By Pepper Parr

October 9^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A lot of questions.

Several paragraphs below take you through the current Board level leadership of the Performing Arts Centre that lost its Executive Director quite suddenly on xxxx

Rumours of unacceptable financial behaviour, making decisions well outside the level of responsibility that an Executive Director is given was kept away from the public.

The Executive Director was gone and the search was on for a new one.  That was in June – and not a word from the Board since.

The City found that it had to provide the 2024 Sound of Music (SoM) event a significant sum to keep the organization afloat until they had some cash coming in from the event which at the time of the financial rescue was days away.

All this was during that period of time when Performing Arts was “presenting” the Sound of Music – it was never quite clear what “presenting” meant.

A lot of people thought that tucking Sound of Music under the wing of Performing Arts was a great idea – that isn’t our view.

The structures of these two organizations is radically different – SoM  has a large dedicated roster of volunteers who work very well together – groups like that don’t work all that well within a structured organization like city hall, which in Burlington is still a collection of silos.  It’s getting better but they aren’t yet the well-oiled machine that has every moving part perfectly synced with every other part.

June 10, 2024

Since 2011, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) has been committed to bringing the best of the arts to its patrons. BPAC is thrilled to welcome seven new faces to its Board of Directors, who will join the hard-working directors currently on the Board and continue to drive and enhance the centre’s commitment to the community. The following new Directors were announced at the AGM on May 30, 2024:

Stephen Bell – Owner of Burlington’s Pepperwood Bistro with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, in both restaurants and hotels, Stephen has been a proud sponsor of BPAC for many years. Pepperwood Bistro’s charity efforts have raised thousands of dollars for Cystic Fibrosis of Canada as well as other local charities.

Dr. Anna Danielova – Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs and Accreditation at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University, Anna has spent two decades as a teaching professor and researcher in financial management, corporate finance, investments and valuation at McMaster as well as prominent universities in the US and Armenia.

Carrie Gervais – VP of Finance at MetriCan Group of Companies, with a solid reputation for providing strategic financial solutions to assist business growth. A trusted advisor and leader, Carrie brings a focus on building relationships and effectively collaborating with others.

Max Honiball – Associate Lawyer at Frederikse Law, practicing across all of the Firm’s practice areas. Max loves travel and is an avid musician; two hobbies which are serendipitously supported by his role as a British Army Reserve Musician.

Kari Pimentel – VP of Human Resources at TD Bank. A 25-year HR veteran, Kari is known as a strategic and pragmatic leader, adept at balancing business realities and employee experience while cultivating strong and collaborative relationships.

James Sweetlove – Formerly a lawyer with Ross & McBride, Jim retired in 2015 after over 40 years practicing in the areas of estate administration, planning and litigation. Jim has called Burlington home for over 50 years and has embraced community involvement since retiring, chairing, vice-chairing and sitting on a number of Boards.

Jim Thompson – A retired executive business leader, Jim spent 40 years working for the world’s #1 retailer, Walmart. Jim has lived in Burlington for 30 years and his not-for-profit activities keep him very busy – he currently spends his time as a Board Member, Consultant, Mentor and Speaker.

In addition to the new Directors, BPAC has named its new Youth Ambassador to the Board. Mark Mazuco, a 13-year-old student, will bring a youthful perspective and a vibrant energy to BPAC, and will serve as Burlington’s Youth Voice for the Arts. Mark’s leadership potential has been recognized through his participation in the Canadian Cadets program, as well as his selection to represent Burlington at the 2024 Ontario Model Parliament. These experiences honed his teamwork, communication, and diplomacy – all important skills he will bring to the Youth Ambassador role.

These new appointments join current Board members Ken Smithard (Board Chair), Peter Van Dyk, Deirdre Flynn, Emilie Cote, Kelly Gleeson and Angelo Bentivegna. Cote and Bentivegna represent the City and Council.

BPAC’s Board of Directors’ Statement of Purpose is to lead a progressive performing arts centre that is a gathering place, offering a balance of community and professional programming guided by artistic vision and excellence.

The objective of the Board is to build, foster and celebrate cultural vitality and diversity in the City of Burlington so that the performing arts are seen as an important component of everyday life.

