Big Spirit Grant Deadline- August 19!

The deadline for the Wood Buffalo Big Spirit (WBBS) Grant Program  is quickly approaching! This unique program enriches the quality of life in our Municipality by fostering artistic growth, sporting excellence and economic development. Funding is provided by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo but applications are evaluated by the WBBS Committee whose 10 members are representative of the community at large.

These grants, which can be up to $10,000, are available to incorporated/registered non-profit organizations or registered charitable organizations (or those sponsored by such) located within the RMWB. Funds can only be used to further an applicant’s non-profit ventures and may not be used for operational or capital purposes. The WBBS grant program is designed to support new or enhanced community and cultural projects with an end goal of project self-sufficiency.

All potential applicants are encouraged to contact the WBBS Grant Program directly at the conceptual stage to discuss their ideas and to review the complete granting criteria and eligibility.

The next deadline is August 19, 2014. 

For questions, contact grants@bigspirit.ca  
or visit http://bigspirit.ca/grantprogram/

Big Spirit Grant Recipients Announced!

Congratulations to the seven recipients of the Big Spirit Grant!

 The Big Spirit Grant is awarded to community groups and non-profit organizations that  encourage artistic expression, cultural appreciation, sporting excellence, economic  development, community pride and more. The spring 2014 intake of applications is now  closed, and the following organizations were approved to receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000:

• Multiple Sclerosis of Canada – Fort McMurray Regional Office (MS MoveS)
• Fort McMurray Sno-Drifters Association (Safe Ride)
• Janview Sekweha Youth Centre (Youth and Elder Beading Program)
•  Fort McMurray Historical Society (Improv summer camp)
• Lake Athabasca Youth Council (Camp Voyageur & Experiential Learning)
• Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre (Celebrate 50th Anniversary)
• YMM Talks Society (TEDx Fort McMurray)

The fall intake of applications to the Big Spirit Grant Program is now open until August 19, 2014. 

Application forms and more information about the grant can be found at bigspirit.ca/grantprogram.

Visual Art & Design Graduation Exhibition

Friday, April 19, 2013 - Friday, May 3, 2013

Join our graduating Visual Art & Design students for their exhibition reception April 19th 7-9pm. The exhibition in Keyano Art Gallery will be open week days 9am -5pm and weekends 12pm -5pm till May 3rd. All student works are for sale.

http://keyano.ca/events/visual-art-and-design-graduation-exhibition

Community Guide to Recreation, Culture, and Social Services

Are you are looking for something to do or experience in Wood Buffalo during this Family Day? Check out the Community Guide to Recreation, Culture, and Social Services Fall/Winter Edition to learn all about the various resources and activities that are available in Wood Buffalo. You can also access the Community Organizations Database if you are searching for a specific group.


Every effort is made to invite all recreation, culture, and social support service organizations to participate in this Community Guide. If your organization was inadvertently missed and would like to be added to the next publication, please contact:

Community Strategies
Email: RecreationandCulture@woodbuffalo.ab.ca

Phone: 780.743.7966

Africa’s Promise Youth Leadership Club

Africa’s Promise will be hosting the first meeting of the year at MacDonald Island on June 15.  

This group is dedicated to providing African youth of Fort McMurray and area leadership programs and activities.

The meeting starts at 5:00pm and everyone is welcome. 

 For more information, please call 780-750-3640

The Post gallery seeking new volunteer Curator and Director

Fort McMurray, AB, June 8, 2012 - Events Wood Buffalo and the Post gallery are saying goodbye and a very big thank you to volunteer Curator/Director, Connor Buchanan. 

After over a year in this position, during which she built the gallery from the ground up, Buchanan is heading overseas to begin an Arts Administration Masters in the Netherlands. “Although I’m hesitant to part with this community, I’m really excited to be taking the next step along my career path as a cultural advocate,” said Buchanan. “I know we have people in this community who have the skills and the passion to keep this vital arts and culture resource available to the community.” 

The Post has decided to divide the current position into two distinct positions – Curator and Director. Both positions will continue to be in a volunteer capacity. Any interested parties can contact Events Wood Buffalo at 780-791-1600. For full position descriptions visit http://eventswoodbuffalo.com/home/. 

Events Wood Buffalo hopes the Post will continue to thrive with the ongoing support from our community, our fantastic volunteers, and our funders. We wish Connor Buchanan all the best in her new endeavors. 

Media contact: 
Brea Burton 
Marketing & Communications Manager 
780.791.1600 

 www.eventswoodbuffalo.com

WBAF Annual General Meeting

A message from Megan Storrar from the WBAF:

The Wood Buffalo Artists Forum (WBAF) is hosting a party for all visual artists and visual art appreciators in town on Saturday, June 23rd. It is time we all get in one place for some networking and a little meet and greet event. It is a potluck and will be located at the Golden Years Society building downtown. I hope you’ll be able to make it.

