Check Out the Schedule-at-a-Glance for Unrestricted
/We're excited to release the partial schedule-at-a-glance for Unrestricted, our joint conference with the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance. The conference takes place over two days and includes sessions on cross-sectoral collaboration, the future of arts funding, arts and technology, human resources policy-making, collaborating with marginalized populations, social purpose real estate, mentorship and more.
Check out the schedule below for a glimpse at the programming, delivered by more than 40 arts and culture luminaries including Margo Kane, Marcus Youssef, Monica Gattinger, Jeanne LeSage and Prem Gill. We'll be revealing more sessions and names in the weeks to come, so stay tuned for more information.
9:00 – 9:25 A.M.
INTRODUCTION AND TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Delegates assemble for a welcome and territorial acknowledgment from Musqueam artist and knowledge keeper Debra Sparrow, followed by introductory remarks.
9:25 – 10:10 A.M.
GATHERING OF ALL NATIONS
As we gather for this conference, we are reminded that we come from a diversity of perspectives, cultures and communities — yet we are family. Calling upon Aboriginal tradition, the venerable Cree/Saulteaux interdisciplinary artist Margo Kane invites everyone to bring a memory of their Ancestors, so that together we may honour all the peoples who have contributed to our existence. In the presence of these memories, we connect to learn and celebrate our creative and artistic lives.
10:10 – 11:15 A.M.
COLLABORATION ACROSS SECTORS
This panel discussion, moderated by Hanna Cho (NGX Interactive), will focus on cross-sectoral approaches to collaboration featuring speakers from BC's creative sector sharing their successes and challenges in the sectors of academia, tech, health and media. Featuring panelists Prem Gill (Creative BC), Sarah Pocklington (First Peoples' Cultural Council) and Marcus Youssef (Neworld Theatre).
11:15 – 11:35 A.M. COFFEE BREAK
11:35 A.M. – 12:45 P.M. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
PLAYWRIGHTS: TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE STEP FORWARD
Playwrights are the storytellers of our past, present, and future. This session will look at how playwrights are shaping theatre and society as a whole. How are they leading us? And where are they taking us? Join the discussion, moderated by Heidi Taylor and featuring local playwrights including Elaine Avila, Yvonne Wallace and Paneet Singh.
INTERSECTING MARKETING, CRITICISM AND JOURNALISM
What is the role of arts journalism today for artists and patrons? Is publicity just another avenue of marketing? From major media outlets reducing arts coverage, to independent platforms dedicated to the arts, we unpack the changing landscape of how we communicate the value of our artistic work. Featuring Colin Thomas, Trevor Jang and Alice Ko; moderated by Kenji Maeda.
SURFACING DIGITAL CHALLENGES
This interactive session, facilitated by program designer Sue Biely, will include an introduction to the design and intent of the BC Alliance's massive project Digital Ladders: Nurturing Digital Literacy & Expression in BC's Arts, Culture and Heritage Sector, about ways digital tools can support and be integrated into the vision of your organization.
12:45 – 2:15 P.M. LUNCH
2:15 – 2:20 p.m.
WELCOME FROM THE HONOURABLE LISA BEARE, MINISTER OF TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE
2:20 – 3:30 p.m.
WHAT CONSTITUTES HARASSMENT?
This interactive session moderated by HR expert Jeanne LeSage will explore scenarios that challenge our understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment. Featuring human rights lawyer Clea Parfitt and lawyer Martha Rans (legal director, Law for Non Profits and Artists' Legal Outreach).
3:30 – 3:45 P.M. COFFEE BREAK
3:45 – 5:00 P.M. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
THE ART OF SIGN LANGUAGE IN THEATRE
Sign language is more than just a service added to a presentation or performance. How do we incorporate sign language into the development of theatre, from playwriting to directing? Landon Krentz will explore existing practices in the theatre, from accessibility to Visual Vernacular -- a physical theatrical artform which incorporates sign language.The session includes a Q&A facilitated by ASL coach Imran Hakamali.
CREATIVITY UNPACKED
This workshop, facilitated by Emily Beam and Krista Cameron (ArtStarts in Schools) is designed to unpack the creativity myth that equates "creative" with "artistic," by inviting participants to explore the creative process and investigate the nature of their own creativity.
CREATING RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE POLICIES
This workshop, led by Jeanne LeSage, will help organizations looking to create their own respectful workplace and harassment policies.
BUILDING TRANSFORMATIONAL NETWORKS
Networks can be transformational when they involve shared missions that benefit, or transform, a community and when the distribution of the power is a balanced one. This workshop provides exercises to identify elements of your mission that can best connect with others, how to forge real partnerships and form a network of your own. Facilitated by Andrea Loewen (Pacific Theatre), Navida Nuraney (ArtStarts in Schools) and arts manager Nina Jane Patel.
