Arts opportunity

At a glance

Employment: Canada Summer Jobs Contract (8-weeks)
Hours: 35 hours/week
Term Date: June 24, 2024 to August 16, 2024
Wage: $22/hr
Location: Calgary (in-office)

Join us today and see for yourself some of the many reasons why were voted one of Alberta’s Top Employers!

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to: employment@artscommons.ca

Closing Date: June 6, 2024

Supervised by the VP, Programming and mentored by the Associate Director, Creative and other senior members of the Programming team, the Special Events Planner is a summer contract position that is focused on supporting a multitude of duties relating to Programming activities within a busy and multi-faceted performing arts space.

You are passionate about the local arts scene – and live performance in particular! You believe in advocating and amplifying the voice of equity-seeking communities through the arts, and you enjoy engaging with different genres, styles, and artistic practices. You’re willing and able to assist with the load-in, set-up, and strike of an outdoor performance; and you know your way around assisting and organizing a live event. You’re also equally comfortable with administrative tasks and digital tools necessary for communicating and collaborating online.

You’re comfortable when working independently with online tasks, but you shine when working and connecting in person with others. You’re a strong communicator – written, over the phone, and in-person – and you’re comfortable taking direction and asking for clarification when you need it. You are excited about problem-solving, but you’re not afraid to ask for help and guidance as you learn to navigate the world of Programming within a creative arts administration environment.

Who we are:

Arts Commons is an ecosystem inclusive of artists, resident companies, and community groups. As one of the largest performing arts centres in Canada, Arts Commons strives to break down barriers to cultural participation by providing a modern, open, and inclusive gathering space in a central location.

At Arts Commons:

Our belief

• That equitable access to the arts is a human right

Our responsibility

• To redefine a bold and adventurous Calgary by championing and investing in creativity

Our mission

• To be an inspirational force where artists, community and organizations celebrate cultural identities, experience the full breadth of human emotions, and ignite positive change 

What we offer:

On top of the excitement of working with a team of committed performing and visual arts professionals at one of Canada’s top performing arts facilities, Arts Commons offers:  

• A collaborative, engaging and values driven work environment 
• Wage of $22/hr
• A dynamic role that will have you engaging with the arts and communities in different parks and outdoor spaces throughout the spring/summer

What we value:

We are looking for individuals who share our vision of building a creative and compassionate society, inspired through the arts. Our team is made up of people with a diverse range of interests — singers, actors, musicians, playwrights, coaches, teachers, gamers, bakers, photographers, athletes, dancers. People whose interests encompass the widest spectrum. We even have furry, four-legged friends in the office. We value people who strive to do the right thing, and work to be their best. People with open minds, hearts and arms. 

What you will get to do here:      

The focus of this role is to support the Programming team in the coordination, delivery, and associated administration of our presenting, community connects, education, and visual and media arts activities and events. In this role, you will gain experience in putting shows on stages, and in unusual spaces, both inside and outside of Arts Commons. You will learn about scheduling for a multitude of activities, as well as learn about the administrative procedures for Programming in the areas of contracting, online filing systems such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint environments, licensing, insurance, of various forms of financial tracking.

Working within a department that programs music, dance, theatre, education, and visual and media art, the Special Events Planner will be afforded the opportunity to learn about all the infrastructure that supports performance events occurring within our building and any associated outdoor events. Working within a dynamic and changing work environment, this role will have you learning about how to balance and juggle a multitude of identities and responsibilities within the programming realm.
Helpful skills to bring to the position, while also being motivated to expand on them include: Adaptability, Collaboration, Clear Communication, Creativity and Innovation, Digital Skills and Problem-Solving

Where you fit within our ecosystem:

The Special Events Planner is a member of the Arts Commons Programming team. Supervised by the VP, Programming and mentored by the Associate Director, Creative in combination with the Associate Director, Education and Senior Curator, Visual & Media Arts, this individual will attend weekly Programming meetings, have one-on-one in person meetings with all the above, but will be primarily guided by the Associate Director, Creative. In addition to working closely with all members of the Programming team, this role will interact with various interdepartmental teams, as well as with contracted event technicians, teaching facilitators, artists, and the public.

