Calgary

Special Events Planner

At a glance

Employment: Canada Summer Jobs Contract (8-weeks)
Hours: 35 hours/week
Term Date: June 24, 2024 to August 16, 2024
Wage: $22/hr
Location: Calgary (in-office)

Join us today and see for yourself some of the many reasons why were voted one of Alberta’s Top Employers!

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to: employment@artscommons.ca

Closing Date: June 6, 2024

Supervised by the VP, Programming and mentored by the Associate Director, Creative and other senior members of the Programming team, the Special Events Planner is a summer contract position that is focused on supporting a multitude of duties relating to Programming activities within a busy and multi-faceted performing arts space.

You are passionate about the local arts scene – and live performance in particular! You believe in advocating and amplifying the voice of equity-seeking communities through the arts, and you enjoy engaging with different genres, styles, and artistic practices. You’re willing and able to assist with the load-in, set-up, and strike of an outdoor performance; and you know your way around assisting and organizing a live event. You’re also equally comfortable with administrative tasks and digital tools necessary for communicating and collaborating online.

You’re comfortable when working independently with online tasks, but you shine when working and connecting in person with others. You’re a strong communicator – written, over the phone, and in-person – and you’re comfortable taking direction and asking for clarification when you need it. You are excited about problem-solving, but you’re not afraid to ask for help and guidance as you learn to navigate the world of Programming within a creative arts administration environment.

Who we are:

Arts Commons is an ecosystem inclusive of artists, resident companies, and community groups. As one of the largest performing arts centres in Canada, Arts Commons strives to break down barriers to cultural participation by providing a modern, open, and inclusive gathering space in a central location.

At Arts Commons:

Our belief

  • That equitable access to the arts is a human right

Our responsibility

  • To redefine a bold and adventurous Calgary by championing and investing in creativity

Our mission

  • To be an inspirational force where artists, community and organizations celebrate cultural identities, experience the full breadth of human emotions, and ignite positive change 

What we offer:

On top of the excitement of working with a team of committed performing and visual arts professionals at one of Canada’s top performing arts facilities, Arts Commons offers:  

  • A collaborative, engaging and values driven work environment 
  • Wage of $22/hr
  • A dynamic role that will have you engaging with the arts and communities in different parks and outdoor spaces throughout the spring/summer

What we value:

We are looking for individuals who share our vision of building a creative and compassionate society, inspired through the arts. Our team is made up of people with a diverse range of interests — singers, actors, musicians, playwrights, coaches, teachers, gamers, bakers, photographers, athletes, dancers. People whose interests encompass the widest spectrum. We even have furry, four-legged friends in the office. We value people who strive to do the right thing, and work to be their best. People with open minds, hearts and arms. 

What you will get to do here:      

The focus of this role is to support the Programming team in the coordination, delivery, and associated administration of our presenting, community connects, education, and visual and media arts activities and events. In this role, you will gain experience in putting shows on stages, and in unusual spaces, both inside and outside of Arts Commons. You will learn about scheduling for a multitude of activities, as well as learn about the administrative procedures for Programming in the areas of contracting, online filing systems such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint environments, licensing, insurance, of various forms of financial tracking.

Working within a department that programs music, dance, theatre, education, and visual and media art, the Special Events Planner will be afforded the opportunity to learn about all the infrastructure that supports performance events occurring within our building and any associated outdoor events. Working within a dynamic and changing work environment, this role will have you learning about how to balance and juggle a multitude of identities and responsibilities within the programming realm.
Helpful skills to bring to the position, while also being motivated to expand on them include: Adaptability, Collaboration, Clear Communication, Creativity and Innovation, Digital Skills and Problem-Solving

Where you fit within our ecosystem:

The Special Events Planner is a member of the Arts Commons Programming team. Supervised by the VP, Programming and mentored by the Associate Director, Creative in combination with the Associate Director, Education and Senior Curator, Visual & Media Arts, this individual will attend weekly Programming meetings, have one-on-one in person meetings with all the above, but will be primarily guided by the Associate Director, Creative. In addition to working closely with all members of the Programming team, this role will interact with various interdepartmental teams, as well as with contracted event technicians, teaching facilitators, artists, and the public.

