world of the arts.

Alie-Clarence Dupuis

With a dynamic career spanning over 12 years, Alie-Clarence Dupuis has emerged as a multifaceted professional with a profound impact on the realms of events, branding, and cultural production.

Beginning her journey in the startup scene, Alie-Clarence invested in event startups, notably contributing to the success of ventures like Fresh Air Events (becoming MURAL Festival). In 2013, she transitioned into a pivotal Brand Manager position at E&J Gallo Winery, a multinational powerhouse, where she spearheaded strategic initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on B2B and B2C positioning.

In 2016, Alie-Clarence  embarked on a seven-year tenure as a producer for the renowned MURAL Festival in Montreal. Her significant contributions to the festival elevated her to prominence within the Montreal cultural scene. This recognition was further underscored by herreceipt of the Infopress 30under30 award in 2019 and the “Event development” award from “Apollo Woman in Business” in 2013.

As a seasoned professional in the realm of arts administration, Alie-Clarence Dupuis possesses a wealth of experience and expertise in steering small arts organizations towards success. With an acute understanding of the intricate dynamics involved in prospecting and cultivating impactful approaches, Alie-Clarence has become a guiding force in the ever-evolving landscape of the arts.

Alie-Clarence offers a unique blend of strategic vision and practical experience. Whether it’s pinpointing prospects in niche markets, crafting compelling narratives, building genuine relationships, or navigating complex sponsorships and partnerships, Alie-Clarence is at the forefront of unraveling the diverse challenges faced by modern entities.

Speaker: Dr. Shawn Dalton

November 2023

In this workshop, Dr. Shawn Dalton led a discussion about striking a balance between keeping the lights on and working strategically towards a sustainable organization in unstable times.

We discussed topics such as our individual work flows and how they can support or impede organizational development, staying sane while keeping all the plates in the air, and how to be ready for the next flavour of the month without compromising our long-term strategies.

Speaker: Andrea Hébert

October 2023

In this workshop, we broke down what corporate sponsorship is, how to research and evaluate companies that are the perfect fit, how to build connections, and land mutually beneficial partnerships. We also discussed how corporate sponsorships can lead to individual gifts, what marketing benefits you should (and shouldn’t) be offering, how to report back effectively, as well as how to handle unexpected challenges.

Speaker: Toyin Oladele

August 2023

A conversation about a newcomer’s journey into a professional arts career in Canada. Toyin, a Calgary based arts professional and cultural strategist will describe her journey, experience and future plans, strategies and how she is leading conversations for Equity, diversity, Inclusion and Access conversations around Canada. She will also describe how to have effective community engagement with equity-seeking communities, manage community projects and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Speaker: Michelle Yeung

March 2023

Organizations must make a few fundamental commitments before they are ready for a holistic fundraising approach that will maximize their dollars raised. Understanding the fundamentals will set your organization up for success and enable a collaborative journey toward achieving your fundraising goals.

In this webinar we addressed how to build fundraising capacity, how to create a compelling case for support, how to plan around the development cycle, how to pick your fundraising mix, and how to build a culture of philanthropy. Whether you are starting out, looking to take the next steps, or seeking to reinvigorate your organization’s fundraising efforts, this session offered practical ideas to help you raise more funds in support of your organization’s mission-driven work.

Speaker: Irene Cheung

April 2023

Running an organization when you’re short on people, time, and money is tough. In this session, participants learned how to build a stronger, more stable arts organization that can weather uncertainty with more diverse funding sources and board governance best practices. This session focused on practical tips and resources that new arts leaders can integrate into their day-to-to-day work. Topics covered include: what federal funding programs are available and how they work, ways to advocate for your organization at the federal level, the basics of board governance, and how to set up your board for success.

Speaker: Inga Petri

June 2023

In this workshop, arts administrators gained a deeper understanding of effective marketing strategies, digital tools, and audience engagement tactics. They were equipped with practical skills to develop and implement successful marketing campaigns, amplify their organization’s reach, and foster meaningful connections with their target audiences.

Through a combination of presentation, real-life examples and active group discussion, participants gained valuable insights and practical skills to take their organization’s marketing efforts to new heights.

Speaker: Ajay Parasram

July 2023

Organizations seeking to centre DEI in their workplace and professional practice tend to struggle because it is difficult to first arrive at a common understanding of how oppression manifests in the workplace. Too often, energy is spent making diversity-work, meaning over-exhausting minority populations with poorly focused and poorly resourced tasks rather than focusing on the substantial changes that might create avenues for diversity itself to flourish. Workplaces are symptomatic of the broader societies within which they are embedded, and as such, this workshop focused on establishing a framework of structural white supremacy through which we understood the Canadian nation and national milieu within which arts organizations must operate.