Volunteer Bulletin July 2009

Artwalk

Artwalk, The St. Clair Arts Festival and Studio Tour, is the annual celebration of all forms of art in the St. Clair West area of Toronto. The mission of Artwalk, is to celebrate our diverse and vibrant community through the arts. We will engage, inspire, and transform our community through inclusive, creative alliances amongst local businesses, artists, volunteers, and neighbours.

We are looking for volunteers who have 2-3 hours a week to help us in preparing for the upcoming festival being held on September 26-27, 2009.

Director, Outdoor Market:

To plan and coordinate with the artists and City of Toronto in organizing our Outdoor Art Market.

Board Positions:

The Board meets on a monthly basis to provide strategic leadership and to ensure the vision and mission of the organization are being met. This is a working board that seeks creative approaches and oversees the various program areas.

Coordinator, Fundraising:

To plan, direct, and coordinate the management of our annual fundraiser planned for Sept 09

Accountant:

To assist us in preparing annual statements including balance sheets and income statements.

Lawyer:

To prepare papers of incorporation for our not-for-profit organization.

Promotions:

To assist in advertising , promotions, marketing strategy, and public relations activities.

Sponsorship:

To effectively cultivate, solicit, manage and steward corporate partnerships to support our non profit organization.

We are looking for enthusiastic people to help with these various positions within ARTWALK. If you're interested in having fun and working with great people please call or email your resumé to:

Mary Renner-Dray

Board Member & Recruitment Coordinator

(416) 654-4954

mdray@sympatico.ca

http://www.stclair-artwalk.org/

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BeautifulCity.ca Alliance

The Beautifulcity.ca Alliance is a network of several dozen organizations that support the Beautiful City Billboard Fee (BCBF), a proposal to have a charge levied on billboards with revenues dedicated to accessible public art funding. The initiative aims to beautify, democratize and diversify access to public space, and in turn hold companies investing in billboard advertising accountable for their impact on shared spaces. Our offices are located at Dufferin and Queen.

Positions: We need volunteers for a range of activities, including research, outreach, street teams and administrative tasks.

Dates: Ongoing until October.

Time commitment: Flexible.

Contact:letsdothis@beautifulcity.ca

Web:www.beautifulcity.ca

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The Bernardo Padron Group

Dedicated to composing and performing global jazz inspired by Latin American folk music. Members: Andrew Downing, Marilyn Lerner, Mark Duggan, Alan Hetherington, Justin Haynes and Bernardo Padron

Contact:www.bernardopadron.com email: bernardo@bernardopadron.com phone: 416 985 2194

General location: St. Clair W. Ave. and Landsdowne Ave. (Caledonia) area

Description of position:

1) General publicity and marketing of upcoming concerts/shows at Hugh's Room and The Music Gallery.

• poster and postcard distribution
• General promotion (web, radio, press coverage, and exposure of the event)
• booking interviews, soliciting reviews, etc
• email list and newsletter development (facebook, my space, etc.)

2) Profile raising research and data gathering.

• contacting with the genre's media personel (radio programs, festival programmers, club bookers, etc.) to see who has heard of the group, who hasn't who has received the promo kit or not etc.
• tour development and coordination.

Starting date: as early as last week of July (1st concert is on October 1st) but flexible. Hours: as much as available.

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Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre

Call for volunteers: Summer Graffiti Mural Program

The L.O.F.T. stands for Life Opportunity, Food and Technology. Located in the basement of the Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre, the LOFT is a FREE drop-in space for street-involved, newcomer and marginalized youth in West-End Downtown Toronto. The program offers volunteer, placement and mentorship opportunities in a variety of fields, including employment resourcing, peer support, graffiti arts, graphic design, sound production and recording, and healthy eating. For more information, please visit us online at www.conccommunity.org

The program would formally begin on the last week of July and would go through August.

Contact: Javid or Viviana, javid@conc.ca, (416) 534-8941

Web:www.conccommunity.org

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Contact Contemporary Music

Contact Contemporary Music is a young new music organization located in downtown Toronto. The organization produces a home concert series annually as well as outreach activities including a free week-long summer workshop for youth and the Toronto New Music Marathon at Yonge-Dundas Square in September. The organization also has a resident ensemble, Contact, that performs contemporary works and participates in the concert series and outreach activities.