You will be a great fit if you…

Must haves:

• Comfortable working in collaborative environments
• Knowledgeable and able to work confidently in Microsoft Office suite / Office 365
• Is comfortable and enjoys using technology and online tools or programs
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal
• Positive ‘can-do’ attitude and adaptability to working on dynamic tasks and with a multitude of different individuals
• Sound problem solving, decision making and creative thinking abilities
• Knowledgeable and interested in Calgary’s local arts-scene
• Ability to lift at least 35 lbs. and navigate uneven terrain, as needed for any outdoor events (e.g. outdoor park spaces)
• As this position is part of the Canada Summer Jobs program, it is a funding requirement that applicants must be between the ages of 15-30 years in order to be considered 

Nice to have:

• Experience with live performance production (e.g. theatre, music, dance, etc.) and coordinating live events (e.g. stage management, advancing, etc.)
• Experience working with artists
• Experience within an administrative support role

If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, please forward your resume and cover letter in confidence to:

Human Resources
Arts Commons
205 - 8th Ave SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 0K9
Email: employment@artscommons.ca

Interviews will be conducted on an on-going basis and the job posting will officially close when a suitable candidate is found. For best consideration, please apply by the deadline date. While we hope to fill this position as early as possible, our commitment to finding the right candidate may require more time.

We thank all interested applicants in advance but will only be contacting those selected for an interview.

If you have any specific questions to ask in relation to the role, please send them to the email address above and a member of our team will do our best to respond to you in a timely manner.

Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)

As part of our organization’s commitment to IDEA, we work to remove barriers in collaboration with a broad range of voices. Removing these barriers begins with the hiring process. To that end, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and providing accessible employment practices. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known.

We strongly encourage applicants who identify as part of underrepresented groups, including women, people of colour and those with disabilities to apply. Even if your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we strongly encourage you to apply anyway!

An excitement and passion for Arts Commons can go a long way here, whether it’s in this role or another.

At a glance

Employment: Permanent
Hours: FT (40 hrs)
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: $45,000 - $53,000
Location: Calgary (in-person)

Join us today and see for yourself some of the many reasons why were voted one of Alberta’s Top Employers!

To apply, send your resume, cover letter and portfolio to: employment@artscommons.ca
Closing Date: June 3, 2024

Reporting to and working closely with the Manager, Communications & Media Relations, the Digital Communications Coordinator is an important member of the Brand and Audience Development team – providing support to Arts Commons' internal and external communication strategies and marketing initiatives that help develop and drive the promotion of the Arts Commons (master) brand and our sub-brands’ (Education, Galleries, Connects, Presents) activities.

As our Digital Communications Coordinator, you will energize our marketing and communication initiatives by creating impactful promotional and automated email campaigns, and monitoring and analyzing patron data to measure the effectiveness of our communication efforts. You will also use your creative voice to write compelling stories that convey our brand offerings and generate audience engagement.

As an arts advocate, you aim to bring together artists and art enthusiasts through innovative ways of promoting community connections. You build excitement and awareness by supporting the development of promotional materials, online campaigns, and other initiatives that enhance patron loyalty and drive growth. Overall, you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are eager to help elevate our brand’s visibility.

Who we are:

Arts Commons is an ecosystem inclusive of artists, resident companies, and community groups. As one of the largest performing arts centres in Canada, Arts Commons strives to break down barriers to cultural participation by providing a modern, open, and inclusive gathering space in a central location.

