General Arts & Culture

[UrbanWaterloo]

General Arts & Culture in Waterloo Region
For discussion which doesn't fall under a specific thread.

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[UrbanWaterloo]

Region boosts funding for arts
By Terry Pender, Record staff
March 16, 2010 - http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/685447

WATERLOO REGION — After increasing arts and culture funding the Region of Waterloo is waiting for local councils and the private sector to respond in kind.

“I think the region has stepped up to the table, and we certainly have indicated support for the cultural community and I think we are doing our bit,” Regional Chair Ken Seiling said.

In 2010 the region’s spending on arts and culture includes:

$300,000 for the K-W Symphony
$300,000 for the Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum
$100,000 for the Creative Enterprise Enabling Organization
$28,000 for the Grand Philharmonic Choir
$31,000 for Waterloo Regional Arts Council

These funds are in addition to what the region spends on its own arts-culture-heritage departments, such as the $850,000 for the operation of Joseph Schneider Haus on Queen Street South or the $4.2 million for the Region of Waterloo Museum and Doon Heritage Crossroads.

“Arts funding is important to the health of the community both from an economic point of view and also just from a quality-of-life point of view,” Seiling said.

Economists and urban planners say funding for arts and culture is increasingly important for an area that is changing from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. This region has lost thousands of manufacturing jobs in the past few years. At the same time about 2,000 jobs go wanting in the area’s high-tech sector.

Knowledge workers can choose to live in a long list of attractive cities. A vibrant arts and culture sector helps attract and retain educated and mobile knowledge workers.

Theatres, cinemas, museums, concert halls and festivals play a big role in place-making and branding, Jason Kovacs, a University of Toronto instructor, said.

“Culture improves the over-all quality of life of a city’s residents, helps revitalize downtowns, and promotes investment and spending,” he said.

“It can boost tourism, and we know all about the multiplier effects of tourism, the overnight stays, the spending that occurs in restaurants and pubs,” Kovacs said.

The executive director at The Museum in downtown Kitchener, formerly known as the Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum, hopes that message from Kovacs and other researchers, such as Richard Florida, is getting heard at City Hall.

The Museum needs a total of $600,000 in annual funding from the municipal sector to become financially sustainable. With the region’s recent allocation of $300,000 it is now looking for city councillors in Kitchener and Waterloo to combine their resources and come up with another $300,000 in annual funding.

A few years ago the museum was getting $45,000 from the region. That is now up to $300,000.

“So I very much applaud them,” David Marskell, the museum’s executive director, said.

“It is wonderful the region recognizes and acknowledges our efforts, it is a huge step in making us sustainable,” he said.

In the past few years the museum has become one of the biggest draws to downtown Kitchener.

While Marskell looks to the councillors in Kitchener and Waterloo, Genevieve Twomey is looking to the province. Twomey is the executive director of the K-W Symphony.

In addition to the regional grant, the symphony will receive $178,000 from the City of Kitchener, $88,000 from the City of Waterloo and $5,000 from the City of Cambridge this year. All government grants comprise only 28 per cent of the symphony’s $5 million budget.

“When I look at the municipal funding, especially with the region coming up to $300,000, we are more on par with municipal funding,” she said. “We would like to see more funding from the province.”

Twomey will get some help in that department from The Creative Enterprise Enabling Organization. It will lobby upper levels of government for more funds for arts and culture in this area. The organization’s founding board of directors was recently appointed, and it will also seek increased funding from the private sector as well.

Some of the most high-profile high-tech firms in this region have not supported the area’s arts and culture sector and that’s something Seiling would like to see change.

“I think both the public sector and private sector have to spend the next year or two taking a look at assessing what their roles are and what support they can provide,” he said.

“I think there is a need for the private sector to be more active,” Seiling said. “There are new driving factors in the local economy and we are certainly looking for changes in support out of that sector.”

The Prosperity Council of Waterloo Region, which represents 3,400 businesses in the area, recently announced the founding board of directors for The Creative Enterprise Enabling Organization. It will work to bring sustainable funding and administrative support to the arts-culture-heritage sectors.

[UrbanWaterloo]

http://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/guitar_banner_large.jpg
http://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/GuitarSummit.htm

A full day of Workshops and Sponsor Exhibits
9:30 – 4:30PM

Workshops on: Slide guitar in regular tuning, Flat picking, DADGAD tuning,
Tricks of the Trade - Tuning, Guitar Set-Up, How to Practice, Independence Exercises, Nail Care,
choosing a pick and more….

http://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/maclean.jpg
Bob MacLean
Your host for the day; Roots/ Celtic and traditional folk music with lots of altered tunings and percussive finger-style guitar licks.Info: www.bobmaclean.ca

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Jason Fowler
Toronto singer/songwriter, session guitarist and producer. An award-winning performer acknowledged as one of Canada’s most gifted and versatile guitarists.

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James Anthony
The most sought after sideman and opening act …A dedicated bluesman and R&B artist ….A hard working, in-the-trenches player who has played with many of the big names in the business.

We have two stores(Folkway Music and Waterloo Music) and 2 luthiers (Mike Pawson and Tony Karol) who want to support the day and show off some of their prized inventory/projects.

Jason Fowler, James Anthony and Bob MacLean will be your workshop leaders and we are looking to cover off the following topics in the workshops…

One & Two String Altered Tunings
Tricks of the Trade
Regular slide in normal tuning
Playing Rhythm on sessions
High string overdubs and harmonys
Playing the right part to fit the song )(The money licks intros and endings)
Accompanying others – tips and considerations
Intro to DADGAD tuning.
Fingerstyle 101 For Newbie Fingerstyle Players

Here is how the day will shape up…
Concurrent sessions! - Each workshop time slot will have 2 or 3 workshops for you to choose to attend.
Select the ones you want when you get there.

9:30 - arrival - Exhibits
10:30 - Workshops
11:30 - Performer Set
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch - Exhibits
1:00 - Workshop
2:00 - Performer Set
2:30 - Workshop
3:30 - Performer Set
4:00 - 4:30 - Discussion - Q&A = wrap up
4:30 - close
Exhibitors present all day!

Workshops - $35 (Students - $25)

For Tickets contact: Waterloo Community Arts Centre
Tel. 519-886-4577 E-mail: ed@buttonfactoryarts.ca

[UrbanWaterloo]

MUSAGETES ARTS & CULTURE FUND
Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Chair, and Members of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF REPORT: April 14, 2010 | DATE OF MEETING: May 10, 2010
SUBMITTED BY: Dan Chapman, General Manager of Financial Services
PREPARED BY: Dan Chapman, General Manager of Financial Services; Ingrid Pregel, Manager of Cultural Development
REPORT NO.: FIN-10-076 (http://www.kitchener.ca/Files/Item/item18987_fin-10-076_-_musagetes_arts___culture_fund.pdf)

RECOMMENDATION:
That, on the recommendation of the Musagetes Arts & Culture Fund Advisor, the following grants be made from the Fund as outlined in staff report FIN-10-076:

The Museum $ 269,037
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery $ 200,000
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Foundation $ 100,000
University of Waterloo School of Architecture $ 100,000
Perimeter Institute $ 50,000
Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery $ 25,000
Total $ 744,037

That, on the recommendation of the Musagetes Arts & Culture Fund Advisor, the following grants be made from the Fund as outlined in staff report FIN-10-076, subject to the recipient qualifying as a registered charity or identifying a registered charity willing to act a sponsoring organization for their program:

CAFKA $ 50,000
Open Ears Festival $ 30,000
MT (Multicultural Theatre) Space $ 20,000
Total $ 100,000

BACKGROUND:
In 2005, the City of Kitchener entered into a Deed of Gift Agreement with the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF) and 1258703 Ontario Limited to receive a gift of property from the KWCF in the amount of $1.1 million. This gift established the Musagetes Arts & Culture Fund as a trust fund of the City. The agreement required the gift to be disbursed
within five years from the date of the agreement to support registered charities within the City of Kitchener carrying on charitable activities in the areas of arts and culture. The City entered into an Advisor Agreement with 1258703 Ontario Limited (the original donor of the funds) concurrently, so that the original donor could provide advice to the City with respect to the use of the gifted property. The City must disburse the remaining funds in 2010. This report provides detail with respect to proposed grants to nine organizations in order to distribute the balance of funds on the recommendation of the Advisor.

REPORT:
As outlined in the background section, the City received a gift of property in 2005 to establish the Musagetes Arts & Culture Fund. The purpose of the fund is to:

Advance the arts in the community by supporting the visual, literary, performing and media arts;
Advance the arts in the community by supporting research on the arts and on the role of the arts in the community, and by supporting arts education at all levels of education and in the community at large;
Assist arts organizations in developing their arts programs and in pursuing their objectives by providing financial support for their operating programs and their capital projects;
Assist meritorious individuals in the development of their artistic skills by providing them with scholarships, fellowships, bursaries and grants that will assist them in their pursuit of formal programs of study at qualified educational institutions;
Assist visual, literary, performing and media artists by awarding grants to support their artistic activities and prizes to reward their artistic achievements; and
Advance the visual arts by purchasing artistic work of merit and donating it to organizations and institutions that are qualified donees.

Of the original $1.1 million gift, $844,037 is available to be granted as of this date. The Advisor has recommended that the balance be distributed to the organizations identified in Appendix A. Staff has reviewed these recommendations against the fund’s purpose in the appendix. Three of the proposed grant recipients do not have registered charity status. Staff recommends that the grants be withheld until these organizations achieve charitable status or identify a charity willing to receive the grant and sponsor the program. Staff will report to Council with alternative recommendations if neither of these conditions can be satisfied prior to the end of 2010.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The proposed grants totalling $844,037 will expend the balance in the Musagetes Arts & Culture Fund, in compliance with the timeline outlined in the Deed of Gift Agreement.

[UrbanWaterloo]

New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts
June 2-6, 2010 | www.newhamburglive.ca
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Second Annual Festival of the Arts comes to New Hamburg in June
New Hamburg hosts its second annual live, arts and culture event, June 2-6, 2010. The New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts will include concert events ranging from country and folk music, Gilbert and Sullivan tunes and lyrical classical performances to big band swing. The Festival will provide a stage for area visual artists, local authors and choral singers, and will include performances by internationally known actors, authors and singers. The event is presented by New Hamburg Live!, now being incorporated as a not for profit corporation. Headline events include an opening night Big Band Gala, with Silent Auction; Canada's supergroup Quartette in concert; an evening of G&S featuring the best of Canadian light opera performers, hosted by Broadway and Stratford star Barry MacGregor; a unique and entertaining classical concert featuring the music * and written letters * of rebellious, 17th century nuns; and a Sunday afternoon gospel and bluegrass concert featuring Ken Whiteley, Vicki St. Pierre, and a mass choir. The choir in the Sunday event will be made up of area choral singers who participate in the Saturday morning choral singing workshop led by St. Pierre and Whiteley, a superb opportunity for singers from the area to enjoy a great training and performance opportunity. The art show will be highlight at the Gala venue, and also open at various locations through New Hamburg for the duration of the New Hamburg Live Festival of the Arts. Tickets will go on sale in mid-April, at Upper Case Books in New Hamburg. For updated information, visit www.newhamburglive.ca

The Events

Wednesday, June 2

6 p.m. Art Show
New Hamburg Community Centre. Featuring artists from southwestern Ontario; also open in all other Art Show venues
7 p.m. Big Band Gala
New Hamburg Community Centre, Featuring The Toronto Big Band, with silent auction and lots of surprises