You will be a great fit if you…

Must haves:

  • Comfortable working in collaborative environments
  • Knowledgeable and able to work confidently in Microsoft Office suite / Office 365
  • Is comfortable and enjoys using technology and online tools or programs
  • Strong communication skills – both written and verbal
  • Positive ‘can-do’ attitude and adaptability to working on dynamic tasks and with a multitude of different individuals
  • Sound problem solving, decision making and creative thinking abilities
  • Knowledgeable and interested in Calgary’s local arts-scene
  • Ability to lift at least 35 lbs. and navigate uneven terrain, as needed for any outdoor events (e.g. outdoor park spaces)
  • As this position is part of the Canada Summer Jobs program, it is a funding requirement that applicants must be between the ages of 15-30 years in order to be considered 

Nice to have:

  • Experience with live performance production (e.g. theatre, music, dance, etc.) and coordinating live events (e.g. stage management, advancing, etc.)
  • Experience working with artists
  • Experience within an administrative support role

If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, please forward your resume and cover letter in confidence to:

Human Resources
Arts Commons
205 - 8th Ave SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 0K9
Email: employment@artscommons.ca

Interviews will be conducted on an on-going basis and the job posting will officially close when a suitable candidate is found. For best consideration, please apply by the deadline date. While we hope to fill this position as early as possible, our commitment to finding the right candidate may require more time.

We thank all interested applicants in advance but will only be contacting those selected for an interview.

If you have any specific questions to ask in relation to the role, please send them to the email address above and a member of our team will do our best to respond to you in a timely manner.

Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)

As part of our organization’s commitment to IDEA, we work to remove barriers in collaboration with a broad range of voices. Removing these barriers begins with the hiring process. To that end, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and providing accessible employment practices. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known.

We strongly encourage applicants who identify as part of underrepresented groups, including women, people of colour and those with disabilities to apply. Even if your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we strongly encourage you to apply anyway!

An excitement and passion for Arts Commons can go a long way here, whether it’s in this role or another.

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As part of the Canada Summer Jobs Program, Arts Commons is looking to hire a Special Events Planner for an 8-week term. This contract position is focu

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As part of the Canada Summer Jobs Program, Arts Commons is looking to hire a Special Events Planner for an 8-week term.

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As part of the Canada Summer Jobs Program, Arts Commons is looking to hire a Special Events Planner for an 8-week term.

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Digital Communications Coordinator

At a glance

Employment: Permanent
Hours: FT (40 hrs)
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: $45,000 - $53,000
Location: Calgary (in-person)

Join us today and see for yourself some of the many reasons why were voted one of Alberta’s Top Employers!

To apply, send your resume, cover letter and portfolio to: employment@artscommons.ca
Closing Date: June 3, 2024

Reporting to and working closely with the Manager, Communications & Media Relations, the Digital Communications Coordinator is an important member of the Brand and Audience Development team – providing support to Arts Commons' internal and external communication strategies and marketing initiatives that help develop and drive the promotion of the Arts Commons (master) brand and our sub-brands’ (Education, Galleries, Connects, Presents) activities.

As our Digital Communications Coordinator, you will energize our marketing and communication initiatives by creating impactful promotional and automated email campaigns, and monitoring and analyzing patron data to measure the effectiveness of our communication efforts. You will also use your creative voice to write compelling stories that convey our brand offerings and generate audience engagement.

As an arts advocate, you aim to bring together artists and art enthusiasts through innovative ways of promoting community connections. You build excitement and awareness by supporting the development of promotional materials, online campaigns, and other initiatives that enhance patron loyalty and drive growth. Overall, you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are eager to help elevate our brand’s visibility.