Related news stories:

Performing Arts Director resigns

SoM to take place despite the confusion at BPAC

By Bryan Zarpentine

August 11^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

 

As much as Ontario can be a sportsman’s paradise for all of the fun it offers adventurers and outdoorsmen, the province offers so much more. On days when the weather is a little too cold or you don’t quite have the energy to be outside, there are countless ways to have fun indoors throughout Ontario. Naturally, the province’s biggest cities are filled with amazing museums. Let’s take a look at some of the top museums, as well as the other activities that residents and visitors of Ontario can do if they’d prefer to stay inside.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum is both the largest museum in Canada and arguably Toronto’s most iconic architectural landmark. On the outside, you’ll see a striking facade that’s designed to resemble a giant crystal with glass and aluminum facets. Of course, the real fun is on the inside. That’s where you’ll find an astonishing array of cultural and natural history artifacts. The museum is a journey into the past, including the era of dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, and Canada’s First Peoples. That just scratches the surface of the Royal Ontario Museum, so there is bound to be something for everyone.

Hockey Hall of Fame

When in doubt, visitors to Ontario should check out the Hockey Hall of Fame. Even if you’re not the biggest hockey fan, it’s a way to immerse yourself in Canada’s national sport. This iconic venue houses hockey’s ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup. You can view the original trophy in Lord Stanley’s Vault or have your picture taken with the modern version. The Hall of Fame’s museum takes a look at hockey’s origins, the Zamboni, and the NHL’s greatest players. There is also an interactive ice rink for visitors to test their stick skills, which always makes for a fun time.

Bird Kingdom

If you’re interested in birds, needless to say, Bird Kingdom is the place for you. It’s the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary! Guests can wander through a rainforest and discover hundreds of tropical birds. Bird Kingdom is able to replicate the natural habitats of both common and exotic birds, creating an authentic experience that even some zoos can’t match.

Museum of Illusions

Toronto’s Museum of Illusions might be the perfect place to bring inquisitive children. There are interactive exhibits, each showcasing a unique trick that will challenge anyone’s perception of reality. It’s a truly unique museum that visitors won’t soon forget. The entire visit can be done in as little as 30 minutes, making it the perfect museum for young kids with a short attention span.

St. Lawrence Market

As far as indoor farmers markets are concerned, the St. Lawrence Market is the pinnacle. When you get there, grab a sandwich or a pastry from Carousel Bakery and then walk around to enjoy over 100 different vendors. You’ll find cuisine from all over the world, giving you the opportunity to expand your taste buds. The market has multiple floors that have artisanal foods, fresh produce, and even souvenirs that will help make the experience memorable.

Online Casino Games

In some cases, you don’t even need to leave home to have a good time. That’s the advantage of online casinos, which are quickly gaining in popularity throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada. From slots to card games, just about every game you’d find in a traditional casino can be found in one of Canada’s online casinos. More importantly, they can be accessed from anywhere if you have a mobile device and a good Internet connection. The trick is to explore various casino bonuses that can give you free bonuses to get new users started the right way.

Science North

Science North is Northern Ontario’s top tourist destination. Located in Sudbury, there are four levels of interactive fun, not to mention a digital planetarium, an IMAX theatre, and several special rotating exhibitions. You can enjoy live animals, beautiful tropical butterflies, and countless other science-based experiences. There is so much fun to be had at Science North that you won’t even realize how much you’ve learned by the time you leave.

Acadia Earth

Arcadia Earth is the best way to explore underwater worlds and fantasy lands. It takes visitors on a multi-sensory journey of what a more sustainable future might look like using technology and art installations. The goal is to inspire others to help create a better and more sustainable world. AT the same time, it helps to showcase the overwhelming beauty of our planet. Like any good museum, Acadia Earth helps to educate and entertain at the same time.

By Staff

April 10th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Arts and Culture Fund (BACF) provides grants to local artists, multicultural groups and arts and cultural organizations to:

• Encourage social cohesion, enhance quality of life and stimulate cultural and economic development through direct investment
• Enrich how Burlington residents experience and engage with arts and culture
• Foster creativity
• Nurture the quality and capacity of the arts and culture sector in Burlington

The program recognizes and supports diverse identities, perspectives, languages, cultures and artistic practices. Funding must be used to further an applicant’s not-for-profit activities and grants are intended to support a specific activity or event taking place from April to March.

This year’s approved BACF funding allocation is $75,000 total for the 18 projects. Each applicant could apply for up to $7,000 in funding.

Art With Heart: Reflective Art Workshop Series

Applicant: Lena Sharda

The Art with Heart: Reflective Art Workshop Series is a series of five workshops designed to engage community members in creative expression and self-discovery in order to build resiliency and improve overall mental health. Led by multidisciplinary artist, facilitator and therapeutic arts instructor Lena Sharda, the workshops combine therapeutic art exercises and mindfulness practices to foster self-reflection and wellness, while supporting participants to develop skills in: healthy coping, positive interpersonal dynamics, resiliency and self-confidence. A selection of the artwork created during the workshops will be displayed as part of a community art exhibit at the Burlington Public Library to share the importance of mental health and how the arts play a pivotal role in wellness.