Thursday, June 3

Opens at 12 noon. Art Show
All venues; Featuring the best artists from southwestern Ontario
8 p.m. The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan
Zion United Church; with Colin Ainsworth (tenor), Rachel Clealand-Ainsworth (soprano), Jason Nedecky (baritone), Vicki St. Pierre (mezzo), Erin Bardua (soprano), Kate Carver (pianist); hosted by Broadway and Stratford star Barry MacGregor

Friday, June 4

Opens at 12 noon. Art Show
All venues
1 p.m. Celestial Sirens
The music and letters of holy but rebellious nuns of the 17th century, performed by Capella Intima (Bud Roach, founder artistic director), at St. George's Anglican Church. Featuring Sopranos Dawn Bailey and Erin Bardua; Alto Vicki St. Pierre; Tenor Bud Roach; Organ, Sara-Anne Churchill; Theorbo, Lucas Harris.
3 p.m. Word Alive - Local History
Sponsored by Upper Case Books
At Puddicombe House
Ernie Ritz, author of "New Hamburg as it Really Was"
Marie Voisin, author of "William Scott and his Extended Family"
Paul Knowles, author of "History of New Hamburg" and "Castle Kilbride"
Karl Kessler, photographer, chronicling the region's endangered professions
7:30 p.m. Pre-concert talk about Elmer Iseler
8 p.m. Elmer Iseler Singers in Concert
Zion United Church

Saturday, June 5

10 a.m. Choral Music Workshop
Featuring: Vicki St. Pierre, and Ken Whiteley; open to all choir members or singers interested in choral singing; culminates in a concert, Sunday afternoon.
Opens at 12 noon. Art Show
All venues
3 p.m. Word Alive
Sponsored by Upper Case Books
At The Waterlot
Neil Pasricha, creator of 1000awesomethings.com, and author of "The Book of Awesome"
Drew Hayden Taylor, humourist, playwright, and prolific author, with his latest work, "Motorcycles and Sweetgrass"
Nicholas Ruddock, author of the chilling and poetic thriller "The Parabolist"
Roger Clark a.k.a Philip Allen Campbell, author of a murder-mystery set in New Hamburg, "The Big Wheel"
8 p.m. Quartette in Concert
Sylvia Tyson, Caitlin Hanford, Cindy Church and Gwen Swick and their band at Steinmann Mennonite Church hall.

Sunday, June 6

2 p.m. Choral Concert
At Steinmann Mennonite Church hall; featuring: Ken Whiteley Band, Vicki St. Pierre, Mass choir

[UrbanWaterloo]

Kitchener-Waterloo Arts Awards
Sunday, June 6, 2010 6:30 PM | Centre In The Square
www.kwartsawards.ca

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Twelve (12) categories of achievements are awarded from public nominations of both amateur and professional artists:
- Literary: Includes all forms of creative writing, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, prose, etc.
- Visual Arts: Includes painting, sculpture, multi-media, film, photography, etc.
- Performing Arts: Includes theatre, dance, mime, musical, artistic or technical direction, etc.
- Music: Includes musical performance, composition, conducting, etc.
- Mentor: Includes educator, leader, etc.
- Open: Includes arts supporters, volunteers,radio group musical instructors, etc.
- Textile, Fibre, Quilting Arts Award
- Leading Edge: any arts discipline; under 25 years of age.
- Festival or Event
- New Festival or Event
- Festival or Event Volunteer Program
- Festival or Event Community Achievement

Two (2) categories are awarded each year by the Arts Awards Jury for Lifetime and Corporate achievements to the arts:
- Lifetime Achievement
- Corporate Arts Supporter

Arts Awards Winners receive the prestigious Denney statuette created exclusively for the Kitchener-Waterloo Arts Awards by local artist Alan Denney and a silver Denney pin created by Knar Jewellery. Leading Edge Award Winners receive a framed certificate and a cash honorarium.

[garthdanlor]

I really hope this means that Teenage Fancub will make a local stop on their next tour...I'm a big fan...


Transplanted Teenage Fanclub singer learns the Canadian experience

CAM LINDSAY
METRO CANADA
June 11, 2010 11:00 p.m.

Earlier this year, Norman Blake learned what it meant to be Canadian with a snow shovel in his hand and a toque on his head.

Having relocated from Glasgow to Kitchener-Waterloo with his Canadian wife this past winter, the Teenage Fanclub vocalist/guitarist quickly learned what it takes to live in Southern Ontario.

“The first couple of weeks we had some heavy snowfall,” he remembers over the phone from his former home. “I was terrified when I found out I had to go and clear the front yard and sidewalk. Of course, our house is on the corner so I had two sidewalks to clear. But once we got into the early part of summer and the barbecues were open, I've been enjoying it much more!”

A 3,000-mile transfer doesn’t seem like the ideal situation for a band celebrating their third decade, but Blake says that the transition for him and the other Glasgow-based Fannies — primarily original members and co-songwriters Gerard Love and Raymond McGinley — has been smooth so far.

“With the advent of the Internet it’s pretty easy to stay in touch,” says Blake. “And you can get cheap flights now, so if you don't mind flying it's not a problem at all. I'm pretty happy to go back and forth.”

That’s a good thing, considering Blake will definitely be racking up some major Air Miles with the release of Teenage Fanclub’s new album, Shadows. Their first since 2005’s Man Made, album number ten may have taken a while to get to us, but like the previous nine, it’s yet another example of the Fannies’ superiority as warm melodicists.

A reaction to the limitations of recording Man Made in Chicago, Shadows was recorded in the U.K. where the band could “back the truck up to the studio and load in all sorts of different instruments. With this record there were lots and lots of overdubs and more harmonies — we really threw the kitchen sink at this one. It was just to make the experience different.”

Blake says the gap between albums is simply because “the band has been working at that pace for the last decade. Hopefully, we'll get more prolific and make a few more records. For some reason Teenage Fanclub has gotten into this five-year cycle.”

No matter how long it takes the band, they’re definitely more focused than ever.

http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/entertainment/article/547989--transplanted-teenage-fanclub-singer-learns-the-canadian-experience

[UrbanWaterloo]

KW Turkish Festival
www.kwturkishfestival.com

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The Festival will be open to general public free of charge from Saturday July 10th(food service only) to Sunday July 11th(food, live music, folk dances and more), 2010 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Waterloo Public Square Uptown Waterloo. Free live performances will take place. The Festival will display Turkish art, folk dance, music and gourmet food, where visitors will get an opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, heritage and cuisine. Visitors will be able to browse and buy Turkish products, souvenirs and handicrafts, participate in activities for children, view many authentic demonstrations and performances, sample Turkish cuisine, and do much, much more at the Festival.

What to Expect?

Whirling Dervish at Kitchener Waterloo!!!
Performances of Turkish folk dances, Authentic Turkish music;
Watch an Ebru, water marbling, demonstration;
Turkish decorative pillows, traditional jewellery, handicrafts, and more;
Enjoy Turkish cuisine, sample gourmet foods including kababs, donair, vegetarian dishes, desserts, baklava, Turkish delight, dried apricots, figs, hazelnuts and much more;
Taste popular Turkish coffee;
Let your kids enjoy all sorts of activities: coloring, face painting and games. Don't miss cotton candy!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to savour Turkish culture and cuisine, so mark your calendars today!


Photos July 10, 2010 (early in the day)

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[UrbanWaterloo]

Government of Canada Supports Waterloo Municipal Archives
July 12, 2010 | http://www.pch.gc.ca/pc-ch/infoCntr/cdm-mc/index-eng.cfm?action=doc&DocIDCd=CR100763

On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament (Kitchener Centre), today announced funding for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Archives.

This funding will be used to purchase and implement a new collections management system with specialized software that will provide improved access to the archival records. This will replace the current records system and allow for a more efficient retrieval of materials by both internal users and external clients.

"The Government of Canada is proud to offer support for projects like this, which increase the public's ability to access our cultural and artistic heritage," said Minister Moore. "By using technological advances to improve upon existing services, we are enriching the lives of Canadians."

"I am happy to present this funding on behalf of our Government," said Mr. Woodworth. "This is a concrete way the Government of Canada is contributing to preserving the history of our region."

"The Region of Waterloo appreciates this grant from Canadian Heritage for the purchase of collections management software for our archives," said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. "The resulting database will contain descriptions of the collection held at the Archives dating from the 1820s to the present day and will provide a rich source of information for researchers and all who are interested in the story of this great community."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $35,600 through the Museums Assistance Program (http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/pgm/pam-map/index-eng.cfm) of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

[UrbanWaterloo]

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EKTA United India, United World
UWIC - University of Waterloo's Indian Connection
July 16, 2010 7:30pm - 1:00am
Royal Canadian Legion, 19 Regina Street North, Waterloo

4zAVe2vZF08

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[Sameer]

This was definitely a fun night. The MC'ing could use a little more polish but definitely something memorable.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Actor/Comedian Tim Allen to delight fans at The Aud - for one night only!
July 26, 2010 | http://www.kitchener.ca/news/MediaDetail.asp?tid=19574

KITCHENER - Fans of the hit television series Home Improvement and family movies, including The Santa Clause and Toy Story series, will be thrilled to learn actor and comedian Tim Allen will take the stage Oct. 3 at The Aud in Kitchener. Showtime is 7 p.m.

Allen, best known for playing Tim ''The Tool Man'' Taylor on Home Improvement, will perform his hilarious stand-up routine for one night only.

Allen honed his talents as a stand-up comic throughout the 1980s, providing the perfect lead-in to his highly successful ABC television series Home Improvement. The series garnered Allen a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award nomination. He was also honoured with the People's Choice Award for ''Favourite Male Performer in a Television Series'' for an unprecedented eight years in a row.

In November 1994, Allen simultaneously starred in the #1 film at the box office, The Santa Clause; earned #1 status on the New York Times best-seller list for his book, Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man; and appeared in the #1 series on TV, Home Improvement.

Allen has most recently delighted moviegoers with his roles in Toy Story 3, Wild Hogs and The Santa Clause 3.

Don't miss this hilarious household name, when he performs one show only on Oct. 3 at The Aud. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 28 at 10 a.m. and are available by phone at 519-578-1570; online at www.theaud.ca; or in person at The Aud box office or Centre in the Square. Ticket prices are $74, $64, or $54 plus applicable service charges.

[DHLawrence]

Galt reverts to 1898 today, disrupting traffic (http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/752472)
July 28, 2010
BY RECORD STAFF
CAMBRIDGE — Expect traffic disruption in the downtown Galt area of Cambridge Wednesday.

Television crews are filming episodes of the Murdoch Mysteries.

The Main Street bridge will close for filming, along with Water Street between Main and Dickson streets. Road closures start at 11 a.m. Wednesday and last until 1 a.m. Thursday.

Until 5 p.m. crews will be dressing the bridge and street to look like 1898, including horses and carriages and actors in costume. Filming is from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m.

There will be extensive lighting and simulated (but relatively quiet) gunfire on the bridge.

Waterloo Regional Police will supervise traffic for most of the day.

[panamaniac]

Sounds fun - le Kitchener profond does not lack for its humorous aspects!

An unlikely theatre venue
August 20, 2010 | Martin DeGroot, Arts and Culture
http://news.therecord.com/article/765233

We have theatre in a schoolhouse, a church and an old county records office; theatre that was lost and then found and theatre seeks to fill the empty space; theatre in the asphalt jungle downtown and theatre in an outlet mall way, way uptown.