Please pass this along to anyone else you can think of who may like to attend. Artists of all ages are welcome.

Thanks,

Megan Storrar
www.wbaf.webs.com

Arts Council Wood Buffalo

We are very proud to announce the formation of Arts Council Wood Buffalo. This is a
community-based non-profit corporation set up by the arts community at the request
of her Worship, Mayor Melissa Blake, to work with regional arts organizations to
strengthen and promote the arts in the region.


An Interim Board of Directors has been established to guide the organization through
its initial stages with a fully representational Board being elected in September 2012.
Interim Board members include Chair, Ken Chapman with the Oil Sands Developers
Group, David Whitelock with Events Wood Buffalo, Ana Maria Mendez, Cultural
Coordinator with MacDonald Island Park, artist and President, Wood Buffalo Artists
Forum, Jenny Berube, Accountant and art lover, Christine Burton, community
advocate and artist, Bryan Jackson, artist and Suncor manager.


"At this point, the Arts Council needs to focus on reaching out to all regional arts
organizations, understanding their needs, and developing a strategic plan to support
and develop the arts in our community," explains Chair, Ken Chapman. "We have had
to hit the ground running, however." states Chapman, "We have a number of projects
on the table already. These include starting discussions with Keyano College to explore collaboration opportunities for learning and the arts, working with the Fort McMurray Airport Authority to include art in the new airport terminal, working with Social Prosperity on understanding the needs of arts organizations and developing a public art policy for presentation to Regional Council." "Our project list shows how critical it is to have an organization that can represent and advocate for the arts and arts organizations in our community", says Chapman.


Board member, Christine Burton states "it is a good time to form an Arts Council. We
have a vibrant and growing visual and performing arts community that needs to be
supported and promoted. By bringing all arts organizations together, we are creating
a powerful voice for the arts. We know from examples around the world that support
for the arts creates communities people want to live in. That is what we want to do
here - imagine the possibilities and then make them real."


For media inquiries, please contact:


Ken Chapman
Arts Council Wood Buffalo, Chair
780-790-1979 (office)
1-780-990-8559 (cell)

Wil Yee: Mural Update

Hello everyone, 
I had the pleasure of working with Wil this weekend on the public art mural that he is creating on the back wall of Composite High School. Here are a few pictures of the project to date, please be sure to swing by Comp next Monday morning at 10 am to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

In the Above image: Composite High School, Graffiti Abatement Mural: Image taken on May 17th, 2012. You can see the grid system that Wil has painted on the brown wall to help guide his work

 Composite High School, Graffiti Abatement Mural: Image taken on May 22nd, 2012 

This image features a section of the left side of the mural, you can see the waves, bottom of the canoe and the figure of Molly the miner is just visible near the top of the image.

In the Above image: Composite High School, Graffiti Abatement Mural: Image taken on May 22nd, 2012. This picture was taken from on the scaffolding pointing down towards the ground. This captures the letter 'M' from 'Miner Pride'.

To see more of Wil's work please visit his website: www.wilyee.com 

or for more info about this project and his proposal please visit our municipal site by clicking here.Below is the draft sketch that will is using as a base for his final work. You can see how the elements of the mural are derived from the sketch but are evolving as the artists works.

May 26, 2012: Full Moon Cafe

Thank you FMC friends for joining us in April! We have two more FMC dates this season at Waterways Community Hall.

May 26 - Featuring expectant Moms, current Moms, Step Moms, and Grand Moms 

June 23- (Solstice weekend) - Featuring --- SUMMER

7:30 pm Drum Circle
All ages and Talents Welcome

Health, hope and happiness.

FMC

http://fullmooncaf.blogspot.ca/

UpTown! New Community Music and Dance Programming

Fort McMurray LGBTQmunity - meeting update

Hello

The Fort McMurray LGBTQmunity is a non-profit society which provides a safe and supportive open environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Questioning people and those who support them, to meet and engage in social activity with one another.

Further goals of the group are to promote the acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ people and to educate the Fort McMurray community at large on issues pertaining to LGBTQ people.

Currently, our business meetings are every second Monday, in the Public Library's Study Rooms, 7:00 PM.
Social Meetings start at the Library, with a quick briefing of the Monday's business and moves on to funner things!

**NEW!**
This space also hosts our Youth Group meetings, alternating Fridays with our main group's Social Meetings.

For more information, please contact
the Board of Directors at
lgbtq.fortmac@gmail.com

***Friends, family, and allies welcome***--

Note: If you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please respond to this email with "Remove Me" in the subject line. If you know anyone who would like to be added to the mailing list, they can send an email to this address with "Add Me" in the subject line. Thank you.

