Presented by Erin MacLean-Berko (Spiritus Chamber Choir and Calgary Boys’ Choir) and Tony McGrath (The GRAND)

As a result of the final REAL project, Erin and Tony have developed a community action plan to begin hosting quarterly social events connected to their complex challenge. These events will be an opportunity to gather unique communities for interactive learning opportunities with guest speakers and field experts, promotion of community collaboration, and knowledge sharing amongst the arts community but also the larger Calgary business community.

Complex Issue

How do smaller non-profit arts groups succeed with limited administrative supports? Is there space in Calgary where an Arts Administration hub could support groups through contracted experts in their relative fields of speciality (financial, marketing, grant-writing, design etc.)?

Brand Recognition: Consistent: Who you are, what you do, and why you do it Unique: What is different about your organization? How does this benefit the greater community?

Collaboration: Shared administrative resources (bookkeepers, concert managers, publicists) Artistic partnerships (interdisciplinary collaborations) Re imagining of spaces (partnerships through venue sharing and promotion)

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Pushing individuals to seek out organizations they admire. Remove the barrier for sharing knowledge, recognize that you can ask questions in a safe space, create an environment that is open to learning.

Technology: Investing in technology in a number of ways so as to streamline processes for the gift of time management. Invest In the areas within a small arts organization that will make the most significant impact.

Connector Project: Connecting business professionals, arts leaders, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and field experts in a barrier-free social environment. Creating space for meaningful connections which lead to knowledge sharing, beyond a typical networking event.