Coming up early in September there will be a new addition to this extraordinarily diverse local theatre scene: a premier presentation from an enterprise called Backyard Theatre, housed in a kind of garage or shed on Homewood Avenue, off the Iron Horse Trail in Kitchener’s historic Victoria Park area.

Kitchener, Ich Liebe Dich is a two-act romantic comedy written, directed and produced by Kathleen Cleland Moyer.

The title and theme were inspired by Paris, je t’aime (Stories of Love. From the City of Love), the 2006 film and its sequel, New York, I Love You. In this case, the tagline is Finding love in the city of summer sausage.

The basic premise: a pair of newlyweds set out on the romantic honeymoon of their dreams, but find themselves stuck in Kitchener, where they have all sorts of adventures and learn about love and life from the other ordinary (and extraordinary) folks who seem to pop up whenever the privileged pair need to learn a thing or two.

It’s a romance, a comedy, a satire, a farce; there’s even a musical element. The play makes fun of Kitchener and its peculiarities, but it is an affectionate kind of fun aimed toward strengthening a feeling of community and an appreciation of the commonplace.

The project evolved in an impromptu, informal manner. The structure is more like a neighbourhood party or picnic than a full-fledged drama production. The cast, including a core ensemble of experienced artists from near and far plus people of all ages for various walk-on parts, gradually expanded to as many as 22 individuals.

Promotion has been primarily by word of mouth, but that has proven to be more than adequate. With a cast that large and the garage setting, space is very limited. At this point, just about all the places in a two-evening run on the Thursday and Friday before Labour Day weekend (Sept. 2-3) have been spoken for.

Moyer and her family, friends and neighbours have done something similar before, hosting a backyard concert to raise money for a worthy cause. All the proceeds this time will go to Canada World Youth, an agency that provides opportunities for young people to be engaged in international development projects.

In offering a light-hearted community play instead of music, Moyer is experimenting with something she’s been interested in for a long time: creating great theatre, aimed at people who understand and love the dramatic arts. She also hopes to draw on the resources of the community we live in — the stories, life and beauty immediately around us.

This interest is rooted in Moyer’s upbringing as part of a Bruce County farming family that was accustomed to performing plays, sketches and recitations for one another. She studied theatre in college, and worked as a drama teacher for a while. Her main career in the field of restorative justice and conflict resolution is an important part of all this as well.

Kitchener, Ich Liebe Dich is related to previous work such as I Just Moved to Tavistock (1990), Barn Talk (2003) and Friendly Fire, which won an honourable mention at the Herman Voaden Playwriting Competition last year.

What’s new here is the backyard dimension. Moyer has been interested in doing something with the space for some time. Kitchener, Ich Liebe Dich is something of an experiment. It will be interesting to see what the next step will be.

Martin DeGroot is executive director of the Waterloo Regional Arts Council. He comments on arts and culture Saturdays in The Record. You can reach him by email at mdg@golden.net.

[panamaniac]

I haven't been to the other venues, but if you are Downtown, I can recommend the noon hour concerts at St Andrews - their pipe organ is an amazing instrument, you can get church lady sandwiches :RpS_drool: and check out the building at the same time. And no religion, if that is not your thing. :RpS_thumbup:

Blind pianist among artists in noon concert series
September 10, 2010 | By Valerie Hill, Record staff
http://news.therecord.com/arts/article/773684

Waterloo Region has long been recognized as a hotbed of celebrated musicians. Starting this month, their talents will be presented in a series of free, noon-hour concerts.

The series will be available in three locations: Wilfrid Laurier University, First United Church in Waterloo and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener.

For more than 30 years, the two church venues have provided a wide range of musical genres, from the incredible jazz horns of Larry Larson, to the exquisite voice of soprano Stephanie Kramer. And to sweeten the pot, the church women’s group provides a light lunch of sandwiches and a beverage, all for less than $6 to enjoy while soaking in the music.

“We have free parking and free pickles,” jokes Sharon Gowland, retired teacher and co-coordinator of the 25-concert Tuesday music series at First United. “This is my seventh season and I retired from teaching early to do this,” she enthused. “I love it.”

The problem is, with so much talent out there, Gowland had a difficult time whittling the schedule down to cover weekly concerts from Sept. 21 to April 19.

“We have an audience of 200 to 400 every week and it just keeps growing,” she said. For the musicians, having such a large and enthusiastic audience keeps them coming back, though they are only paid an honorarium. “We have more musicians (applying) than I can accommodate.”

Profit from the lunches supports church projects and covers the musicians’ honorariums though fees for larger ensemble groups is partially supported through a grant from the public service organization, Music Performance Fund.

Highlights at First United this year include classical guitarist Kevin Ramessar (Sept.28), the Penderecki String Quartet (Oct. 5) and jazz pianist Andriy Tykhonov (Oct. 26) and his wife, classical pianist Olena Klyucharova (Nov.9). On Feb. 22, the all-female Madawaska String Quartet will perform and on March 15, there’s the incredible duet of Willem Moolenbeek on saxophone and Boyd McDonald on piano.

Never one to reject some experimental music, the series will feature Ensemble Mujirushi from Edmonton, a group that bills itself “avant-garde/alt classical multi-media collective.”

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Thursday concert series runs Sept. 16 to Dec. 2, then picks up again in January, featuring professional musicians, several from the school’s faculty.

At St.Andrew’s in Kitchener, the Wednesday series runs Sept. 22 to Dec. 15, featuring five outstanding organists: Douglas Haas, the church’s musical director launches the series Sept. 22, followed by German organist Julian Bewig (Oct. 20), Marlin Nagtegaal (Nov.2) and Jurgen Petrenko (Nov. 17) and incredible John Vandertuin makes a return engagement on Oct. 6.

Blind since birth, Vandertuin holds PhD in music and is a much sought-after composer and performer.

“People often ask me how I do it and I say ‘the good Lord and a lot of hard work,’” says the affable Vandertuin.

Born in Manitoba, his parents sent him to the Ontario School for the Blind in Brantfor. There he learned music, though he tinkered with a toy piano with broken legs when he was just a toddler. Vandertuin made his profession debut at age 14 in Paris and has since received many accolades and awards, though he knows his instrument only through touch.

In Kitchener he will perform a few romantic era piano sonatinas as well as a commissioned piece celebrating the 35th anniversary of the St. Andrews free concert series. Vandertuin will also play a piece commissioned by former student William Gaskarth, a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University.

Gaskarth is teaching English in Korea and had commissioned his former organ teacher to write music celebrating the life of Canadian organist and teacher Stuart Kennedy who died in 2007. Kennedy had accomplished so much despite being disabled from childhood polio, said Vandertuin.

“He suffered all his life. It’s a wonder he was able to play the organ at all.”

Vandertuin perhaps doesn’t recognize that many people ask the same about him. When he learns music, he must feel the Braille score with one hand, while playing the tune in the other, memorizing every detail. When composing, he writes the score in Braille and then has it translated into sheet music before it can be sent for publication.

For a blind musician, nothing is simple or comes easily, yet it is these very kinds of stories, of the musicians, the music, the history that enhances these noon hour concerts series and guarantees an enchanting afternoon for audiences.

Concerts

First United Church, corner King and William streets, Waterloo
Concerts Tuesdays, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Sept. 21 to April 19
www.firstunitedwaterloo.com/noonconcerts.html

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, corner of Queen and Weber streets
Concerts Wednesdays, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Sept. 22 to Dec. 15.
www.standrewskw.com/musical.htm

Wilfrid Laurier University, Maureen Forrester Recital Hall
Concerts Thursdays, 12 to 1 p.m., Sept. 16 to Nov. 18
For information, contact Kathryn Ladano, kladano@wlu.ca, or 519-884-0710, ext. 2150.

[KevinL]

Knit camBridge - September 11, 2010

The Main Street bridge was closed all day Saturday for the public to appreciate this installation.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4984523394_7aa7dcf369_z.jpg

From upstream:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4984530548_e90310cddb_b.jpg

From downstream:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4983926801_68abd6e3a6_z.jpg

[David]

That is amazing to see. Wow! Thanks for posting, KevinL!

[DHLawrence]

Love it! Looks a lot better than it does un-clothed. The concrete repair work was not of the greatest quality and left the bridge in 'two-tone':

http://pics.livejournal.com/dhlawrence/pic/0000x02g.jpg


It's a pity they can't seal it and keep it like that for a while longer.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Awesome photos KevinL! I'll have to make a visit down to Galt this week to check the installation out in person. :cool:

[Shawn]

Every since Linda Carson mentioned the "knit bombers" in her Livable Waterloo Region presentation (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/635-Linda-Carson-Looks-Matter?p=13264#post13264) I've noticed them all over, however the bridge in Cambridge is by far the largest (and coolest)!!

Me being me, I've wondered how these knitted art pieces would hold up to inclemate weather. In my mind, I'm thinking that after a rainfall the bridge may begin to smell like a wet sweater. You know the kind.. like the one you left out on the picnic table when camping and discovered the next morning drenched from the overnight rainfall and morning dew. Don't ask me why I think of these kind of things. :dunno:

[UrbanWaterloo]

Downtown Block Party For The United Way
Wednesday September 15, 2010 | 11:30-1:30 PM
King Street, between Young & Ontario

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Culture/Downtown%20Kitchener%20United%20Way%20Block%20Part y%20-%20September%208%2C%202010%20Resized.JPG

[UrbanWaterloo]

City of Waterloo Museum presents: A Union of Glass and Spirit
October 18, 2010 | http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1404

For nearly 3,000 years, people have been making potent spirits for medicinal uses and for pleasure. These spirits often play an important role in the social customs of many cultures.

The exhibition, A Union of Glass and Spirit, from the City of Waterloo's heritage collection brings together objects used in the service and consumption of alcohol and pairs them with the beverages they were intended to be served with. This exhibition also explores the origins of popular distilled spirits, and their ingredients along with other intriguing facts.

The exhibition runs from October 6, 2010 to February 25, 2011 at the City of Waterloo Museum located at Conestoga Mall. The museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Generally speaking, spirits are classified by the fermented material they are distilled from. Whiskies, vodka and gin are made by distilling mash made from grain. Rum and cane spirits derive from fermented sugar cane juice or molasses. Liqueurs obtain their flavour from a variety of fruits or nuts, combined with a distilled spirit. Brandy is made from fermented grape juice. Port, sherry and cognac are simply fortified wines - a hybrid beverage that is a blend of fermented wine and distilled spirits (usually brandy).

An array of distinctive glassware is used for the service and consumption of various alcoholic beverages. Their purpose is to accompany these spirits and uphold the traditions associated with these types of glasses. Many people are bewildered by the assortment of drinking vessels available.

[UrbanWaterloo]

The galt armoury is open house until 5pm, CBC is here.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Sesame Street comes to Kitchener December 18
October 29, 2010 | http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=ABWq0txLiOzCuJ4EMoRKEQeQuAleQuAl

Where can your imagination take you? Anywhere you want to be! Audiences in Kitchener are invited to make a world of adventure come to life with Elmo, Abby Cadabby and friends as the stage lights come up on Sesame Street Live "1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends.” This imagination-inspired musical will make a stop at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex Saturday, Dec. 18. Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m.

The magical journey begins as Sesame Street’s mail carrier, Sam, stops by to deliver special postcards from far-away places. When Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and friends wish to visit the exciting locations, Sam shares her secret on how they can – it’s as easy as counting “1-2-3 Imagine!”

Ernie’s imagination takes him to the high seas to captain the ‘Good Ship Rubber Duckie’, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues. It’s a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination.

Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless lessons for all ages. The universal appeal of each Broadway-quality musical production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written script, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such as “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon,” “She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain” and “Surfin’ Safari.”