The Farnsworth Invention set to launch at Keyano Theatre

Keyano Theatre Company and TELUS proudly present The Farnsworth Invention – a play by the award winning Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, A Few Good Men, The Social Network). A pulse-pounding theatrical thrill ride, the play captures the drama and intensity of two luminaries racing against time, and each other, to invent the first working television. The year is 1929, and either Philo Farnsworth or David Sarnoff will cross the finish line first, launching one of the most influential inventions in history. 

Splitting his time between Keyano Theatre Company and the Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver, Claude Giroux directs this sensational ensemble effort.

“The play is truly fueled by the energy of the 21-member cast,” says Claude Giroux, who also serves as artistic director of the company.  “The story promises to be an unforgettable live theatre experience.”

Keyano Theatre Company exists to promote and nurture theatre activity and development in our community.  During the six week production process for The Farnsworth Invention, definitive growth has occurred with all members of the cast, comprised of local volunteer actors: students, parents, friends, neighbors and community leaders.

Key players in The Farnsworth Invention include some key players in Wood Buffalo.  Russell Thomas returns to the Keyano Theatre main stage after a 6 year hiatus in the lead role of RCA President, David Sarnoff. Working by day as the Director of Marketing and Communications for Keyano College, he also serves as a Councillor for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Michael Beamish, Student Recruitment Coordinator at Keyano College, is also the award winning founder and producer of local theatre company, Eye Flower Productions.  He is playing the lead role of inventor Philo Farnsworth.

A talented and ambitious artistic team has been working tirelessly to bring this production to life including Stephanie Link, stage manager; Kalon McClarty, lighting and sound designer; Tiffany Bishop, costume designer; and Jennifer Goodman, set designer.

The set designer’s job is to create the onstage environment required to tell the story. The set may be recognizable to some, as it is the same two-tiered structure that was used in the hit musical production of Chicago in February.

“We are using the same basic set platforms and staircases, but we have created a whole new look that will be completely fresh to the audience,” said Goodman. “The crew at Keyano Theatre has also been creating a multitude of custom set and prop pieces that are going to make this production extra special and take us back to that exciting period.”

The Farnsworth Invention will debut at a special Preview performance on April 26 at 8 pm, featuring an exciting announcement and presentation from TELUS, title sponsor of the 4-Play Drama Series.

The Farnsworth Invention opens Friday, April 27 at 8 pm with a special post-show champagne reception catered by the Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre. The play also runs April 28, May 2,3,4,5 at 8 pm.

Tickets available at the Keyano Box Office, call 780-791-4990 or visit keyano.ca/theatre.

Follow Keyano Theatre on facebook and twitter.  

Link to online news release

Link to The Farnsworth Invention webpage

Attached is a PDF news release and show poster.

For more information, please contact:

Misty Oakes

Marketing Coordinator, Arts & Special Events
Keyano Theatre & Arts CentreKeyano College
Office: 780-791-4995Fax: 780-791-4914Cell: 780-531-1263misty.oakes@keyano.ca8115 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray, AB, T9H 2H7

Community Clean Up 2012

Community Clean Up

Spring Clean Up – April 18 to May 13

Take pride, Wood Buffalo! The community and the environment needs your help to maintain the beauty of our region. Citizens, businesses, property owners and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo are encouraged to work together to promote a litter-free environment. Volunteer to clean up a park, greenspace, block, trail or roadway. Yellow Pitch-In bags, gloves and litter picking sticks are supplied.

Click Here to register for Community Clean Up, or call 780.788.1489 for more information.

Pick and Click Photo Contest
Register with Spring Community Clean Up and enter your fun-filled photos in the 3rd annual Pick and Click Photo Contest. Winning submissions will win a prize package valued at $400. 

Adopt-A-Trail / Adopt-A-Roadway Program

Adopt a section of trail or greenspace along municipal roadways. A honorarium of $100/km(Trail) or $250/km(Roadway) will be issued after the minimum requirements of FOUR litter picking sessions from May to September have been completed and reported.

Bags, gloves and picker sticks are supplied. Safety vests are available upon request.

Click Here to register your group for the Adopt-A-Trail / Adopt-A-Roadway program, or call 780.788.1489 for more information.

Highway Clean Up Event

Get Involved with the Highway 69/63 Clean Up event on May 11 and 12 and help keep our region beautiful. Clean up supplies, a safety presentation, and shuttle service to and from the designation locations will be provided. Volunteer as a group or individual; participants must be 18 years or older.

Click Here to register for the Highway Clean Up event, or call 780.799.8643 for more information.

Mayor's Business Block Challenge  

The 5th Annual Block Challenge program encourages neighbouring businesses to "Pitch In" and take on a 20-minute spring cleaning challenge around their properties and throughout their neighbourhoods.