At Arts Commons:

Our Belief

• That equitable access to the arts is a human right

Our Responsibility

• To Redefine a bold and adventurous Calgary by championing and investing in creativity

Our Mission

• To be an inspirational force where artists, community and organizations celebrate cultural identities, experience the full breadth of human emotions, and ignite positive change

What we offer:

On top of the everyday excitement of working inside one of Canada’s top performing arts facilities with a team of professionals that share a passion for the arts, Arts Commons offers a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits for this role:

• A collaborative, engaging and values driven work environment
• An annual salary in the range of $45,000 - $53,000
•  A comprehensive health and dental benefits package, with RSP matching and access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
•  A positive working culture, keeping employee health and wellness a priority with generous paid time off policies and an annual lifestyle allowance.
• A dynamic role that will have you engaging in many different aspects of the arts

What we value:

We are looking for individuals who share our vision of building a creative and compassionate society, inspired through the arts. Our team is made up of people with a diverse range of interests — singers, actors, musicians, playwrights, coaches, teachers, gamers, bakers, photographers, athletes, dancers. People whose interests encompass the widest spectrum. We even have furry, four-legged friends in the office. We value people who strive to do the right thing, and work to be their best. People with open minds, hearts, and arms.

What you will get to do here:

As our Digital Communications Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic team in leading the creation of our e-communications, including sales e-blasts, pre-show advisories, and special invitations. You will also assist in executing communications plans by preparing written materials for Arts Commons stakeholders including patrons, media, community partners, and internal stakeholders. Your expertise in data analysis and reporting will aid in informing departmental decision-making and strategic planning, ensuring that our integrated communications initiatives are effective and data-driven.

In this role, you will focus on developing communication materials that maximize the visibility and impact of Arts Commons’ master and sub-brands. Success in the role will depend on your ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines across key areas, including e-communications administration, data analysis and reporting, audience development, and communications and promotional support.

Strategic Goal: Amplify and enhance the organization’s impact while championing Arts Commons’ marketing and communications initiatives for audiences through impactful digital communication strategies, data-driven decision making, and comprehensive promotional efforts to achieve meaningful results in loyalty, satisfaction, and sales.

Where you fit within our ecosystem:

The Digital Communications Coordinator is a member of the Brand & Audience Development department and reports to the Manager, Communications & Media Relations. This role works closely with other departments, such as the Ticketing Services, Development, and Programming, to ensure consistency in our internal and external communication efforts and identify opportunities for collaboration.

You will be a great fit if you…

Must haves:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Digital Marketing, or related field and/ or a combination of comparable education and experience
• 1-3 years’ experience managing and administering CRM and/or e-mail marketing software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Sharp attention to detail – vigilant in analysis and proof reading
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent writing skills across platforms and audiences
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with other team members
• Critical thinking – analyze the numbers, look at trends and data, and come to new conclusions based on findings
• Ability to synthesize information quickly, make appropriate decisions, and offer recommendations and propose solutions
• Experience supporting marketing and communications initiatives in an in-house environment
• Experience with and passion for CMS, CRM, email, and marketing analytics tools & KPIs

Nice to have:

• Database administration, an asset
• Knowledge of Calgary arts and culture, an asset

If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, please forward your resume, cover letter and portfolio in confidence to:

Human Resources
Arts Commons
205 - 8th Ave SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 0K9
Email: employment@artscommons.ca

Interviews will be conducted on an on-going basis and the job posting will officially close when a suitable candidate is found. For best consideration, please apply by the deadline date. While we hope to fill this position as earliest as possible, our commitment to finding the right candidate may require more time.

We thank all interested applicants in advance but will only be contacting those selected for an interview.If you have any specific questions to ask in relation to the role, please send them to the email address above and a member of our team will do our best to respond to you in a timely manner.

Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)

As part of our organization’s commitment to IDEA, we work to remove barriers in collaboration with a broad range of voices. Removing these barriers begins with the hiring process. To that end, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and providing accessible employment practices. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known.

We strongly encourage applicants who identify as part of underrepresented groups, including women, people of colour and those with disabilities to apply. Even if your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we strongly encourage you to apply anyway! An excitement and passion for Arts Commons can go a long way here, whether it’s in this role or another.

The Edmonton Short Film Festival (ESFF) is looking for a young adult to join our festival team as the Videographer/Editor responsible for shooting and editing video from our various events as well as creating content for our social media platforms and web site. Ideally the youth will have an understanding and appreciation of film festivals and the importance of these festivals to both film artists and the community. The majority of their time will be creating and editing engaging videos for our social media platforms.