What: Sesame Street Live "1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends"
When: Saturday December 18, 5 p.m.
Where: Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, 400 East Avenue, Kitchener

Tickets: $15, $20 & $30. A limited number of $40 Gold Circle seats and $65 Sunny Seats* are also available. A facility fee of $3 will be added to all ticket prices. Additional fees and discounts may apply.

* Special $65 Sunny Seat packages are available for sale. Sunny Seats feature premium seat locations and a pre-show Meet & Greet with two Sesame Street Live friends.

For more information, call 519-578-1570. To charge tickets by phone, please call the ticket office at 800-265-8977. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.theaud.ca. For information online, please visit www.sesamestreetlive.com. Become a fan of Sesame Street Live on Facebook.

ABOUT SESAME WORKSHOP
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children’s television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in over 140 countries, and other acclaimed shows to help bridge the literacy gap including The Electric Company and Pinky Dinky Doo.
Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues including literacy, health and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

http://www.sesameworkshop.org/sesameworkshop-theme/images/programs/header_ourprograms.jpg (http://www.sesameworkshop.org/programs)

[RangersFan]

A tongue and cheek song by the folk rock band "Destroy All Robots - Battle Hymn Of the City of Kitchener, Ontario" can be heard here (http://www.purevolume.com/destroyallrobots).

[KevinL]

"This city is so bombed out, it looks like Berlin"

Cute enough, I guess, but I'm not feeling it much, I'm afraid.

[RangersFan]

Cute enough, I guess, but I'm not feeling it much, I'm afraid.

Yeah the song is alright, it has a few Kitchener references, but certainly doesn't do the city justice. I wish they would have portrayed Kitchener in a more positive light.

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

The song was funny, but I have to agree with RangersFan above.

Why the self-depreciating attitude? I sometimes think the people in Kitchener can be the city's own worst enemy. The city's crime rate is well below the Canadian average...there's hardly any abandonment anymore either.

So bombed out it looks like Berlin? lol...It is not even as bombed out as Galt or Hespeler, let alone Brantford, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Oshawa, parts of London, Windsor....ok nevermind. I could go on for days just citing cities and towns in southern Ontario alone that are in much worse shape.

Maybe it's a product of always being attached to Waterloo's hip. For people in Waterloo, Kitchener is the closest thing Waterloo has to a ghetto (if that's saying anything).

[Spokes]

35 ways to get into winter
December 11, 2010 | By John Tompson, Wonderful Waterloo Staff

Think it’s too cold out?

While it may be cold, there are a number of things the City of Kitchener thinks you can do this winter that will warm you up.

The City of Kitchener has put together a list of 35 things to do while the temperature drops and the snow falls. Starting November 20th with the Santa Claus Parade and going into the New Year, events include the Christmas Farmers' Market, Woodside by Lamplight, and the annual New Year's Eve celebration.

For a full list of events, click here (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/339-General-Arts-amp-Culture?p=20950&posted=1#post20950).

[Spokes]

35 ways to get into winter

1 Santa Claus Parade King Street Nov. 20
2 Downtown Festival of Lights Downtown Kitchener Nov. 20 – Feb. 1
3 Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition (http://www.themuseum.ca/) THEMUSEUM Until Jan. 23
4 Downtown Kitchener Gift Certificate Bonus Days (http://www.kitchenerdowntown.com/) Downtown BIA Office Nov. 22–26
5 Public Skating Starts at Kitchener City Hall Kitchener City Hall Dec. 1
6 Rita MacNeil's Spirit of Christmas (http://www.centre-square.com/december.html) Centre in the Square Dec. 1
7 Victorian Christmas (http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/on/woodside/index.aspx) Woodside Historic Site Dec. 1–23
8 Christkindl Candlelight Procession (http://www.christkindl.ca/) Victoria Park Clock Tower Dec. 2
9 Christkindl Market (http://www.christkindl.ca/) Kitchener City Hall Dec. 2–5
10 Christmas Fantasy — Opening Ceremonies (http://kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/ChristmasFantasy.asp?_mid_=18788) Victoria Park Clock Tower Dec. 2
11 Christmas Fantasy (http://kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/ChristmasFantasy.asp?_mid_=18788) Victoria Park Dec. 2 – Jan. 1
12 Bethany's Christmas Pageant (http://bethanypageant.com/) Bethany EM Church Dec. 3–5
13 Christmas at the Market with Santa Claus (http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/) Kitchener Market Dec. 4
14 Electric Thursdays — An R&B Christmas (http://www.centre-square.com/december.html) Centre in the Square Dec. 8–9
15 K-W Society of Artists present Artescapes — Show and Sale City Hall Rotunda Dec. 10–11
16 Grand Philharmonic Choir Presents Handel's Messiah (http://www.centre-square.com/december.html) Centre in the Square Dec. 11
17 Christmas at the Market with Santa Claus (http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/) Kitchener Market Dec. 11
18 Celebrations on Ice Kitchener City Hall Dec. 11
19 KMSB Annual Christmas Concert at City Hall (http://icalendar.esolutionsgroup.ca/Module.aspx?PMID=18633f4c-646c-447b-bb3f-ed259dffc9cb&Type=Search&Start=12/01/2010&End=12/31/2010&Page=2&PageSize=25&CID=5337b2dd-de1c-44ac-ba18-b0162f41b4ea&S=2010-12-12%2014:00:00Z&E=2010-12-12%2015:30:00Z) City Hall Rotunda Dec. 12
20 Christmas Cantata 80 voice Choir & Orchestra (http://www.centre-square.com/december.html) Centre in the Square Dec. 12–13
21 Stuart Mclean — A Vinyl Café Christmas (http://www.centre-square.com/december.html) Centre in the Square Dec. 15–16
22 KWS Pops — Men with Horns Christmas (http://www.centre-square.com/december.html) Centre in the Square Dec. 17–18
23 Jacob Moon (http://www.registrytheatre.com/) Registry Theatre Dec. 17
24 Christmas at the Market with Santa Claus (http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/) Kitchener Market Dec. 18
25 Sesame Street Live: 1-2-3 Imagine! (http://www.theaud.ca/) The Aud Dec. 18
26 The Last Christmas Turkey (http://www.centre-square.com/december.html) Centre in the Square Dec. 20
27 Woodside by Lamplight (http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/on/woodside/index.aspx) Woodside Historic Site Dec. 20–21
28 John Mcdermott (http://www.centre-square.com/december.html) Centre in the Square Dec. 22
29 Christmas Farmers' Market Kitchener Market (http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/) Dec. 23
30 Canada vs Finland Jr Hockey Exhibition Game (http://www.theaud.ca/) The Aud Dec. 23
31 Ballet Jorgen Canada Presents The Nutcracker (http://www.centre-square.com/december.html) Centre in the Square Dec. 28
32 Happy Noon Year (http://www.themuseum.ca/) THEMUSEUM Dec. 31
33 GLEE-FULL New Year's Eve Celebration in Downtown Kitchener (http://www.newyearsevekitchener.ca/) Kitchener City Hall Dec. 31
34 Film:Arctic Tale (http://www.themuseum.ca/) THEMUSEUM Jan. 7
35 Rock the Ice with Elvis Stojko (http://www.theaud.ca/) The Aud Jan. 8

[panamaniac]

Anybody going to Handel's Messiah at Centre in the Square tonight? I always makes me feel Christmassy AND classy, at the same time!

[eizenstriet]

A 36th way to get into winter, Dec. 18:

http://www.renaissancesingers.ca/season.htm

[UrbanWaterloo]

Artist-in-residence announced for 2011
January 5, 2011 | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=11Zj5lA5H2COXwgzdgkTZys5lA5HwgeQ uAleQuAl)

KITCHENER – Creating a collection of about 1,000 portrait photographs to capture the diversity of our city, entitled A Portrait of Kitchener, is the goal for the City of Kitchener’s 2011 artist-in-residence, Sean Puckett, who started his residency on Jan. 2.

Entitled A Portrait of Kitchener, the photographs will be taken during Kitchener events, such as the blues festival and the multicultural festival, and at locations such as the Kitchener Market. Puckett plans to photograph willing passers-by, using a standardized lighting and background set-up to provide a common visual feel, thus allowing each person’s individuality and unique appearance to be revealed.

“I hope residents gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of people that make up the city of Kitchener,” said Puckett. “People from all walks of life, from differing ethnic backgrounds, of varying ages and appearances, of myriad financial circumstances -- are all around us, everywhere, but rarely do we take the time to actually see them with thoughtful eyes. Through my photography, I hope to show Kitchener residents just who their neighbours really are.”

Puckett is planning to exhibit the photographs at local events, post them online and publish them in a book entitled A Portrait of Kitchener, 2011. He plans to hold four public photography workshops throughout the year. Through them, the public will learn how to improve their own portrait photography.

“I'm very pleased to be given this unique opportunity to document the enormous range of people that make up the city we all call home,” he said of the project for 2011. “Walking down the streets of Kitchener one sees so many interesting people, and all of them different. Sharing what I see, through photography, is the essence of my artistic practice. Being 2011's Artist in Residence will not only extend my ability to see more, it will allow me to share more as well.”

Although trained as a computer programmer, Puckett gave up the keyboard for a camera and now makes his living as an artist. He is president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Society of Artists (KWSA), the official photographer for Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre, and teaches photography at his own studio in Kitchener.

“It is the essential role of artists of all kinds -- visual, theatrical, musical, literal, and so on -- to add colour and flavour to life. Without art, without culture, there is nothing but grey monotony,” said Puckett. “Art programs such as the city's artist-in-residence program provide a necessary venue for challenging, complex and long-term artworks that might not otherwise be possible, but provide enormous benefit to the community as a whole. The creation of thoughtful public artworks adds an essential, unique spice to life in our community, and without the public's support, we would see only commercial artworks.”

The photographs will be posted at www.seanmpuckett.com, as the year progresses. For more information about the artist-in-residence program at the City of Kitchener, please see www.kitchener.ca, search word “artist in residence.”

[Spokes]

'Tis the season for new exhibitions
January 12, 2011 | Kirstie Paterson

January is the ideal time for you to become acquainted with our Region’s public galleries. Not only are all of the receptions and talks on the following list free, but all are welcome, and no art experience is required. So come as you are, have fun and connect with other would be enthusiasts. The best part is that you don’t have to go far to find amazing experiences.

In an effort to help you navigate the tangle of opening receptions, artist talks and special events at KW’s public galleries – I present THE LIST. Though certainly not exhaustive, I hope that it will inspire you to get out there and experience something new.

Openings & Talks

to January 23 | Titanic Continues
THEMUSEUM: Titanic continues to Jan 23, check their website for hours and specials. Details (http://www.themuseum.ca/calendar.htm)

to January 20 | Michelle Allard in Residence
The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery: Vancouver artist Michelle Allard works in residence with community volunteers. Their efforts, 50,000 rolls of paper will then be used to create Materialscape. (http://www.kwag.ca/en/exhibitions/Michelle_Allard.asp)
(Watch for coverage by WLU students on the Gallery’s blog Free-Admission (http://free-admission.com/).)

Click here (http://findingcool.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/%C2%B4tis-the-season-for-new-exhibitions/) for the COMPLETE list of events

[Spokes]

Tuesday night, was the Region's Arts and Culture Rally (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=670&day=2011-1-11&c=2), at it three questions were posed, and now Wonderful Waterloo members, I pose them to you:

1. What is great about Arts & Culture in Waterloo Region?

2. Where do you see WR in 2020?

3. What can we do individually and collectively to make this community great! (paraphrasing a long question)

[DHLawrence]

Drayton details expected in two weeks (http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/local/article/932071--drayton-details-expected-in-two-weeks)
Ray Martin, Times Staff

Cambridge residents could get their first peek at what the new Drayton Theatre complex might look like as soon as Feb. 4, according to Drayton officials.