The Artist’s Mark Juried Exhibit

Applicant: Burlington Fine Arts Association

The Burlington Fine Arts Association (BFAA) is an artist collective of approximately 180 local artists and the largest of the seven guilds of Arts Burlington. The Artist’s Mark will provide an eighteen-day juried art exhibit. The exhibition brings original art out of the gallery and into a more accessible community space to provide a unique celebration of local, contemporary art. Throughout the exhibition, participating BFAA artists will give talks about their work and artistic process. The Artist’s Mark will also feature focused artist presentations and outreach that includes an art display and workshop at local senior retirement residences throughout Burlington. The project provides a continued celebration of creativity and supports local artists from the Burlington community.

Authors in Your Neighbourhood

Applicant: Sylvia McNicoll

Authors in Your Neighbourhood encourages children to have fun interactions with local writers and illustrators to foster a love of reading and writing. This year, Authors in Your Neighbourhood has expanded to include four local authors: Lana Button, Jennifer Maruno, Sylvia McNicoll, Anitha Rao-Robinson and illustrator Jennifer Faria. They will each demonstrate and teach their craft in six two-hour workshops. Children will have the chance to learn about writing dialogue, describing characters and settings, structuring plots, and learning drawing fundamentals. Workshops will be hosted by the Burlington Public Library and reach over 250 children. This year Authors in Your Neighbourhood will also include parents and guardians in a dedicated family literacy workshop.

Brushstrokes of Bravery

Applicant: Lara Kirschner

Local artist Lara Kirschner has partnered with Shifra Homes and the Halton Women’s Place to offer paint classes to pregnant at-risk women and new moms. The classes will involve creating a personal interpretation of a pre-planned acrylic painting on stretched canvas and each class will present a new theme to help foster a sense of accomplishment. Learning opportunities for the project include developing a new skillset to boost self-confidence, working outside of one’s comfort zone to promote mental and emotional growth, the development of interpersonal skills in a group learning environment and exposure to a variety of painting techniques. The project provides a vulnerable population with access to creative teaching and skill development.

Burlington Latin Festival

Applicant: Latin Legacy Association

The Burlington Latin Festival is a cultural celebration that brings together a diverse range of artists, activities and vendors to promote the creativity, innovation and cultural exchange of the Burlington Latin community. The festival will showcase various forms of artistic expression including music, dance, Latin wellness classes, workshops and a parade. The festival will take place in Central Park on Aug. 24, 2024 and will feature a musical lineup of salsa, reggaeton, merengue, bachata, cúmbia, mariachi, jazz and samba. The dance program will present contemporary dance, traditional folk dances from Latin America and a parade. The festival is free and will include art workshops highlighting the different art and crafts of Latin American culture.

Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village – Free Livestream Concerts for Burlington Schools

Applicant: Chris McKhool, Sultans of String

Three-time JUNO Award nominees and Billboard charting band Sultans of String will present a series of livestream concerts for Burlington elementary schools. Inspired by world travel, the project celebrates Canada’s multicultural mosaic with songs about the Buddhist Bodhi Day, Quebec’s Carnival, Chanukah, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Diwali, Eid, Halloween, Pan-African Kwanzaa, Ramadan and Winter Solstice. Celebrate! will provide young audiences with a glimpse into different customs, celebrations and festivities enjoyed in Canada. The concert lineup features core Sultans of String members: Chris McKhool on violin, Kevin Laliberté on guitar and Drew Birston on bass, as well as global musicians Maryem Hassan, Ernie Tollar, Qui Xia and Andrew from Silk Road Music, Ts’ymshian Elder Shannon Thunderbird, Suba Sankaran and Dylan Bell, and Aviva Chenrnick.

Celebrating the Cultures of the Silk Road

Applicant: One Burlington

One Burlington is exploring the historic Silk Road to showcase the intermingling and exchange of cultures through contact and commerce. As the traders travelled with their goods, they exchanged stories, songs and ideas with people from many other countries and regions. Celebrating the Cultures of the Silk Road is a family friendly afternoon featuring a variety of events for attendees to participate in. First, on stage in the BPAC Studio Theatre, five dance performances will feature music and storytelling from the four different regions covered by the Silk Road: China, Middle Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. Three workshops will take place in the lobby where participants can learn about embroidery techniques, tea ceremonies and rug making. The event will also feature a presentation on the history and cultural significance of the Silk Road followed by a question-and-answer period.

