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 »

The following article appeared on the blog Urban Scrawl, penned by the Calgary Herald's Paula Arab. It's not everyday that compliments like this are handed out!  read more »

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 »

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 »

With contemporary dance continuing to break new ground here in Calgary, I was extremely lucky to attend the opening night of Body Remix / Goldberg Variations by Compagnie Marie Chouinard (Montreal) at The Grand last night. (Thanks very much Carol and Mark!)  read more »

I spent last evening in a Fireside Chat session with alumni and current participants in Leadership Calgary.  Many thanks to Cassandra Litke for organizing it and to those who came out to hear about what we're doing at Calgary Arts Development, and the things I've learned in the startup process.  It was a great discussion, and I hope we'll continue it.

As I tend to do in situations like this, I rattled off several authors, articles and books to read.  Here's my list:

- Peter Hall, Cities in Civilization
- various authors, Cluetrain Manifesto (www.cluetrain.com)
- Eric Raymond, The Cathedral and the Bazaar (http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/cathedral-bazaar/)
- Cultural Initiatives Silicon Valley (ci-sv.org)
- Tom Peters, The Professional Service Firm 33 (www.tompeters.com)
- also, check out Seth Godin and Squidoo (sethgodin.typepad.com and www.squidoo.com)

Thats all I can remember... let me know if I left any out!

We took in the opening night of Far Away at Theatre Junction.  Thanks to Mark & Carol for the invitation.  Having followed the story of the rebirth of the Grand for a couple of years now, it was great to be there, and to be transported "far away," at the opening show.  Congratulations!

A quick thank you to OYR for the invite to the opening night of Famous Puppet Death Scenes by The Old Trout Puppet Workshop.  Congratulations to everyone involved for a fantastic show!