“We’ve been asked by the city to have everything ready for a news conference Feb. 4, but nothing has formally been announced,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director for Drayton Entertainment.

On that date, Mustakas said the construction schedule for the new facility is expected to be announced and the architects are pushing to complete their drawings for the event....

It's getting closer!

[garthdanlor]

Wouldn't normally post a concert date, but it is rare to see a band as influential (and great) as the Pixies playing locally...

Doolittle Tour

April 17 The Centre in the Square, Kitchener, ON

Locally, they are also playing Hamilton, Toronto, and Ottawa.

http://www.pixiesmusic.com/2011/01/doolittle-tour-comes-to-canada/

[Spokes]

Thanks for posting, don't hesitate to post concert listings. Maybe we'll start a new thread for that if it becomes popular.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Ring in the Year of the Rabbit downtown
January 28, 2011 | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=QdkIsM5Fsk2dREr8BPhK0geQuAleQuAl )

http://www.downtownkitchener.ca/sites/cityofkitchener/images/downtownlive/chinesenewyearlong.png

KITCHENER – Celebrate the Chinese New Year February 1-5 in downtown Kitchener with a variety of exciting events for the whole family to enjoy. The week-long celebration will culminate with a colourful Chinese New Year event at the Kitchener Market on Saturday, February 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The celebrations officially begin on February 1 at city hall with the Lion Dance from Double Dragon and other activities taking place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Chinese Lion Dance goes back some 1,000 years with the earliest record of a performance dating to the early Ch’in and Han dynasties (Third Century B.C.) If performed well, the lion dance is believed to bring luck and happiness.

On Thursday, Feb. 3, create your own Chinese calligraphy art with the KW Chinese School in the rotunda, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Find your inner peace with free Tai Chi lessons on February 4 in the rotunda from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Come out Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights (February 2, 3 and 4) at 7 p.m. for free film screenings at the Lunar New Year Film Series, being held in the council chambers at Kitchener City Hall.

On Saturday, Feb. 5, celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Kitchener Market. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., watch traditional dances, music and demonstrations inspired by this Asian holiday, including professionally choreographed Kung-Fu demonstrations straight out of the movies. Make a paper lantern craft and get your face painted!

9-11:30 a.m. Learn the art of Asian cooking with Ti from Northern Thai
10-11:30 a.m. Dancing, music and demonstrations
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Face painting and crafts
11:30 a.m.-noon Double Dragon Kung Fu demonstrations
Noon-12:45 p.m. Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Centre (dancing groups, Lion Dance, traditional instruments)
1-1:30 p.m. Vietnamese Community Centre of Mississauga (musical and dance performers)
1:30-1:45 p.m. Laotian musical group

The festivities are presented by the City of Kitchener and the Downtown Kitchener BIA. For more information, visit www.downtownlive.ca

[mcharters]

Hello Wonderful Waterloo! Forum noob here. I've seen the site before and been to some of the development boards, and just saw the site linked again from the KWAG site - I'm doing some internet research and thought maybe it was time I joined the community!

My wife and I are looking to start a small run of do-it-yourself handmade workshops in KW (knitting, bookbinding, etc.) and a fun event to kick it off. We're currently looking for a friendly space to host one or both in - somewhere that would let us rent a room for a few Saturday afternoons.

Any forum members know of any places that might cater to events like these? Thanks! Looking forward to visiting more.

[Waterlooer]

Welcome to Wonderful Waterloo, we're glad you joined!

Does anyone know if the Waterloo Art Gallery would have places to rent out rooms? I know you can rent out rooms at the Kitchener Public Library but I don't know if you would be able to do it there.

[Spokes]

Hello Wonderful Waterloo! Forum noob here. I've seen the site before and been to some of the development boards, and just saw the site linked again from the KWAG site - I'm doing some internet research and thought maybe it was time I joined the community!

My wife and I are looking to start a small run of do-it-yourself handmade workshops in KW (knitting, bookbinding, etc.) and a fun event to kick it off. We're currently looking for a friendly space to host one or both in - somewhere that would let us rent a room for a few Saturday afternoons.

Any forum members know of any places that might cater to events like these? Thanks! Looking forward to visiting more.

Welcome to Wonderful Waterloo! And that's a really cool idea you guys are looking to start.

I'll give it some more thought, but I know the Kitchener Market used to rent out a room, but that may be where the new Kitchen is now.


Welcome to Wonderful Waterloo, we're glad you joined!

Does anyone know if the Waterloo Art Gallery would have places to rent out rooms? I know you can rent out rooms at the Kitchener Public Library but I don't know if you would be able to do it there.

Is there a Waterloo Art Gallery? Do you mean the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery? If so, Im not sure they do simply because I don't know that they have the space, other than the co|ab. And not sure if that's "rentable"

[mcharters]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I see that you can rent out "The Market Place" in the Kitchener Market - I'll contact them for more info about that. Looks like they have KPL events there so I assume it can't be all kitchen...?

[Spokes]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I see that you can rent out "The Market Place" in the Kitchener Market - I'll contact them for more info about that. Looks like they have KPL events there so I assume it can't be all kitchen...?

Ya I know KPL is using it a lot now because they're out of space because of the renovations. I think you're right though.

That would be a cool place for sure, it depends what exactly you're looking for, and how big?

[panamaniac]

Hello Wonderful Waterloo! Forum noob here. I've seen the site before and been to some of the development boards, and just saw the site linked again from the KWAG site - I'm doing some internet research and thought maybe it was time I joined the community!

My wife and I are looking to start a small run of do-it-yourself handmade workshops in KW (knitting, bookbinding, etc.) and a fun event to kick it off. We're currently looking for a friendly space to host one or both in - somewhere that would let us rent a room for a few Saturday afternoons.

Any forum members know of any places that might cater to events like these? Thanks! Looking forward to visiting more.

You might try the Button Factory in Uptown Waterloo (they offer organized workshops) or the MT Theatre at the Globe Studios on Witney Place in Kitchener (the old Bonnie Stuart Shoe Factory) - I think they have a space available for rental. I'd love to do a bookbinding workshop, it's something I have always wanted to learn more about.

[dscassel]

My wife and I are looking to start a small run of do-it-yourself handmade workshops in KW (knitting, bookbinding, etc.) and a fun event to kick it off. We're currently looking for a friendly space to host one or both in - somewhere that would let us rent a room for a few Saturday afternoons.

Have you been to Kwartzlab (http://kwartzlab.ca)?

We're a local non-profit whose aim is to provide space for our members and members of the community at large to make things and share their skills.

It's not exactly what you're looking for--renting our space isn't something we do very often--but if you're the sort of person who's enthusiastic about making things, you will almost certainly find like-minded people there. If you do become a member (membership is $100 up front and $50/month), you should be able to run workshops in the space for free.

Either way, I'd encourage you to come out on a Tuesday night and check out the space and the community of makers we're building there. Feel free to talk to members of the board (ask around) for their thoughts on renting the space if that's all you're interested in doing.

[PushingTheButton]

@mcharters

Feel free to contact (http://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/exp_contact.html) us with the possibility of contributing to our programming or renting space.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Chinese New Year

Reminder to Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Kitchener Market today from 9am-2pm. Come watch traditional dances, music and demonstrations inspired by this Asian Holiday. Get your face painted and make a craft the whole family can enjoy. Make sure to stop by and watch the Lion Dance!

Setting Up @ Kitchener City Hall - February 2, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Culture/SAM_4926%20Resized.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Culture/SAM_4927%20Resized.jpg

[Urbanomicon]

They did a good job decorating city hall. Are the dancers, music, etc. at the market or at city hall?

[UrbanWaterloo]

Henderson Jersey Tour relives pivotal hockey moment
City of Kitchener | February 11, 2011 | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=V55lA5HI0sGkh4XfwNqy7MupXAeQuAle QuAl)

The moment is imprinted on the Canadian psyche even still, nearly 40 years after it happened. A jubilant Paul Henderson raises his arms in the air, embraced by Yvan Cournoyer, as a disappointed Russian hockey player skates off.

It is an iconic moment in Canadian hockey history.

With the Cold War as the backdrop, the Summit Series garnered attention worldwide. What began as a political exhibition between Canada and the Soviet Union became a war on ice, and one of our country’s greatest and most dramatic tests in sports history.

On February 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents of the Waterloo Region will have the opportunity to relive the spirit, courage and great Canadian pride felt back in 1972, when Paul Henderson brings his jersey to downtown Kitchener. Henderson will be on site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Henderson Jersey Tour and Festival rolls into the heart of Kitchener’s downtown outside of City Hall on King Street. The tour includes Paul Henderson’s iconic jersey, Summit Series memorabilia, photo opportunities, video documentaries, trivia games and much more.

Designed to engage the entire community in an experiential event that helps bring the excitement of September 1972 back to life, the tour captures the excitement and pride of the sport so many Canadians grew up playing on backyard rinks or neighborhood ponds.

In conjunction with Active Kitchener and the Dowtown Kitchener BIA, additional activities for the entire family to enjoy will also be featured throughout the day, including:

Kitchener Rangers Street Team with mascots
KMHA Skills Competition & four-on-four game demonstrations (pre-tyke age)
Numerous prize giveaways throughout the day.

[UrbanWaterloo]

McGuinty Government Supports Tourism And Family Fun In Local Communities
March 3, 2011 | Government of Ontario | Link (http://www.news.ontario.ca/mtc/en/2011/03/celebrate-ontario-helps-over-230-festivals-and-events.html)

Ontario is supporting over 230 local festivals and events to help drive tourism, support jobs and generate economic activity.

This support will help festivals and events across the province enhance their programming and services to attract new audiences, increase visitor spending and create jobs.

Last week, the province proposed changes to its liquor laws that would remove beer tent barriers at festivals. This would provide Ontarians with a more enjoyable experience at local events - enabling them to move freely with a beverage to participate in all the activities on site.

Festivals and events give visitors new reasons and ways to experience Ontario. They also provide Ontario families and visitors the opportunity to enjoy accessible and affordable activities. Celebrate Ontario supports the province's Open Ontario Plan to strengthen our economy and create new opportunities for jobs and growth.

QUICK FACTS

Other changes to Ontario liquor laws also include: extending hours of special events from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. and making all-inclusive vacation packages available in Ontario.
Celebrate Ontario 2011 is providing $20 million to over 230 festivals and events. Since 2007, the province has invested $57 million through Celebrate Ontario to enhance almost 800 festivals and events.
In 2008 alone, tourism spending in Ontario was $22 billion and supported 300,000 jobs.

QUOTES


"Tourism is a billion dollar business that supports over three hundred thousand jobs. Festivals and events play a key role in attracting visitors, supporting jobs, and generating economic activity while enhancing our quality of life in communities across Ontario."
– Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture

"When we enhance and improve our festivals and events, we ensure they increase their ability to attract both Ontario residents and visitors from out-of-province. Whether it is a festival engaging the local community or a world-leading best-in-class event, this generates significant incremental economic activity for the community where they are staged."
– Gary Masters, Executive Director, Festivals and Events Ontario


Local Celebrate Ontario 2011 Events (Full Listing (http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/awards_funding/celebrate_ontario_events.shtml))

Date| Event Name| Funding Received
Aug. 4-Aug. 7| Kitchener Blues Festival| $ 43,750
Oct. 7-Oct. 15| Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest| $ 399,800
Sept. 16-Sept. 18| Stephen Hawking Centre - Grand Opening| $ 40,000
July 30-July 31| Waterloo Air Show| $ 75,000

[mcharters]

Cool, thanks! I'd heard about Kwartzlab - I think some ex-coworkers of mine at RIM sent some materials about it around when it was first starting up.