Description of position: Board of Directors

Dates: Year Round

Time commitment: Four quarterly meetings, plus concert attendance and possible committees

Contact: Jerry Pergolesi, 416-902-7010, jerry@contactcontemporarymusic.ca

Web: www.contactcontemporarymusic.ca

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Continuum Contemporary Music

Formed in 1985, Continuum Contemporary Music, based in Toronto, presents the work of emerging Canadian composers alongside that of established national and foreign composers in its concert series, at festivals, on tour, over the air waves and through recordings and the internet. The Chalmers Award-winning group presents concerts featuring the core ensemble of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and percussion, as well as unusual instrumental combinations; ensemble members are some of Toronto’s top musicians, who regularly perform with Esprit Orchestra, the National Ballet and Canadian Opera Company orchestras, among others. Continuum has been responsible for commissioning and premiering more than 100 new works from emerging Canadian composers in the first stages of significant careers.

Description of position:

We are seeking individuals who have a passion for contemporary arts in general and for contemporary music in particular who can help us to:

• Continue to present contemporary music concerts of the highest caliber
• Promote contemporary music in the community and develop new audiences for the art form
• Encourage the creation of new work, especially from emerging composers
• Create ground-breaking and engaging interdisciplinary projects
• Increase and broaden revenues
• Increase Continuum’s visibility within contemporary arts communities and within the general public

Dates: Ongoing

Time commitment: 4-5 hours/month

Contact: Josh Grossman, Administrator, (416) 924-4945 josh@continuummusic.org

Web:www.continuummusic.org

Call for Board Members - Continuum Contemporary Music

Formed in 1985, Continuum Contemporary Music presents the work of emerging Canadian composers alongside that of established national and foreign composers in its concert series, at festivals, on tour, over the air waves and through recordings and the internet.

Recent highlights:

• In 1999, Continuum toured Canada in support of its debut CD, Continuum 1

· In 2000, Continuum formed the recording ensemble for a Centrediscs release of works by Chris Paul Harman

• In 2003 Continuum made its European debut in a tour of The Netherlands, Great Britain and Belgium; performances were picked up by three radio broadcasters including the BBC and VPRO Radio
• In 2005 Continuum presented l’Oreille fine, three days of concerts and a symposium exploring new music and its philosophical, sociological and psychological underpinnings. Speakers included Mark Kingwell, Russell Smith, John Bentley Mays, Jan Zwicky, Jordan Petersen and Wayne Koestenbaum. Presented jointly with the Royal Ontario Museum, the French Consulate and The Royal Conservatory of Music, l’Oreille fine was turned into a two hour TVOntario documentary (which at 30,000 attracted “Big Ideas” largest audience ever), and a concert was broadcast by CBC radio
• In 2007 Continuum released its latest CD, Sea Change, featuring Canadian and British composers
• During the 2008-2009 season Continuum presented SHIFT, a festival of Canadian and Dutch music, film and literature, first at the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ in Amsterdam in November, then in Toronto in February; partners included Asko|Schonberg Ensemble, the Ives Ensemble, Quatuor Bozzini, Toca Loca, Authors at Harbourfront Centre and Images Festival

Continuum Contemporary Music is currently seeking board members.

If you have a passion for contemporary arts in general and for contemporary music in particular, please consider joining our board and help us to:

• Continue to present contemporary music concerts of the highest caliber
• Promote contemporary music in the community and develop new audiences for the art form
• Encourage the creation of new work, especially from emerging composers
• Create ground-breaking and engaging interdisciplinary projects
• Become a self-sufficient organization, drawing revenues from a variety of sources
• Increase Continuum’s visibility within contemporary arts communities and within the general public

For more information on Continuum Contemporary Music or to become involved, please contact Administrator Josh Grossman (josh@cotinuummusic.org) or Artistic Director Jennifer Waring (jwaring@interlog.com) by email, call (416) 924-4945 or visit www.continuummusic.org.

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Culmix Arts Alliance

Culmix Arts Alliance Inc. is an art organization based in Toronto federally incorporated in June 2007 under part 2 of The Canada Corporations Act. The organization is dedicated to assisting professional artist-members in furthering their career through various promotional activities, which include but not limited to collective touring exhibitions and events coordination.

The organization is currently looking for volunteer foundation-members (artists or other professionals) to occupy the strategic positions in the organization such as secretary, public relation, accountant, event coordination, and proposal/grant writer.

If you think you are qualified and interested in helping professional artists to advance their career, please forward your letter of intent; stating your interest, professional background and experience.

For more information please email: info@artistforartists.com or call: 647-989-7092

These are current members’ portfolio:

• http://www.zeaqraht.com & http://www.georgecalle.com

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DNA Theatre

DNA Theatre is a highly experimental theatre company presenting a unique theatre experience, using new theatre languages and offering performances that are deeply affecting. Hillar Liitoja, Artistic Director, is looking for a volunteer to assist him with administrative and/or technical work. This is a great opportunity to work directly with Hillar, and be exposed to his creativity. "The world of his (Liitoja's) DNA Theatre is a place where anything can happen", Eye Weekly. An interest in experimental work is essential.