 

Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk

Applicant: Elizabeth Gardens Creative Collective

The Fourth Annual Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk is a free one-day event that features thirty to forty local, multi-disciplinary artists, artisans, makers, designers, musicians and arts facilitators. The event is free, accessible to all ages and has tents and booths showcasing various artists’ work. Twenty interactive and collaborative Art Experience Stations will be hosted by local artists and include: pottery, paint pouring, ink, drawing, chalk murals, hydro dipping, up-cycled art, bookmark and button making as well as musical, dance and storytelling performances. The project helps the community learn about the many talented artists and makers that live in Burlington. Participants can immerse themselves into new artistic practices in a safe, supportive environment, while learning about the importance of art, and the value of connecting as a community.

 

Focus on Your Future

Applicant: Latow Photographers Guild

Established in 1971, the Latow Photography Guild is a member of Arts Burlington with approximately 90 members. The guild aims to help members develop their photography skills and offers a variety of programs, guest speakers and evaluations. Aimed at photography students and emerging photographers, Focus on Your Future is a portfolio review event that will provide participants with an opportunity to obtain personalized feedback on their work, recommendations and resources to improve, and tips on next steps in their future in photography. Reviewers are members of the Latow Photographers Guild and special guest reviewers will include nationally and internationally recognized photographers, jurors and instructors.

 

Halton Freedom Celebration Festival

Applicant: Halton Black History Awareness Society

The Halton Black History Awareness Society (HBHAS) is dedicated to implementing cultural education into the public mindset towards appreciating the values of equity and inclusivity. HBHAS develops programs to erode racism, prejudice and stereotyping, while increasing knowledge of Canadian history and its cultural landscape. The free, one-day Halton Freedom Celebration Festival brings together musical acts, children’s and youth activities, cultural art, food, crafts, heritage, historical and genealogical vendors, while promoting inclusivity and community. The multicultural festival will offer cultural crafts, art in the park, cultural fashions and accessories, food and music including the best in Canadian R&B, Reggae, Soul, Funk, African, Cuban, Jazz Fusion, Soca and Pop. The Halton Freedom Celebration Festival will take place in Spencer Smith Park on Aug. 3, 2024.

 

The Journey Around the Sun

Applicant: Lowville Festival

The Lowville Festival was founded in 2015 with the vision that arts and nature are perfect partners in creating unique cultural events in the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment. In 2024, the festival will continue with the celebration of both the Winter and Summer Solstices and the Spring and Fall Equinoxes. The Solstice events will be performance-based events and the Equinoxes festivals will be interactive family fun events. The events will take place on June 20, Sept. 20, Dec. 21 and March 20 on the Summer Solstitium, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Hibernal and the Vernal Equinox.

 

Lunar New Year Celebration Gala

Applicant: Redleaf Cultural Integration

The Lunar New Year Celebration Gala is an event to celebrate the beginning of the new Lunar Year, one of the most important festivals in Asian countries. The event connects people, shares diverse cultures, and celebrates the Lunar New Year. The celebration features a half-day, free cultural exhibition showcasing multicultural displays of Chinese watercolour painting, calligraphy, traditional sugar painting, a tea ceremony, Indian Henna painting, and a Korean culture display. The main event includes performances of a selection of songs and dances from various cultures and a magic show on the Burlington Performing Art Centre’s main stage. Redleaf Cultural Integration is a non-profit cultural organization that works with people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and ages to enhance the quality of life in Burlington.

 

Music Across the Cultures

Applicant: Burlington Symphony Orchestra

Music Across the Cultures is a full orchestral concert featuring special guest artists offering a variety of cultural performances. While Western Classical Music continues to be the foundation of the Burlington Symphony Orchestra (BSO), this concert provides an opportunity to expand these boundaries and connect with a variety of cultures through non-Western music and performances. The concert will feature the full-sized 55-member community orchestra and include special performances by members of the Canadian Arabic Orchestra, members of the Sampradaya Dance Creation Company, as well as a Burlington guest violinist performing Czardas.

 

RISE: An Immersive Community Wellness Celebration

Applicant: Exisst SoulCare

Existt SoulCare is an artist-driven wellness initiative that aims to elevate collective consciousness, creativity, mindfulness and community building. RISE 2024, An Immersive Wellness Community Celebration will take place at the Lowville THiNKSPOT in Walt Rickli’s Sculpture Garden. This unique location will host transformative community wellness workshops, a traditional cacao experience and a dynamic forest dance performance by CinnaMoon Collective. The event will feature an opening community connection circle, breathwork and a mindful meditation workshop and community celebration with the live musical styling of DJ Magda Arturo.