I just checked out the pictures of the most recent Tuesday night - looks like fun! I would definitely like to come out sometime.

[mcharters]

@mcharters

Feel free to contact (http://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/exp_contact.html) us with the possibility of contributing to our programming or renting space.

And thanks for the offer! We found a space where we can hold our workshops, but if that doesn't work out long term maybe we can partner up.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Council approves arts sustainability funding
April 21, 2011 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=S4NPlUsEPnhRCKLPlUs5lA5HAQh7K66w eQuAleQuAl)

Kitchener City Council reinforced its support for the arts and culture sector on Monday night when it approved an investment of $220,000 to four anchor arts organizations.

The investment was made from the Arts and Culture Sustainability Fund to:


Creative Enterprise Enabling Organization (CEEO): $20,000
The Museum: $120,000
Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery: $40,000
Kitchener Waterloo Symphony: $40,000

The CEEO is a broad mix of public sector representatives, private sector members and members from the arts community.

“This funding is making sure these organizations will be around year after year,” said Mayor Carl Zehr on Monday night. “It’s about community-building.”

The CEEO is required to provide a report to council by October 2011, detailing its strategy for use of the Arts and Culture Sustainability Fund in 2012.

BACKGROUND
In 2009, the Prosperity Council of Waterloo Region introduced the creation of an organization dedicated to advancing creative enterprises in the region. They also introduced a funding model shared between local and regional municipalities, private sector and senior levels of government to provide operating funds for the organization and sustainability funding for creative enterprises at the level of $1 per capita, which equates to about $220,000 for the City of Kitchener.

[Carrie Kozlowski]

Youth Video Contest (creative learning opportunity, cash prizes & exposure!)Announcing an exciting opportunity for youth to express their creativity, win prizes and have their videos digitally projected on city hall, Kitchener. Please share this news.

Open to youth, ages 12-25.
Winners get cash prizes!
Finalists get great exposure--the videos will be projected on 'The Cube' atop Kitchener City Hall using state-of-the-art Christie Digital projectors.
Submission deadline: June 30, 2011, 4 pm
Learn more: http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/Youth_video_competition_call_for_submissions.asp

Brought to you by the City of Kitchener's Public Art Program.

Questions? Contact:

Carrie Kozlowski
Program Assistant, Arts and Culture Unit
Community Services Department, City Hall
200 King Street West, 7th Floor
Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
ph: 519-741-2912
fax: 519-741-2723
tty/textnet: 1-866-969-9994

[Carrie Kozlowski]

Call for Proposals:
City of Kitchener Artist in Residence for 2012
Engage your communityExpand your practice
Create a memorable project

View the call for proposals document (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/Artist_in_Residence_Program.asp)
Deadline: Friday, September 2, 2011

[stormysky_dw]

Hope this is the right place to put this!

I'm looking to invite local artists and arts workers to THEMUSEUM's Café M for an informal meet and greet with Heather Sinclair, the newly appointed CEO of the Creative Enterprises Enabling Organization. The event is this Thursday from 5pm to 7pm and is free! It's a really great opportunity for people in the arts & culture community to get to know Heather Sinclair and learn more about the CEEO, while providing insight into the challenges that arts & culture workers face in this community.

Here's a link to the Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/THEMUSEUMonFB#!/event.php?eid=217441054947507

[UrbanWaterloo]

Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Kicks off in Cambridge
With a Flash Mob Dance Crew
City of Cambridge | PDF (http://www.cambridge.ca/relatedDocs/2011-06-06%20Media%20Advisory_MCA.pdf)

http://www.cambridge.ca/sectionImages/3_small_mca_iimage.JPG

Mayor Doug Craig and members of Cambridge City Council invite news media to attend the kick off of the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts (MCA).



Date: Thursday June 9th
Place: Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson Street
Time: Starts 11:30 am and runs until approximately 12:15 pm.

Some performers will be on hand to give media a taste of what’s planned for the 8th annual MCA event slated for Friday June 17th.

“While the flash mob dancers won’t be a secret or sudden happening in the true sense of the term, we wanted to give media a heads up about the exciting photo opportunity,” says Wanda Schaefer-Stilling, Recreation Coordinator. The performance will showcase one of the youth groups in the line up for this year’s MCA program.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Harper Government Invests in Arts, Culture and Official Languages in Southwestern Ontario
July 13, 2011 | Government of Canada | Link (http://www.pch.gc.ca/pc-ch/minstr/moore/cdm-mc/index-eng.cfm?action=doc&DocIDCd=CM110497)

Local arts, culture and official languages organizations are thriving in Southwestern Ontario, thanks to investments by the Harper Government. Support for over 50 organizations was announced today by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, accompanied by Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament (Kitchener Centre). Minister Moore made the announcement at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener, alongside leaders of Southwestern Ontario's arts community.

The investments will support a range of projects aimed at strengthening the economy, boosting tourism, and bringing people together. Projects that will benefit from today's announcement include the Shaw Festival Theatre Foundation in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Centre communautaire régional de London, Literary Arts Windsor, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in local organizations that showcase our culture and define our Canadian identity," said Minister Moore. "We are proud of these investments, which will create jobs, increase access to the arts, support official-language minority communities and celebrate local arts and heritage in the region."

The Government of Canada has provided funding totalling $1,929,568 through 5 programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Canada Cultural Investment Fund (http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1268609659093/1268230281083) (Strategic Initiatives Component (http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1268609659093/1268230281083#a3)), Canada Cultural Investment Fund (Endowment Incentives Component), the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1268614803109/1268614930501) Program, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1267553110077/1268404392232), and the Cooperation with the Community Sector (http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1267216296891/1253859384178) component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program (http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1267730127653/1254372253371).

For a full list of organizations receiving funding, see the attached backgrounder.

BACKGROUNDER

Canada Cultural Investment Fund (Strategic Initiatives Component)
The Strategic Initiatives component provides funding for initiatives supported by multiple partners and impacting multiple organizations. Supported projects help arts and heritage organizations build and diversify their revenue streams and strengthen their management capacities/business competencies.

Brantford | Brant Museums Social Marketing Project | $19,000 (2010-2011)
Guelph|Five Fabulous Festivals : Going Further Afield|$159,000 (2010-2011)
St. Catharines|Marketing the Arts of St. Catharines-Niagara|$102,212 (2011-2012)
London|Reaching Audiences: Improve Distribution and Promotion of Art Books and Exhibition|$35,000 (2011-2012)
||TOTAL: $315,212

Canada Cultural Investment Fund (Endowment Incentives Component)
The Endowment Incentives component encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations. Last year, the Government of Canada provided 71 cents for every dollar donated by the private sector.

Kitchener|Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association Inc.|$71,108 (2010-2011)
Niagara-on-the-Lake|Shaw Festival Theatre Foundation, Canada|$301,648 (2010-2011)
||TOTAL: $372,756

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

Windsor|Actors Theatre of Windsor|$43,300 (2011-2012)
Sarnia|Bayfest Festival of Performing Arts|$28,400 (2011-2012)
Waterloo|Cambridge Highland Games|$9,600 (2011-2012)
Owen Sound|Emancipation Festival|$7,100 (2011-2012)
Fergus|Fergus Scottish Festival|$23,800 (2011-2012)
Hanover|Hanover Chamber of Commerce|$8,200 (2011-2012)
London|Home County Folk League|$18,000 (2011-2012)
Kitchener|Kitchener Blues Community Inc.|$98,000 (2011-2012)
Leamington|Leamington Tomato Festival|$11,800 (2011-2012)
Waterloo|Link Picnic Festival|$12,600 (2011-2012)
Markdale|Markdale Agricultural Society (The)|$8,100 (2011-2012)
Cambridge|Mill Race Folk Society (The)|$13,600 (2011-2012)
Goderich|Port Albert And District Recreational Society Inc.|$19,500 (2011-2012)
Sauble Beach|Sauble Beach Chamber Of Commerce|$4,900 (2011-2012)
Waterloo|Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival Inc.|$13,300 (2011-2012)
||TOTAL: $320,200

Canada Arts Presentation Fund
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund is designed to give Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals and performances, and other arts events.

London|Aeolian Hall Musical Arts Association|$10,000 (2011-2012)
Hamilton|Art Gallery of Hamilton|$15,000 (2011-2012)
Hamilton|Brott Music Festival|$15,000 (2011-2012)
||$15,000 (2012-2013)
Niagara-on-the-Lake|Canadian Chamber Academy|$15,000 (2011-2012)
Chatham|Centre communautaire de Chatham-Kent la Girouette|$7,000 (2011-2012)
Sarnia|Centre culturel francophone Jolliet|$10,000 (2011-2012)
Kitchener|Centre in the Square|$40,000 (2011-2012)
||$40,000 (2012-2013)
||$40,000 (2013-2014)
Durham|Durham Art Gallery|$20,000 (2011-2012)
London|Grand Theatre (The)|$30,000 (2011-2012)
||$30,000 (2012-2013)
Hamilton|Hamilton Festival Theatre Company|$8,000 (2011-2012)
Kitchener|J.M. Drama|$25,000 (2011-2012)
Kincardine|Kincardine Summer Music Festival Inc.|$20,000 (2011-2012)
||$20,000 (2012-2013)
Windsor|Literary Arts Windsor - Promotion, Performance, Publishing|$5,000 (2011-2012)
London|London Committee for Cross Cultural Arts Inc.|$30,000 (2011-2012)
London|London Fringe Theatre Festival|$25,000 (2011-2012)
Kitchener|Multicultural Theatre Space|$48,000 (2011-2012)
Waterloo|Neruda Productions for Arts, Culture and Community|$15,000 (2011-2012)
St. Catharines|Primavera Concerts|$6,000 (2011-2012)
||TOTAL: $489,000

Official Languages Support Programs
The Development of Official-Language Communities Program is designed to foster the vitality of Canada's French- and English-speaking minority communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life

Waterloo|Association des francophones de Kitchener-Waterloo|$20,000 (2011-2012)
||$20,000 (2012-2013)
Cambridge|Centre communautaire francophone de Cambridge|$17,000 (2011-2012)
St. Catharines|Centre communautaire Le Griffon|$25,000 (2011-2012)
Welland|Club social 810 East Main Inc.|$30,000 (2011-2012)
Welland|Solidarité des femmes immigrantes francophones de Niagara|$18,000 (2011-2012)
||$18,000 (2012-2013)
London|Regroupement multiculturel francophone de London|$17,400 (2011-2012)
London|Centre communautaire régional de London|$30,000 (2011-2012)
London|Association canadienne française de l'Ontario - Conseil régional de London-Sarnia|$41,000 (2011-2012)
||$41,000 (2012-2013)
Sarnia|Centre culturel francophone Jolliet|$28,000 (2011-2012)
Chatham|Centre communautaire de Chatham-Kent La Girouette|$18,000 (2011-2012)
Windsor|Assocation canadienne-française de l'Ontario, régionale Windsor-Essex-Kent|$27,000 (2011-2012)
||$27,000 (2012-2013)
Windsor|Centre communautaire francophone de Windsor-Essex-Kent|$55,000 (2011-2012)
||TOTAL: $432,400

[UrbanWaterloo]

Back to School Party includes movie and fashion
September 8, 2011 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=z8jg3L35lA5H8jWLAkxr7o0pLgeQuAle QuAl) | Website (http://www.downtownkitchener.ca/things/backtoschoolparty)

552

They’ve made it through the first week back to school and now it’s time to celebrate . . . The Back to School Party at Civic Square, presented by the City of Kitchener, the Downtown BIA and the Waterloo Region Record, will be held tomorrow with activities for ages 11-15 running through the late afternoon and evening, starting at 4 p.m.