Position: Administrative and/or Technical Support

Time commitment: Flexible

Contact: Hillar Liitoja at 416-504-5099 or hillar@dnatheatre.com

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Dusk Dances

Now in its 15th season, Dusk Dances is an outdoor dance festival that brings high quality contemporary and traditional dance to public parks. As dusk descends, a theatrical host leads the audience to five eclectic dance pieces that unfold in different areas of a park. Choreographers from various styles and backgrounds are commissioned to create a ten-minute piece inspired by the park's natural environment. In 2009, Dusk Dances will present week-long festivals in the Davenport, East Downtown, and Jane/Wilson neighbourhoods.

Position: Dusk Dances is looking for six volunteers for each night of the festival. (84 volunteers in total throughout the summer).

Description: Positions include info table/concessions person, dressing room security guard, and ushers. Volunteer duties would also include program stuffing and nightly setup/teardown of info table, signs, and banners.

Time Commitment: The opening band starts at 7pm, and the dance starts at 7:30pm. Volunteers would be required at the park at 5:30pm and would finish no later than 9:30pm.

Dates:

Withrow Park (South of Danforth between Logan and Carlaw) -- August 4 to 9

Chalkfarm Park (Jane/Wilson area) -- August 13 to 16

Contact: Jonathan Heppner, Communications Manager info@duskdances.ca or

416.504.6429 x41

Web:http://www.duskdances.ca

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Jeunesses Musicales Ontario

Jeunesses Musicales Ontario (JMO) is a non-profit arts organization that fosters the careers of outstanding young professional musicians at home and abroad. JMO promotes the development of the arts in Ontario by bringing fine classical music to audiences of all ages.

As young artists gain valuable experience and exposure, students, families and the general public enjoy high-quality, affordable, accessible musical entertainment.

Description: We are looking for volunteers who enjoy clerical work and dealing with the public:

Volunteering at Toronto concerts

Taking tickets, coat check, handing out programmes

Volunteering for the Toronto Office

Researching and creating databases

Mailings

Cold calling (scripts would be provided) to help promote education programmes

Contact: Vanessa at: vgoymour@jeunessesmusicales.ca

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Jewish Music Toronto Arts Council

Jewish Music Toronto Arts Council is an ad hoc committee working under the umbrella of the United Jewish Welfare Fund. It is currently inactive due to the deaths of several key board members. We need Lawyers, Accountants, Teachers, Housewives, Poets, Painters, Typists, Mechanics as well as those who are musically inclined.

We intend to meet once each quarter and as required before any scheduled concerts or events.

We seek working board members.

Our mandate is to program works of Jewish interest, engage in musicological research, commission new works, assist both young and established artists and composers, to engage in outreach to the broader community, engage in international cultural exchange and foster healthy relations with between other organizations, religions and groups. We do not discriminate as to age, religion, ethnicity, race or sexual orientation.

Current Joint-Venture partners are the John Weidner Foundation for Altruistic Behaviour and The David Nowakowsky Foundation.

Past concerts have included The Elmer Iseler Singers, Trio Lyra, Toronto Children's Chorus, The Penderecki String Quartet, Trio Instrumental de Camera of Buenos Aires, and The Vilnius String Quartet. Music ranges from Jazz to Folk and Classical.

Contact: Ron Graner 416 658-3610 rgraner@trebnet.com

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Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre

Location: 750 Spadina Ave. (SW corner of Spadina & Bloor St. W.)

Are you looking for a meaningful and fulfilling way to spend free time?

We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers! From the After School program and Cultural Arts programs to office work and events, we’ll find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you at the JCC. Volunteer with children, computers, art, games, physical fitness and the homework club. Bring your enthusiasm and energy and we will provide you with an orientation session.

Please contact:

Maxine Bailey

416-924-6211 ext. 121

maxineb@mnjcc.org

www.mnjcc.org

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Open Studio

Open Studio is currently seeking someone to join our volunteer Board of Directors in the capacity of Treasurer. Finance experience is required and a Chartered Accountant designation is not necessary but considered an asset.

Inquiries and expressions of interest should be sent to the attention of: Heather Webb, Director, Open Studio. Email: heather@openstudio.on.ca

Board of Director’s Responsibilities and Time Commitments:

Board Members are required to attend and participate at eleven (11) monthly Board of Directors’ Meetings, usually the last Monday of the month, in addition to either Chairing or participating on committees and participation at our two annual fundraiser events (December and May).