Take the challenge on May 2!

Click here to register your business and receive a free clean up kit. Please register by April 27, 2012.

Tips For Conducting a Safe Clean Up

• Visit your site and assess it for possible hazards. What can you do to minimize any dangers?
• Wear gloves during your clean up. Free bags, gloves and picker sticks are provided by calling 780.788.1489.
• Volunteers are discouraged from cleaning along all highways.
• Do not pick up any dangerous items including broken glass and discarded needles.
• Be very careful around parked cars and driveways.
• Call 780.788.1489 to arrange for the pick up of bags.
• Wash hands thoroughly when completed.

More Than Oil-History book of Fort McMurray

Long term resident, Frances K. Jean, recently published a history book of Fort McMurray entitled More Than Oil - Trappers, Traders and Settlers of Northern Alberta.  


Frances moved to Fort McMurray in 1967 and raised her family here.  She's been a supporter of endless community based initiatives and events and has a strong passion for the Region's history.  This passion is well represented in her book as the tone of all her stories and writings are very touching and personal. 


Frances dedicates her book to the memory of her husband, Bernard Charles Philip Jean, who told her she could do anything if she really wanted to.  
More Than Oil is a series of short stories that highlight local people, events, happenings and all other possible topics relating to Fort McMurray.  Frances provides detailed information about many colourful and interesting characters and recalls memories of when her family moved here in the 60's.  


This book is a wonderful read for any interested person hoping to grasp the depth of community and history that is here.  It is a book of wealthy knowledge that I am pleased Mrs. Jean took the time to write.  


More Than Oil is for sale at Heritage Park's gift shop.   
1 Tolen Drive Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1G4(780) 791-7575

Eight is Enough: upcoming exhibit at the Post

The first exhibition at the Post art gallery came to a close on March 31 and since then, the Post's volunteers have been busy preparing for the next show, Eight is Enough, the graduation exhibit of the 2012 Visual Art and Design diploma program at Keyano College. 

This exhibit will feature paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures from the eight graduating students. 

Please come by the gallery between 7 - 9pm on Friday April 13th, 2012 to show your support for our local emerging artists! These folks have worked very hard over the last two years and are eager to share their accomplishments with the community. This is also a great opportunity to purchase some wonderful works of art at 'student' prices - don't miss out on your chance to own an original work of art created right here in Wood Buffalo.

For more information about this exhibit or the Post, please visit our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Post/167390750040647

Or contact the Curator

Via email: thepost@eventswoodbuffalo.com 

Via phone: 780.880.8337

Social Prosperity WB update

To see any of the three pdf pages in a larger format please left click anywhere over the image. Below is a message from  Nancy Mattes, Director or Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo.

Good morning,

The stories and reports from the January Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo events are now posted on our revised website at: http://socialprosperity.ca/past-events-2012. We’d like to thank everyone for coming. The response has been fantastic!

Check out our new Facebook page with lots of photos from past events. Follow the journey on Twitter!

Attached, please find the new Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo March newsletter.

In this issue:

• Read the latest project update from SPWB Director, Nancy Mattes 
• Find out who is the inaugural Nonprofit Hero in a new series that highlights talented nonprofit leaders who are making a difference in our communities. 
• Get updates on two SPWB priority strategies: 
• Shared Space 
• Sustainable Funding 
• Find useful resources that will build capacity or educate readers about priority strategies, themes and approaches 
• in this issue, SPWB shares resources on how to engage Aboriginals in the work of the nonprofit sector. 
• Learn about the history of Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo, by Katharine Zywert 
• Get the details for the 2012 Heart of Wood Buffalo Leadership Awards Ceremony 

The newsletter will come out monthly and we hope this will help improve communication. Let me know if you have comments or suggestions. We’d love to hear from you.

Have a great day!

Nancy Mattes
Nancy Mattes, Director
Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo
Faculty of Arts, University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue, West
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1

Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts: Fee schedule

Located in the heart of Timberlea, Holy Trinity Catholic High School/Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts is now open for groups and organizations who are interested in renting space. 

Address:
Holly Trinity
230 Powder Dr
Fort McMurray, AB,
T9K 0W8

Available spaces include:
-- 350 seat Theatre
-- 200 seat banquet/wedding/conference centre
-- 2 dance studios (with sprung floors)
-- Multipurpose (Band) room
-- Art room
-- Cooking Lab
-- Fashions/Sewing Lab
-- Piano Lab
-- Varsity & Junior Gymnasiums
-- Fitness Room
-- Numerous Classrooms

Attached is a classroom inventory and price list. Please contact Alexandra Price at 780-792-0012 ext. 6452. for more information or to book a tour of the facility.

Click on any image below to view a larger version.