If it rains, the party continues inside.

Movie night starts at 8 p.m. at Civic Square, city hall. The featured movie is Beastly, a modern-day take on the Beauty and the Beast tale, where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love. The movie stars Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens and Mary-Kate Olsen. Concessions are available, and bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Visit the Record booth to find out how you can win a Nintendo DS, sponsored by Waterloo Region Record Classroom Connection.

The gaming zone at Civic Square, starting at 5 p.m., features interactive game experiences, a giant inflatable twister, as well as XBOX and old-school gaming.

Also starting at 5 p.m. the Fashionistas area offers free henna art, hemping, button making and the latest in nail techniques and designs.

At 6:30 p.m., the GLOSS Fashion Show presents the finalists of their very own 'next top model' contest.

DJ CLOTH spins some vibe starting from 6 p.m. Also, the Urban Market at King and Gaukel streets features handmade and recycled clothing, jewellery and accessories starting at 4 p.m.

And if you’re all ready to veg, hang out and chat in the KPL Lounge.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Bringing Dance into Community Space
Arts Guild Brings Performances to Cambridge Farmers’ Market
City of Cambridge | PDF (http://www.cambridge.ca/relatedDocs/2011-09-06%20Dance%20Bits%20at%20the%20Market.pdf)

There’s something extra special on the menu this Saturday at the Cambridge Farmers’ Market, 40 Dickson Street, with a unique opportunity to see dance performances.

“The special event at the Market is a part of the Cambridge Centre for the Arts 10th Anniversary Artist-in-Residence Series and is sponsored by the Cambridge Arts Guild,’ says Sophie McCann, Arts Coordinator at the Centre. The purpose of the Artist-In-Residence Program is to provide professional artists with an opportunity to involve and engage the community in the artistic and creative
processes of their art.

On Saturday September 17 between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon, Cambridge’s 2007 Artist-in-Residence Michele Hopkins and dance troop will perform classical and contemporary dance pieces offering shoppers an opportunity to sit, enjoy and take in the creative ‘Dance Bits’ performances.

“Dance Bits brings dance into a community space and allows for people to experience it in an unexpected venue. This is an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate a moment of the beauty, thoughtfulness and living art that is dance,” says Michele Hopkins. The integration of performing art into the market is another way the market team is keeping it fresh. She notes there will be excerpts from Swan Lake and a contemporary dance bit that explores how everyday movement can evolve into dance.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Cambridge Artist Studios Open for Behind the Scene Peak
9 Years of Sharing Studio Practices and Insight
City of Cambridge | PDF (http://www.cambridge.ca/relatedDocs/2011%20Cambridge%20Art%20Tour.pdf)

Discover the exciting, educational and stimulating world of art at the 9th annual Cambridge Studio Tour & Sale. The tour takes place on Saturday September 24th from 10:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday September 25th from 12:00noon – 5:00pm. Admission is free.

Learn about the art of watercolour, acrylics, print making, jewellery design, pottery, photography, recycling for treasure creation, fibre works and even furniture reproduction at the two-day event.

“The tour started in 2003 with about 15 artists on board,” says Nancy Movrin, Recreation Coordinator for the Cambridge Centre for the Arts.

Today, there are 29 locations throughout the City that will open their doors to the public to give a behind the scenes look at studio practices and provide insights into the creative and business sides of being an artist.

“Meet the artists and learn more about the growing arts and culture cluster in Cambridge. We were thrilled to have an estimated 2,000 people take the tour last year. Our doors are open for exploration again this weekend!”

Visitors taking the tour are encouraged to fill out a survey ballot at one of the studio locations for a chance to win a fabulous gift basket.

“This is a very successfully run artist initiative that is about raising awareness of the local plethora of talent in our community. It’s an opportunity for them to showcase, exhibit and sell their work,” adds Nancy Movrin, Recreation Coordinator for Cambridge.

Tour brochures are available at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts, 60 Dickson Street or by visiting us online at www.cambridgecentreforthearts.ca or www.cambridge.ca.

[panamaniac]

IMPACT 11 offering doesn’t disappoint with a tastefully-erotic performance

Good review in the Record http://www.therecord.com/whatson/artsentertainment/article/599726--impact-11-offering-doesn-t-disappoint-with-a-tastefully-erotic-performance

Two performances tonight - Body 13/The Changeroom at the Conrad Centre and Bashir Lazhar at the Registry Theatre. :RpS_thumbup:

[panamaniac]

A bit of good news for the local "scene".

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/602125--local-arts-get-financial-shot-in-the-arm

[panamaniac]

Downtown’s future depends on vibrant cultural scene, city report says.

Interesting piece in today's Record on the consolidation of Downtown as the Region's cultural hub as part of the economic development strategy. I look forward to reading the City report. I have heard that future plans for the expansion of the Museum could include a theatre space, which would be another great addition to the available facilities.

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/613793--downtown-s-future-depends-on-vibrant-cultural-scene-city-report-says

[UrbanWaterloo]

Photo exhibit brings global water crisis to Kitchener doorsteps
Exhibition featuring work of renowned Canadian photojournalist showing in the rotunda at Kitchener City Hall Jan. 9-13.
January 10, 2012 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=ZU2Xhl3YJhMO22c2ot0YKAeQuAleQuAl ) | Exhibit Website (http://www.watercan.com/photoexhibit/)

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Culture/Water%20for%20Life%20-%20An%20African%20Photo%20Exhibit%20-%20Touring%20Kitchener%20City%20Hall%20January%209-13,%202012.jpg

Canadian-based international development organization, WaterCan, aims to put a human face on an ongoing humanitarian emergency punctuated by staggering statistics.

Water for Life: An African Photo Exhibit tells the story of the global water and sanitation crisis through the lens of internationally renowned photographer Peter Bregg. The exhibit, which has been touring Canada since 2010, will be hosted in partnership with the City of Kitchener, Jan. 9-13.

The exhibition features 40 original photographs taken by Bregg during his travels to WaterCan project sites during the fall of 2009, where he captured the impact of the global water and sanitation crisis and WaterCan’s work at the community and individual level. Through this exhibition, WaterCan hopes to provoke and inspire discussion about the plight of millions around the world who don’t share our envious access to clean drinking water at the turn of a tap.

Clean water facilities are the building blocks of social and economic development in every society around the world yet an estimated 4,100 children under the age of five die each day of diarrheal diseases caused primarily by dirty water and the lack of sanitation. This accounts for a greater loss of life amongst this age group than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined. Worldwide, an estimated 890 million people — one seventh of the world’s population — does not have access to this basic human necessity.

WaterCan would be pleased to provide further resources, a selection of Bregg’s photographs, biographies, quotes and interviews, etc.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Ring in Year of the Dragon this week
January 18, 2012 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=UGF9cKCssOQ25lA5H3uqWWrvqQeQuAle QuAl)

771

The ancient celebration of the lunar new year comes downtown on Jan. 20, when the sights, sounds and tastes of Asia are at Kitchener City Hall from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunar New Year rings in with live entertainment, food provided by downtown restaurants and much more:

Artist reception for the Berlin Tower ARTSPACE and Chinese painting demonstration with the Gallery of Time’s Yin He, curator.
Pieyi Niu, Chinese Erhu string instrument; calligraphy demonstration with Dr. Peter Chieh of the Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Centre (COCCC)
Dignitary welcomes
Lion Dance, Double Dragon Kung Fu, drumming and costumes
Music performances by Korean Music Ensemble, and Pham Duc Thanh on the dan bau monochord instrument
Asian food presentation
Seniors’ dance group from the COCCC
Martial arts demonstration with Double Dragon Kung Fu

The Downtown Kitchener BIA is pleased to present the second annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Sat. Jan. 21 at the Kitchener Market with music, live entertainment, face painting and crafts from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The menu for the free cooking class in the Marketplace will include chef-led instruction on making pork dumplings; hot and sour broth; Chinese vegetable platter and steamed rice. The class will also feature lessons in tradition and food.

Cold Mountain Internal Arts will demonstrate tai chi, while Double Dragon will feature in demonstrations of martial arts. The Vietnamese and Chinese cultural centres will also appear at the celebration, with the Chinese Cultural Centre members performing a number of cultural dances, including the Lion Dance, Tai Chi Fan Dance, Ribbon Dance and Mongolian Dance. There will also be performances by Peiyi Niu, Chris Baek, Ten Ten, and Kitchener Kicks.

Events are free, so bring your family.

The Lunar New Year dates from 2600 BC, when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Because of cyclical lunar dating, the first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February.

On the Chinese calendar, 2012 is Lunar Year 4710. On the Western calendar, the start of Lunar New Year in 2012 falls on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 — The Year of the Dragon.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Call for Nominations for Bernice Adams Awards – Deadline Feb. 25th
Leaving a Legacy of Prominence for Arts and Culture
City of Cambridge | PDF (http://www.cambridge.ca/relatedDocs/2012-01-22%20Bernice%20Adams%20Award.pdf)

The Cambridge community is very versed with the accomplishments of the late Bernice Adams; she was a well known writer, fundraiser and performer who was often described as a colourful personality with a fiery spark. A former councillor of the then Town of Galt, and having served as vice-chair of the Waterloo Region Police Services Commission, she also is the name sake of a prestigious award that celebrates arts and culture in the community.

It’s that time of year again where the Cambridge Centre for the Arts team, coupled with the dedicated volunteers of the Cultural Awards Committee, are looking for your help to submit nominations. The nomination deadline is February 25, 2012.

The awards program recognizes talented groups and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to arts and culture in the Cambridge community. The categories for consideration include: Performing Arts, Communications/Literary Arts, Music, Visual Arts, Outstanding Youth and Special Trustee.

“We want your input to nominate someone deserving of recognition,” says Nancy Movrin, Recreation Coordinator for the City. “The recognition culminates at an award ceremony planned for late May that brings community representatives out to pay tribute to the recipients.”

Nomination packages are available at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts, 60 Dickson Street, by calling (519) 740-4681 ext. 4376 or by visiting the City’s website at: http://www.cambridge.ca/community_services/awards_and_bursaries

More about the Awards Night
Finalists will be honoured at this year’s 30th Annual Bernice Adams Memorial Awards Gala on Friday, May 25, 2012.

“Please purchase your tickets for the event which showcases the diversity of talent in the City,” adds Movrin. “Together we can pay tribute to the recipients and the significant economic impact that arts and culture activities have on our community and surrounding areas.”

[UrbanWaterloo]

Creative Communities Prosperity Fund Application
REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: February 27, 2012
SUBMITTED BY: Rod Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development
PREPARED BY: Cheryl York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator, Economic Development
DATE OF REPORT: February 13, 2012
REPORT NO.: CAO-12-008 (http://icalendar.esolutionsgroup.ca/Public/GetDocument.ashx?DocumentId=05f7cba2-e72e-45ba-b552-12d52ca80218&IsShare=True)

RECOMMENDATION:

That staff preparation of an application to the Province of Ontario’s Creative Communities Prosperity Fund be approved, conditional on the official announcement of the fund being available this year.