Our Videographer/Editor will also receive mentorship from and work collaboratively with the festival directors - both award winning filmmakers.

The ideal candidate is a student who is entering their final year of studies or is a recent graduate of a media, film or video production program.

This position is funded through Canada Summer Jobs.

Start date June 1

Application Deadline May 17

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Create high quality videos and still photographs that convey our message, culture, feeling, and story to the community and potential audience participants
• Create and deliver video content designed for websites, social media, advertising, etc.
• Shoot event footage, and work with other videographers to shoot additional footage at events
• Edit all footage using Final Cut, Premiere Pro or other professional-grade software
• Be able and willing to travel to various film screening events and workshop locations
• Embrace and support the ESFF mission and adhere to safe practices in the workplace
• Must be organized, able to take direction, and be a team-player
• Open to working evenings and weekends

Skills:

• Collecting, organizing and creating video content
• Develop workflows and processes to meet deadlines
• Be independently creative
• Have a passion for videography and editing
• Be proficient in editing software
• Have a good understanding of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TicTok) and how to create content for each platform
• Be versatile to be able to quickly adapt as required
• Basic understanding of how to operate cameras, microphones, lighting and all related equipment in the production and editing of video
• Strong attention to detail and time managements skills
• Photography experience is a big plus

Please send a cover letter and resume to filmfest@esff.ca by May 20, 2024.

website: esff.ca

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Travelling Exhibition, Women Gone Wild! explores the subject of wild creatures and the natural world as expressed in the work of three contemporary women artists from Edmonton. Featuring works by Cynthia Fuhrer, Jenny Keith and Samantha Walrod, the depictions of wild creatures presented by these artists range from realistic representations to more abstract and surrealistic impressions. These artists also demonstrate diverse reasons for choosing their subjects. Whatever their artistic approach and intentions, however, all three artists reveal a love and respect for nature in their works and through them invite viewers to ‘go wild‘ as well.

Featuring works by Cynthia Fuhrer, Jenny Keith and Samantha Walrod, the depictions of wild creatures presented range from realistic representations to more abstract and surrealistic impressions.

These artists also demonstrate diverse reasons for choosing their subjects.

While Samantha Walrod emphasizes materiality in her imagery, both Jenny Keith and Cynthia Fuhrer are more concept driven, addressing personal concerns and the relationship of humanity to the natural world in their paintings. 

Curated by Shane Golby, Art Gallery of Alberta (TREX Region 2)

Education guide

The Calgary Philharmonic celebrated 65 years as a pillar of Calgary's vibrant arts community in 2020 and has grown to be one of Canada's most celebrated live music ensembles.

Led by Music Director Rune Bergmann, the Orchestra presents classical standards, pop favourites, bold collaborations, and cutting-edge new works and attracts world-renowned guest artists and dynamic conductors each season.

In addition to 66 orchestra musicians, the Calgary Phil is one of two major symphony orchestras in Canada with its own Chorus of over 120 volunteer singers, which celebrated 60 years in 2023.

In a typical season, the Calgary Phil welcomes over 100,000 visitors to the concert hall, connects with thousands of students through its educational programs, and reaches audiences worldwide through free and accessible digital programming.

The Role

We are looking for a creative and enthusiastic Communications Manager to join our Marketing + Sales team. Are you a dynamic storyteller who is passionate about building community through music? As a key member of the administrative team, you will report to the Director, Marketing + Sales and work closely with musicians, guest artists, and community partners.

The Communications Manager helps share the Calgary Phil story through engaging and informative content and is responsible for managing all communications activities. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, exceptional communicator, results-oriented, and has demonstrated experience in forging strong relationships with the community.