5:00 P.M. RECEPTION
Join us in the atrium of the BMO Theatre Centre to mingle with your fellow delegates and enjoy canapés courtesy of The Lazy Gourmet.
9:15 – 10:30 A.M.
NOT YOUR USUAL CONVERSATION ABOUT DIVERSITY
Panel discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion in the cultural sector have been commonplace for years, but very little has changed. This panel dares to be different: the panelists themselves decide which topics to cover. Expect an original discussion about the realities of identity and oppression, featuring moderator Naomi Cromwell, Valerie Sing Turner, Meg Gerbrandt, Rup Sidhu, and Jerilynn Webster (JB the First Lady). This session includes graphic recording by illustrator Tiare Jung.
10:30 – 10:45 A.M. COFFEE BREAK
10:45 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
SPACE FOR ARTS & CULTURE: A CONVERSATION WITH SPRE
Affordable space for artists and arts and culture groups continues to be under constant threat in BC's urban areas. Join moderator Jacquie Gijssen and the members of the Social Purpose Real Estate Collaborative (SPRE) in a conversation about space. What opportunities and solutions may be possible? Featuring Jennifer Johnstone (Central City Foundation), Pierre Stolte (Canadian Heritage), Martha Burton (Renewal Partners), Alix Sales (City of Vancouver) and Irene Gannitsos (Vancity Community Foundation).
BOX OFFICE STRATEGIES: PWYC TO DYNAMIC
From economic concerns to community engagement to accessibility, organizations juggle many priorities, and have shifted from standard pricing structures of general admission to incorporating Pay What You Can, tiered pricing, 2 for 1, and dynamic, amongst many others. What's working, and what considerations should you make when exploring your box office strategies? Moderated by Davey Calderon; featuring Bryan Woo (Arts Club Theatre Company) and Jarin Schexnider (Music on Main).
STORYTELLING THROUGH DESIGN
Facilitator Lois Dawson and local designers Carmen Alatorre, Shizuka Kai, and Jeff Harrison share their design inspirations and ways costumes, lighting, and set help tell the stories we see on stage.
FROM ME TO WE: WOMEN IN THE ARTS
This panel discussion moderated by Joyce Rosario opens space to process this political moment and is inspired by #TimesUp, a movement which covers everything from pay disparity to discrimination to sexual harassment. It is a unified call for change that attempts to correct the power imbalance that currently exists so that leadership reflects the world we live and work in. What does this mean in our local context? Panelists will share stories and case studies to inspire action, empower women and take the #MeToo movement beyond the privilege of high profile women to all women – from me to we. Featuring Cicely Blain, Jamie Smith and Kim Senklip Harvey.
12:00 – 1:15 P.M. LUNCH AND AGMS
1:15 – 2:30 P.M. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
LET’S TALK ABOUT DATA
Who is our audience? During a time when the public is more cautious about their privacy, how do we collect and use demographic data ethically? From marketing to fundraising to programming, data can help guide an organization forward. Moderated by Carla Chambers; featuring Janine Guy (Classic Impressions) and Kara Gibbs (Chan Centre for the Performing Arts).
SPONSORSHIPS: LET'S TAKE INVENTORY
This workshop facilitated by Amanda Burrows (Social Venture Partners) explores first steps to meaningful engagement with the private sector: taking inventory of what you have to offer.
BUILDING A CULTURE OF MENTORSHIP
What does meaningful mentorship look like for the mentor and mentee? You will walk away with best practices and deeper understanding to make mentorship opportunities successful for yourself and/or your organization. Featuring Stephen Drover (Rumble Theatre; Arts Club Theatre Company), Susan Miyagishima, and Taran Kootenhayoo in conversation with moderator Nyla Carpentier.
2:30 – 2:45 P.M. COFFEE BREAK
2:45 – 4:00 P.M.
THE FUTURE OF ARTS FUNDING IN CANADA
Monica Gattinger (Institute for Science, Society and Policy, University of Ottawa) is the author of The Roots of Culture, The Power of Art: The First Sixty Years of the Canada Council for the Arts, which provides historical context for the current funding model. The book will be used as a springboard for a provocative discussion about what arts funding should look like in the 21st century. Panelists include 221A's Brian McBay and Camilla Tibbs of Gateway Theatre. For more information on this session, click here.
4:00 – 4:45 P.M.
CLOSING
Closing remarks and acknowledgments from the BC Alliance, the GVPTA and Margo Kane.
Stay tuned in the weeks to come as we reveal more information about opportunities you can expect at Unrestricted!
For more information on Unrestricted, including pricing, programming, accommodations and subsidies, visit our website. To register now, click here. (If you are having difficulty accessing this Eventbrite page using Internet Explorer, try using another browser, such as Firefox or Chrome.)