BACKGROUND:

Creative Communities Prosperity Fund

Since 2007, through its Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Province of Ontario has funded an agenda to maintain and grow prosperity in the province in the arts, culture and heritage sector. Municipalities have been encouraged to create cultural plans. From 2009 on, assistance was provided through the Creative Communities Prosperity Fund (CCPF) to

Help municipalities and Aboriginal communities develop culture as a key part of their community and economic development strategies, and integrate cultural planning with economic development, environmental responsibility, social equity and land use planning processes.
Facilitate collaboration between and among culture and other sectors (such as business, environment, social).
Support the development of capacity building tools and initiatives that will strengthen the cultural sector's capacity to generate new opportunities for economic growth, employment and wealth creation across Ontario.

To date, more than 60 municipal applications have been funded. Information regarding the 2012 program has traditionally been announced in early spring. The CCPF fund may award up to 80% of the cost of a cultural planning project. The municipality is required to fund the remaining cost.

Cultural planning projects must be based on the principles of municipal cultural planning, a process for identifying and leveraging a community's cultural resources, strengthening the management of those resources, and integrating those resources across all facets of local planning and decision making.

REPORT:

Culture Plans I and II (CPI and CPII)

Culture Plan I was Kitchener’s first planning project for arts, culture and heritage development. The report was approved by City Council in 1996. CP I was created in partnership with representatives of the arts community. The plan contained twenty recommendations for action. Thanks to Culture Plan I, we have an arts and culture advisory committee at City Hall which offers consultation to staff and Council on arts and culture matters. Permanent arts and culture staff (Arts /Culture Unit, Community Services Department) provide the Artist-in-Residence program, twelve Rotunda Gallery exhibits a year, a public art program and various other programs.

Several recommendations in the plan focused on the creation of arts and culture festivals. Kitchener now has many festivals including Multicultural Theatre Space’s IMPACT, Open Ears, Blues Festival, Multicultural Festival, Tapestry, Cruising on King, Word on the Street, Kidspark, Contemporary Arts Forum Kitchener and Area (CAFKA) and a host of others. Heritage festivals such as Oktoberfest and Christkindl Market continue to delight residents and visitors. Special Events Unit staff at the city support many of these festivals.

The Waterloo Region Children’s Museum (now The Museum) was established as a result of CP I. The Museum and its neighbour, the Conrad Centre, provide cultural anchors directly on King Street.

“Greening” the downtown was a recommendation of CP I. Recent re-development of downtown King Street (2008 – 2010) brought new trees and floral planters to the street. Urban design improvements will continue in the downtown core and in our community’s neighbourhoods. Other urban design actions mentioned in the plan were the installation of more fountains and the use of old industrial machinery as sculptural elements in public spaces. New fountains have been placed in Victoria Park and at Gaukel and Charles streets. The Industrial Artifacts Project allowed the collection and installation of many pieces of heritage machinery in the downtown, the warehouse/innovation district and along the Iron Horse Trail.

In 2004, Culture Plan II (CP II) was prepared with wide community consultation. The plan was approved by Council in 2005. Building on the vision of CP I, the second plan was even more ambitious in scope.

Sixty-one recommendations were put forward in CP II, illustrating topics and actions the community could work on together. Broadly speaking, the recommendations can be informally grouped in these categories:

Maintain and/or improve existing city programs;
Increase city resources for cultural development and planning;
Develop plans and actions to recognize diversity;
Increase media promotion and other types of comprehensive marketing for the arts including the use of new technology;
Develop resources for the sustainability of arts organizations;
Investigate arts investment opportunities including new festivals, live/work spaces for artists and multi-use arts facilities;
Continue to support and monitor the economic impact of the arts and the benefits of cultural planning.

The City financed implementation of CP II from 2006 – 2009 ($280,000). During that period, a comprehensive “Community Investment Strategy Study” revised the grants program to allow those art organizations receiving annual operating grants to enter into multi-year agreements with the city without filling in an annual application. The City also contracted Artscape from Toronto to do a preliminary study of arts cluster development and the feasibility of a multi-use arts facility downtown. Another large project, developed with several arts organizations was the application for the “Cultural Capitals of Canada” program.

Taking a leadership role, the City developed a diversity policy for use within the corporation, and encouraged partnerships to examine questions of diversity in the arts. From this, two pilot projects offering mentors and training for newcomer artists were developed and implemented in 2011.

Region-wide, a new tourism strategy and a new regional history museum were created. In 2009, the partnering municipalities in the region received a federal grant to undertake a cultural mapping study which resulted in a foundational report that could be expanded in the future.

Towards greater sustainability for individual, entrepreneurial artists, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge partnered with the Waterloo Region Small Business Centres and the Province of Ontario for three annual “Arts, Business, Creativity” events. Kitchener followed up in the fourth year with a series of three networking events for artists to stimulate further grass roots initiatives.

The city’s public art program was re-confirmed in 2011 and a revised policy approved.

During the past fifteen years and through two Culture Plans, the City of Kitchener has consistently increased its support for arts, culture and heritage developments through

Grants
Loans
In-kind assistance
Staff and program resources
Promotion
Working in co-operation with the community
Public art policy and 1% funding.

Context

The official 5-year span of CP II and its implementation funding has ended (2005 – 2010). In the past two years, many things in our community have changed or shifted.

In the national context, the practice of Municipal Cultural Planning has spread from large cities like Toronto and Vancouver to mid-size cities like Hamilton and Peterborough. MCP has evolved through the advocacy of the provincial government and other agencies which promote the development of creative cities as a path to economic and social improvements.
The Arts and Culture Unit has been moved from Community Programs and Services to the Economic Development Department. A new municipal cultural plan can provide the focus required for successful collaborations within a changed organizational structure.
Kitchener’s Official Plan is being updated and a new economic development strategy has been developed. Opportunities now exist for cultural plans to support the city’s Official Plan document and its other strategies in an integrated manner as the Public Art Policy now supports public art references in the Official Plan.
The Chamber of Commerce, through its Prosperity Council, has launched the Creative Enterprise Initiative. The mandate of this new non-profit organization is to work towards talent attraction and retention for Waterloo Region where the high tech sector is thriving, but is challenged to find knowledge workers willing to relocate. Initiatives in the early phases of the organization’s operation involve the arts and culture sector.
Other community culture providers, including the technology and entrepreneurial sectors, are re-aligning or re-developing their plans and their work.

Building for the Future

To raise awareness about municipal cultural planning principles, Kitchener and its regional municipal partners hosted an educational workshop on February 3 in conjunction with the Municipal Cultural Planning Inc (MCPI) agency. The theme was “Collaboration and Action” with presenters and participants discussing the current status of

Culture plans;
Economic development strategies;
Official plans.

The objective of the day’s discussions was to create inter-departmental and inter-municipal dialogue towards co-operative planning. Building on this initial educational workshop and Kitchener’s earlier Culture Plans, the City of Kitchener would like to embark on a new planning process for arts, culture and heritage through application to the CCPF. The project would be timely, given the current work on the Draft Official Plan.

Mandated to provide oversight for the city’s cultural plans, the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee passed the following motion at its meeting held January 17, 2012:

That council support the submission of an application for Creative Communities Prosperity Funding to support a new cultural planning project.


Requirements for preparation of the application

Resolution of municipal council authorizing the application;
Quotes for consulting services for the project. A Request for Quotes (RFQ) is being prepared based on the terms of reference outlined below.

Municipal Cultural Planning Project: General Terms of Reference for Consultant

1.0 Project Objectives

a) Articulate a renewed vision for the development of arts and culture in Kitchener through 2018.
b) Identify priorities for cultural development consistent with the city’s strategic plan, Official Plan, and other major planning documents.


2.0 Scope of Work/Deliverables

a) Review previous culture plan document and achievements;
b) Review municipal cultural planning principles and standards and their current application in the culture plans of other municipalities;
c) Public consultation to establish community needs;
d) Assess the general state of culture delivery in the community and within the municipal corporation; identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats;
e) Create a strong vision statement and guiding principles that are informed by municipal cultural planning standards;
f) Identify strategic priorities and recommendations for implementation and evaluation, which are integrated with the city’s Official Plan and other relevant major planning documents including economic development strategies.


3.0 Project Sponsor and Stakeholders
Rod Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development

City council and relevant city departments
Arts and Culture Advisory Committee; Public Art Working Group
Municipal government partners in the region
Arts community
Community cultural and economic development agencies

4.0 Schedule

2012 March: announce RFQ for consultants
April: deadline to receive quotes
April/May: Preparation of application to CCPF for June deadline (TBC)
September: Consultant contract
2013 January: Consultant’s final report and presentation

The development of a new five-year culture plan, funded in part by the CCPF, will enable Kitchener to make the best use of both internal and external resources for the community’s benefit to 2018.

ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:

Kitchener’s past experience with two Culture Plans is the foundation for continuing community leadership and engagement in the preparation of a new plan. Culture-based prosperity in Canada’s cities is now recognized as an important contributor to quality of life and a factor in economic development success.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The Culture Plan II Implementation capital account supports an upset limit for a consultant’s work at $20,000. This amount is 20% of an estimated maximum $100,000 budget with 80% of the funding coming from the Creative Communities Prosperity Fund.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

The Arts and Culture Advisory Committee has endorsed the city’s need for a new culture plan and its application to Creative Communities Prosperity Fund as a means to support the development of a new plan.

[UrbanWaterloo]

OWL’S NEST CREATIVE ARTISTS’ OPEN HOUSE, SALE & DEMONSTRATIONS
City of Waterloo | Link (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1781)

FOR SALE:

variety of wood-burnings & carvings
turned bowls & pens painted items
jewelry
soap-stone carvings
more crafts & creations
Saturday, March 31
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Adult Recreation Centre
185 King Street South, Waterloo
For information call 519-888-6356


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[Danielle.Babcock]

KDUB Pillow Fight 2012

The event took place April 7, 2012 at the Waterloo Public Square. It was organized by kdub.ca (http://kdub.ca).

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[UrbanWaterloo]

Cinco de Mayo heats up Civic Square and Kitchener Market
May 01, 2012 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=PlUsW56KjbbYk5xpHDpgSVjgweQuAleQ uAl)

Cinco de Mayo is one of the most celebrated occasions in Latin culture - one the City of Kitchener has on its annual event calendar, too. Join us later this week as celebrations take place on Civic Square, in front of city hall, and at the Kitchener Market.

Enjoy traditional Latin live entertainment at Civic Square on May 4, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. If Mexican food is high on your menu, Casa Salsa will be onsite serving up Latin cuisine, beginning at 11 a.m.

On Saturday, May 5, the Kitchener Market will have Latin cultural activities for the whole family, including a mariachi band and cultural crafts by Crystal and Liam of Trash Theatre. There will also be cooking classes for children and adults, featuring Mexican menu items. Live entertainment starts at 10 a.m.

Cazu, a 10-member Latin band, will be performing. The band’s individual sound is influenced by classical, rock, flamenco, big bands, jazz and tropical. Cazu creates a unique fusion of sound. Taking Turns, a children’s entertainment group that creates world music for children, will also take part in the festivities.

Music is provided by Neruda Productions. Entertainment is presented by the Downtown BIA in partnership with the Kitchener Market.

Cinco de Mayo marks the victory of 4,000 Mexican soldiers over the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862. The poorly equipped Mexicans decisively crushed the French army, one that had not been defeated for almost 50 years.

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