It's been a rush. Since today is my last day at Calgary Arts Development, I thought I would attempt writing a blog. I have to admit I've been sort of afraid of blogging (even though blogging dates back to 1983 and I still haven't tried it). How does one write about something in a way that is interesting to read; conversational, yet not silly? But, like Terry says when referring to accepting new technologies, “jump on the train”.  read more »

Keen observers of this website will have noticed an increase in blogging over the past week. In case you're thinking "maybe they're bored..." I thought I'd provide a little meta-post (blogging about blogging) to shed some light on what's up.

In a previous incarnation I was a business professor (cue dramatic music). I specialized in Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Over the years I became generally fascinated with the ways humans organize to get things done. My studies took me all over the map, into anthropology, economics, psychology, sociology (social network theory mostly), and technology.  read more »

Today a new version of Ubuntu, the popular Linux distribution, was officially released. I've been using Ubuntu in both server and desktop environments at Calgary Arts Development for two years now and I can say from experience that the OS is robust, accessible, and just plain works (plus compiz-fusion is bling and how can you not like release names like 'Gutsy Gibbon').

As ICT Coordinator here I rely not only on Ubuntu, but on a whole host of open source projects. Yesterday I was handed a DV tape with the intention of publishing a video of our Art Spaces Investment Process Information Session. I'll trace the process with the open source software applied to the task:  read more »

It's been a wild 2007 at Calgary Arts Development. Among the many highlights, we've got a new baby, programs being renewed and launched, a completed thesis (fingers crossed!), a wedding coming up...

PHEW!! It's time for a break to get ready for the fall! And as I make my way into the wilds of Saskatchewan, I'd like to leave you with this... officially in the running for "CEO mantra of the year" in the office (an office thats as active as any deli counter in the city... check the link to decipher)!

(link and photo courtesy Merlin Mann at the excellent 43Folders website)

If you've visited our site before you've probably already noticed that things are a little different. Besides the new look, we've upgraded our web application framework to version 5.1 of the excellent Drupal CMS, reintroduced the Creative Calgarian Journals, and have set up a system for classified ads.

If you haven't already, please sign up for an account on our site and you'll be able to post journal entries and classified ads as well as define subscriptions that will deliver site content to your email.

Please take a look around, kick the tires, and tell us what you think.

For the few who did not come out to today's City Council Standing Policy Committee on Community & Protective Services (there were well over 60 people in attendance), I'm happy to report that our report was unanimously approved by committee. It now goes to the full City Council on April 16th.

We've known all along that space for the arts is a top concern of the community. We were pleased with the enthusiastic response to our research, but we were frankly floored to see 21 people speak in favour of the report today. Thanks to those who made it out, your support is tangible evidence that we're starting to make a difference.  read more »

After more than a year of research and hard work, we released a study on Cultural Space for the Arts this week.

Here are some links to media coverage from FFWD Weekly, the Calgary Sun and CBC Radio (you'll have to scroll down a bit). If you haven't had a chance to read the full report yet, it's available here. Stay tuned for more updates on this project!

We've just moved our website to its new home over at Webcore Labs. There has been a number of upgrades and changes and we'll be rolling out some new features within the next few weeks.

If you discover any strangeness with the website a quick note would be appreciated so we can fix anything we've overlooked.

Calgary Arts Development is just over 18 months old. We've just celebrated the first anniversary of Holly joining the team as our Knowledge Manager (our 3rd full time employee, after me and Michael). All considered, we really haven't been around very long. As the past year flew by, we had our heads down, focused on researching and beginning a process of reform to the municipal granting process... the mechanism by which we invest in the community.

Our merger with CRAF (now the Grants Committee) is nearing its first month. We had a very successful workshop weekend with our new Grants Committee volunteers in Canmore in mid-November. And now, we have the terrific news that Calgary's City Council has approved our recommended $502,500 increase in annual arts investments.

We're very pleased that all of our work has been so well received. We could not have done it without the enthusiastic commitment and trust of the community. You filled out our giant surveys, drank iffy coffee in our focus groups, met one-on-one in interviews with Judy, came to information sessions and listened to me talk endlessly about our plans, AND attended City Council meetings to show your support. We do our work because of you, and it feels great to be able to turn those plans we've been talking (and talking and talking) about into action.

There's a lot more news coming, details to be ironed out, etc. I want you to know that we sincerely appreciate your continued patience and support as we move together into a new era of growth and opportunity.

Thanks!

[and extra special thanks to the CPAA! Your support was invaluable these last few days.]

Thanks to Kerry Clarke and Dale Turri of the CPAA for organizing a general meeting on September 18th.  At this meeting, I presented some of our latest news, including a summary of our research into granting programs and our agenda for reform.  read more »