The time commitment breaks down approximately as follows: 2 hours each month for Board Meetings; approx. 6 – 12 hours for committee meetings and committee related work per year; 5 – 6 hours per year for our two annual fundraisers. In addition to volunteering their time, Board Members are expected to aid in fundraising efforts.

Board Member Job Description

Regularly attends Board meetings and important related meetings.

Makes serious commitment to participate actively in committee work.

Volunteers for and willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time.

Stays informed about Board and committee matters, prepares themselves well for meetings, and reviews and comments on minutes and reports.

Gets to know other Board and committee members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.

Is an active participant in the Board and committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.

Participates actively in fund raising for the organization.

Board Treasurer Job Description

1. Is a member of the Board

2. Chairperson of the Finance Committee.

Oversees finances of the organization.

Administrates fiscal matters of the organization.

Presents annual budget to the Board for approval. Provides quarterly fiscal reports to the Board.

Ensures development and Board review of financial policies and procedures.

Raises any financial governance concerns promptly to the Board.

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Orpheus Choir of Toronto

The Orpheus Choir is a 60-voice auditioned choir rehearsing and performing in the Toronto area. Rehearsals are held at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. Concert venues vary from year to year, but may include Eglinton St George’s United Church, Metropolitan United, St James’ Cathedral, etc. The repertoire is classical, from Renaissance to contemporary, and the choir specialises in performing new or rarely heard works.

Position: Front of House Co-ordinator – responsible for Front of House team at the choir’s concerts. Duties include working with choir manager to plan for the event; calling volunteer ushers to establish availability; leading and co-ordinating team on concert night.

Dates: Oct 30 2009, Dec 22 2009, Feb 28 2010, May 8 2010 (dates vary every year)

Time commitment: 5 hours per event, plus prep time

Contact: Helen Coxon, Manager, 416 251-3803; hcoxon@sympatico.ca

Web:www.orpheuschoirtoronto.ca

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Penthelia Singers

Penthelia Singers is a vibrant ensemble of women performing culturally diverse and musically sophisticated repertoire in Toronto, Ontario. We rehearse at Rosedale Presbyterian Church, 129 Mount Pleasant Rd. (At South Drive) in Toronto. Penthelia Singers strive to stimulate and challenge both themselves and their audience through innovative programming resulting in concerts of professional quality.

Position: Webmaster

Description: Update and maintain the Penthelia Singers website with information on upcoming concerts and events. Provide links from the website to Youtube and Facebook sites and upload recent pictures of the choir.

Dates: immediately – June 2010

Time Commitment: Varies depending on what is happening with the choir approx. 1 Hr. a week.

Contact: Abby McGarvah (416) 255-6359, abztrakt@hotmail.com

Web:www.penthelia.com, Facebook: Penthelia Singers

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urbanNOISE

urbanNOISE is an anti-violence urban arts festival now in its fourth year. The event features a variety of artists and is presented outdoors at the grounds of the North Kipling Community Centre in Rexdale, North Etobicoke.

Description of position: Various positions available

Dates: Friday Sept. 25th and Saturday Sept. 26th, 2009

Time commitment: Flexible

Contact: Roshanak Jaberi (Project Manager) roshanak@expect.org

Web: www.urbanNOISE.ca

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Word on the Street

The Word On The Street is Canada's largest book and magazine festival, annually attracts 200,000 visitors, 250 exhibitors and more than 150 authors to Queen’s Park on the last Sunday of September. As a not-for-profit event, the festival relies on the commitment, time and energy of more than 200 volunteers to help bring the event to life. Volunteering is an opportunity to lend your experience, learn new skills, meet and work with new people, to share in the enjoyment of Canadian books and magazines and to give back to your community in an exceptionally positive way. The day is rewarding in so many ways: you'll get to meet fellow literature enthusiasts, authors and publishers as well as leave satisfied that you have supported a wonderfully vibrant community-based event.

What roles do we need volunteers for?

Here’s just a few of the areas for which we are looking to find volunteers:

Administration – Photographers, Floaters, Surveyors

Guest Services – Information Booth Attendants or Ambassadors

Logistics – Festival Set Up, Festival Tear-Down

Programming – Programming Tent Attendants

Exhibits – Exhibitor Information Ambassadors, Exhibitor MarketPlace Attendants

What is expected of festival volunteers?

Volunteers will typically be assigned a 4-6 hour shift based on their availability. All volunteers are expected to participate in orientation and training which will be held on-site on the day of the festival.

The details!

The Word On The Street will celebrate its 20th festival on Sunday, September 27th, 2009 from 11am to 6pm at Queen's Park, Toronto. Please email volunteers@thewordonthestreet.ca to find out more information or to register.