 

Somewhere That’s Green

Applicant: Charles Cozens

Somewhere That’s Green is a live concert of environmental music performed by the Charles Cozens Chamber Music Ensemble with conductor Maestro Charles Cozens. Charles has written compositions for chamber orchestra with the theme of our environment and surroundings. Selected compositions will be performed in conjunction with several visual artworks by Burlington artists. Each composition will be descriptive of each artwork. The artwork will be displayed in front of the orchestra and by a video projected on a screen to magnify the imagery. Selected visual artists include Victoria Pierce and Janet Horne Cozens, and photographer Chris Hominuk. During the concert, the artists will provide a description about their artwork.

 

Stitching Together: Cross Cultural Encounters through Embroidery

Applicant: Creative Community Collective

The Stitching Together Community Embroidery project features lectures and hands-on demonstrations to learn embroidery. Workshops will be hosted at five different locations across the city. All of the individual embroidered pieces created at the workshops will be assembled as a single community piece, symbolizing the diversity of cultural heritage among the residents of Burlington. Embroidery has roots in ancient civilizations, has many variations and allows participants to interact during the creative process.

 

Telling Tales Festival

Applicant: Telling Tales

The 16th Annual Telling Tales Festival returns to the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park. The event is free and visitors can participate in educational activities led by a diverse group of authors, illustrators, musicians and storytellers. The program is culturally diverse and committed to showcasing fresh, local talent alongside internationally renowned personalities. Guests can listen to the stories behind a book’s creation, learn writing tips and meet local authors. Participants can explore interactive workshops, express their creativity in the craft tent with story-based art and explore the park’s sculpture collection.

 

Theatre Workshops for Adults

Applicant: Theatre Burlington

Theatre Burlington was created in 1952 with the mission to provide opportunities for Burlington residents to learn about the direction, production and staging of plays. This workshop series will be coordinated by local writer and playwright Evelyn Principato, and be presented by members of Theatre Burlington. The series will cover the basics of live theatre production and participants will be mentored in the production and staging of one-act plays. The final workshop will include the presentation of one-act plays to friends and family. Participants will get first-hand experience in core areas of live theatre production including: directing, stage management, set design and construction, props, lighting, sound, costumes, acting including voice projection, stage presence and nerve management. Through the final theatrical performances, the attendees will apply skills learned in the workshops.

By Staff

February 20^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Festivals and events in Burlington are a source of civic pride, social connections, an arts and culture platform and can be an economic boost.

The City is looking for public input in developing a Festivals and Events Policy to help ensure the best services and experiences for all,

Residents are invited to complete an online survey at getinvolvedburlington.ca/eventspolicy to share feedback on their satisfaction with events on City property and their wishes for future direction.

The purpose of the proposed policy is to provide a set of guidelines and criteria to assist with planning and managing events on City of Burlington property.

The survey is open now until March 5. Responses will be used to guide the discussion of criteria and components of a policy at the Committee of the Whole and City Council in April.

Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture said “This policy will help us move towards our strategic goal of providing the best services and experiences for all. We want to find the balance between providing festivals and events of great value while ensuring we have the right locations, mix of events and timing.”

Links and Resources

getinvolvedburlington.ca/eventspolicy

By Pepper Parr

January 25th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If I were a local artist – I would be ticked at this notice.  Less than ten days to put together an application that offers $20,000 for the first phase of a Call for Artists and $150,000 for the second phase.

And if I were a citizen who kept an eye on what the City administration does I’d be less than pleased to learn that there will be public art in the renovation/upgrade to Civic Square that the public has not heard about.

Here is what the Call for Artists is about,

Request  for Expressions of Interest, Public Art Plan (Phase 1), Civic Square Renewal

Deadline:  Friday, February 2, 2024
Phase 1 Budget:    $20,000
Phase 2 Budget:    $150,000

Application Package:  Civic Square Application Package (PDF)

Online Application:  Civic Square Public Art Plan Online Application Form

The City of Burlington invites professional artists and artist-led teams to submit credentials and expressions of interest to create a Public Art Plan for the Civic Square Renewal project.  The selected artist(s) will work directly with the City’s design and architecture teams to develop a Public Art Plan for integrated, permanent public artwork(s) to be installed in Civic Square.  Please note, Phase 1 of this project is for a Public Art Plan (preliminary design concept) only and does not include the engineering, fabrication, or installation of the artwork.