In Class Lecture (June 27)

In today's class lecture, Professor Brayham went over the concept of programming


Programming
-Interface that exists between the institution and the public

Arts programming consists of personal and collection meanings. There are different types of activities that can be considered programming such as: readings, films, lectures, and school visits. Programming is a balancing act because you have to take the publics interest. The staff and board of directors decide on the programming.

Staff                                                   Board of Directors
-Curator                                             -Program Committee
-Artistic Director                                -Exhibition Commitee
-General Director
-Executive Director
-Education / Interpretation
-Marketing

There are different ways of measuring performance:

-Critical Reviews (people who write for papers that review programming, a good review helps ticket sales)
-Honours and Awards (quality of programming, its the people in the field who are handing out awards)
-Reputation of institution (you have star performers in the field)
-Attendance (you need an audience)
-Number of exhibition / performances (number doesn't always reflect quality but people look at what you do)

-Number of new productions / exhibitions (better measure than actual number, want to be innovative and having new artists and exhibitions)

-Funding (

Programming Planning Cycle
-Most new exhibitions are brought out in September. Not a lot of summer programs.
-Programming takes a lot of time
-Small organizations do their own programming to expensive to rent

June 13th Lecture

Today in class, we went over our blog, e-portfolio, and research project assignments.

We also talked about "Mission vs Vision" principles.

Mission        
-Talks about the present
-List broad goals upon which the organization is formed

Vision:
-Talks about the future
-Where does the organization want to be

In most projects that we take on, planning is a very important function of management. Because, I am in the planning program at the University of Waterloo, I understand what needs to be done in order to accomplish something. When you plan to take on a project, goals and steps have to be set up early in advance to make sure you are on topic. If you are in a group with other members, it is important to set up a time table for completion of tasks to make sure everyone stays on track.

Our class also analyzed the different types of plans:

-short, intermediate and long-range plans
-strategic & operational plans
-single-use and standing-use plans
-contingency & crisis planning

(June 6) In Class Lecture - Professor Angela Brayham

Our professor, Angela Brayham, decided today to talk to us about the 'Creative City Movement'.


A lot of people within Waterloo do not experience the culture of the Waterloo Region. The majority of people are here for school and nothing else. Like other classmates have said, they only go uptown for food.  Most classmates would agree that uptown would need more shopping, recreational leisure activities, transportation, and free events.


In terms of Canadian culture, the Stanley Cup game on Saturday, was the most watched playoff game ever. The game was not just for hockey fans but for a way for people to come together and show national pride.

Professor Brayham also explained to us about the different categories of festivals. In Waterloo we have many festivals but the more important ones are the 'Blues' festival and Oktoberfest. Approximately $1.5 million is raised from Oktoberfest and the money goes back to non-profit organizations.

My classmates came up with other important festivals
-Canada Day                                   -Waterloo Arts Festival
-Elmira Maple Syrup Festival           -Edge Fest
-Chinese New Year                         -Wake Stock
-Art in the Park                               -TIFF

Guest Lecturer - Betty Ann Keller

Today in class, we had Betty Ann Keller who is the manager of arts culture festival and events with City of Waterloo. Keller had graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Arts Degree and has been a concert promoter for 30 years.

Keller mentions how arts and culture is way down the list on the budget for the City. There is no mandate for cities to provide arts and cultures. It is important to work with other organizations to provide money, resources, and office space. Measuring success in arts and culture is a big challenge. Keller is responsible for: public square, City of Waterloo Museum, Princess Cinema & the Twin, etc.

Waterloo is a continuously changing city.

The Power of Policies

Keller mentions how there should be a collection policy, many of the artwork is chosen based on the art/design. Right now there is lots of intensification going on and many of these projects will need a public art master plan. The major project is going on in the area beside RIM park where they plan to provide residence for 4000 citizens. In order for any policy to be approved, the councilor has to make the decision.

Opportunities and Dreams


Keller hopes to have a creativity institute where people can have the chance to express themselves. Also, improving the facilities at Waterloo park would help in bringing more people to the many festivals/events that take place within the city.

Reflection

Betty Ann Keller's lecture was very interesting because it provided her insight on arts and culture in Waterloo for over 30 years. I can tell from her lecture that Betty is very passionate about her work.