Responsibilities

Media Relations

• Develop and execute a media relations strategy
• Secure and grow positive media coverage for concerts, events, digital programs, fundraising campaigns, and other initiatives
• Write compelling media releases and concert advisories
• Work with Calgary Phil musicians and administrative team to generate story ideas and provide media coaching and talking points
• Update and grow media contact database
• Track and archive media stories and provide monthly media reports
• Field media queries and provide photographs to media outlets
• Act as primary contact for media at events

Publications

• As Editor of Prelude — Calgary Phil’s in-house magazine — develop the content strategy, write and/or coordinate feature articles, sell advertising, gather and compile content including programs and artist biographies
• Write and/or edit content for season brochure, including organizational messaging and concert descriptions
• Coordinate additional in-house printed programs
• Proofread and edit communications collateral

Marketing

• Support the Director, Marketing + Sales with marketing activity schedule and campaign content
• Liaise with advertising suppliers and write scripts for radio campaigns
• Oversee Digital Marketing Specialist and social media strategy, including content creation for website, newsletters, and social media posts
• Work with Marketing + Sales Coordinator on community engagement and cross-promotional activity

Miscellaneous

• Work with Director, Marketing + Sales to develop and execute communications strategies for public announcements, season launch, crisis management, etc.
• Prepare speeches for all onstage concerts and events
• Coordinate pre-concert chats
• Write, edit, and/or proofread communications collateral for all departments
• Schedule and plan content with Artistic and Development teams
• Advance internal communications between departments
• Other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications

• Post-Secondary Education in Communications or Marketing, or equivalent experience
• Minimum five years Communications/Marketing experience
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and presentation skills
• Public Relations experience is required
• Publishing experience is an asset
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills
• Excellent social media insight
• Strong negotiation skills
• Experience in a not-for-profit or performing arts organization an asset
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team
• Knowledge of classical music and/or a sincere interest in arts and culture

 Additional Details

• The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on related job experience.
• This position requires flexible hours including attendance at evening/weekend concerts and events throughout the season.
• The Calgary Phil is trialing a hybrid remote work program until 31July 2024. Employees who are eligible for this program can work up to three days/week from an appropriate remote location 
• As part of our full compensation package, Calgary Phil offers three weeks’ vacation, a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, an employee assistance program, bonus days off, and other non-cash benefits
• Office location: Arts Commons, Floor 2, 205 8 Avenue SE Calgary AB T2G 0K9

Application Process

Deadline: 11 March 2024

Applications will be reviewed regularly, and suitable candidates may be contacted before the deadline.

Please send cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to:

Janet Bwititi
Director, Marketing + Sales
HR@calgaryphil.com with the subject line “Communications Manager”

The Calgary Phil is committed to fostering an anti-racist, equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment and, as such encourages qualified candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds.

If you require an accommodation for the recruitment/interview process, please let us know so that we can work with you to assist with your needs.

We thank you for your interest in the Calgary Phil. Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.

This two-week residency encourages writers of Literary Journalism focusing on Environmental Concerns. Designed to challenge and stimulate, the program aims to inspire creative pieces of non-fiction and to assist the writers in their completion.

The program addresses universal environmental concerns at a time when they could not be more relevant – from fire and flood, to climate change, to life after oil. 

A preeminent space for long-form journalism, this residency emphasizes the strengths of thorough and articulate reporting, distinctive storytelling, and literary devices. 

Running from February 24 - March 7, 2025, this residency receives a full scholarship, including accommodation and meals.

Deadline for application is October 2, 2024. 

For more information about this residency, and to apply, visit www.banffcentre.ca/programs.

This 12-day self-directed residency offers writers, from all creative genres, the opportunity to work away from the constraints of everyday life. Delve deep into your creative project and take advantage of the artistic community of your peers around you.

This program provides opportunities for consultations with exceptional mentors Danez Smith and Omar El Akkad and professional guest Samantha Haywood (Transatlantic Agency), and optional group sessions that allow writers to explore literary tools, aspects, and devices that you may find useful in your practice.

Running from January 13 - 24, 2025, this residency receives a partial scholarship to cover 100% of tuition and 50% towards accommodation and meal plan.

The total cost to participant is $1,092.

Deadline for applications is September 11, 2024.

To find out more about this program, and to apply, visit www.banffcentre.ca/programs.