A few notes crossed my desk this week via email I'll pass along this weekend, all regarding the local arts scene...
From the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines, it was announced this week due to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Celebration of Nations Indigenous Arts Gathering will be moved online this year.
The gathering, set for the weekend of September 11th to the 13th, has as its theme this year Mighty Niagara and the Great Lakes Watershed. This stems from the abundance of water in Niagara and the obvious need to practice responsible stewardship of the region's environment.
The news release, quoting Artistic Director Michele-Elise Burnett, states "attendees can still expect the same high-quality diverse programming that distinguishes Celebration of Nations as a premier Indigenous performing, visual and intellectual arts event."
The event will launch on Friday September 11th with the Celebration of Nations Outstanding Achievement Awards and many of this years' programmes will focus on this particular theme through the online platform.
New this year will be the Indigenous Niagara Living Museum Tour, a virtual tour that will guide visitors to several significant cultural and historical Indigenous locations throughout the region.
You'll be able to learn more about the annual gathering this Sunday at 4 pm for the latest episode of #NiagaraPerforms, featuring a conversation with Artistic Director Burnett, Artistic Producer Tim Johnson and a special guest performance by Canadian Mohawk Two Spirit singer/songwriter Shawnee.
You can access the #NiagaraPerforms online performances via the FirstOntario PAC Facebook and Youtube platforms.
The FirstOntario PAC also announced this week due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will not proceed with a traditional 2020-2021 HOT TICKET Season or Film House programming. That is a tremendous loss to the community at large but given the current climate it is perhaps the wisest decision.
However, management is currently working to find alternative ways to engage with artists, audiences and the community via the digital landscape for the time being, and then introduce in-venue programming when it is finally safe to do so.
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Executive Director Colleen Smith also asked if any of their existing or community clients and partners still want to explore possibilities in or around the downtown facility, they are encouraged to reach out to the PAC team in order to find ways of bringing your recording, event or performance to life in a virtual way. She says "We are ready and waiting. We are still open for opportunity."
Last week I included in this space a couple of updates on two downtown arts organizations working hard to provide alternative ways to entertain and engage audiences during the summer months while the pandemic puts a stop to regular programming, and both have short updates to mention again this week.
The Foster Festival has extended the deadline for submissions for the first of three Normflix online sessions featuring Canadian playwright Norm Foster. Originally set to expire yesterday, the submission deadline for part one, Ask a Legend, has now been extended to tomorrow, Sunday June 21st.
You can send in your questions for Norm on video keeping one of the three themes in mind: The Early Years, Storytelling and Order out of Chaos (How COVID has changed our world).
You can send your video submission link via Google Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer, and email them to info@fosterfestival.com.
Finally, Suitcase in Point Theatre announced this week applications for The Nest Residency are now open. This initiative, launched in 2019, offers a new generation of theatre artists in the Niagara Region a creative home for 12 months to gain exposure, training and hands-on experience.
Through the programme artists are mentored and supported to build and develop new work, as well as learn how to hone their creative and collaborative skills.
The release this week states that while individuals are welcome to apply, "we encourage collectives, companies and collaborators to apply as a group." Residency in The Nest includes the opportunity to showcase work developed as part of the annual In The Soil Festival.
Of course, the current pandemic means access to studio, office space and public gatherings are curtailed pending restrictions resulting from COVID-19.
You can go to the Suitcase in Point website to learn more and view application details.
That's it for this week. As Niagara enters Stage 2 of reopening the economy we are taking small steps to regain a semblance of normalcy in our everyday lives. We are still a long way off to be sure, but baby steps are better than nothing at the moment, so let's stay vigilant and make the recovery stick so we can get back to normal sooner rather than later.
Have a great and safe week!
June 20th, 2020.
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