Who we are:

Arts Commons is an ecosystem inclusive of artists, resident companies, and community groups. As one of the largest performing arts centres in Canada, Arts Commons strives to break down barriers to cultural participation by providing a modern, open, and inclusive gathering space in a central location.

At Arts Commons:

Our Belief

  • That equitable access to the arts is a human right

Our Responsibility

  • To Redefine a bold and adventurous Calgary by championing and investing in creativity

Our Mission

  • To be an inspirational force where artists, community and organizations celebrate cultural identities, experience the full breadth of human emotions, and ignite positive change

What we offer:

On top of the everyday excitement of working inside one of Canada’s top performing arts facilities with a team of professionals that share a passion for the arts, Arts Commons offers a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits for this role:

  • A collaborative, engaging and values driven work environment
  • An annual salary in the range of $45,000 - $53,000
  •  A comprehensive health and dental benefits package, with RSP matching and access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
  •  A positive working culture, keeping employee health and wellness a priority with generous paid time off policies and an annual lifestyle allowance.
  • A dynamic role that will have you engaging in many different aspects of the arts

What we value:

We are looking for individuals who share our vision of building a creative and compassionate society, inspired through the arts. Our team is made up of people with a diverse range of interests — singers, actors, musicians, playwrights, coaches, teachers, gamers, bakers, photographers, athletes, dancers. People whose interests encompass the widest spectrum. We even have furry, four-legged friends in the office. We value people who strive to do the right thing, and work to be their best. People with open minds, hearts, and arms.

What you will get to do here:

As our Digital Communications Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic team in leading the creation of our e-communications, including sales e-blasts, pre-show advisories, and special invitations. You will also assist in executing communications plans by preparing written materials for Arts Commons stakeholders including patrons, media, community partners, and internal stakeholders. Your expertise in data analysis and reporting will aid in informing departmental decision-making and strategic planning, ensuring that our integrated communications initiatives are effective and data-driven.

In this role, you will focus on developing communication materials that maximize the visibility and impact of Arts Commons’ master and sub-brands. Success in the role will depend on your ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines across key areas, including e-communications administration, data analysis and reporting, audience development, and communications and promotional support.

Strategic Goal: Amplify and enhance the organization’s impact while championing Arts Commons’ marketing and communications initiatives for audiences through impactful digital communication strategies, data-driven decision making, and comprehensive promotional efforts to achieve meaningful results in loyalty, satisfaction, and sales.

Where you fit within our ecosystem:

The Digital Communications Coordinator is a member of the Brand & Audience Development department and reports to the Manager, Communications & Media Relations. This role works closely with other departments, such as the Ticketing Services, Development, and Programming, to ensure consistency in our internal and external communication efforts and identify opportunities for collaboration.

You will be a great fit if you…

Must haves:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Digital Marketing, or related field and/ or a combination of comparable education and experience
• 1-3 years’ experience managing and administering CRM and/or e-mail marketing software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Sharp attention to detail – vigilant in analysis and proof reading
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent writing skills across platforms and audiences
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with other team members
• Critical thinking – analyze the numbers, look at trends and data, and come to new conclusions based on findings
• Ability to synthesize information quickly, make appropriate decisions, and offer recommendations and propose solutions
• Experience supporting marketing and communications initiatives in an in-house environment
• Experience with and passion for CMS, CRM, email, and marketing analytics tools & KPIs

Nice to have:

• Database administration, an asset
• Knowledge of Calgary arts and culture, an asset

If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, please forward your resume, cover letter and portfolio in confidence to:

Human Resources
Arts Commons
205 - 8th Ave SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 0K9
Email: employment@artscommons.ca

Interviews will be conducted on an on-going basis and the job posting will officially close when a suitable candidate is found. For best consideration, please apply by the deadline date. While we hope to fill this position as earliest as possible, our commitment to finding the right candidate may require more time.

We thank all interested applicants in advance but will only be contacting those selected for an interview.If you have any specific questions to ask in relation to the role, please send them to the email address above and a member of our team will do our best to respond to you in a timely manner.

Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)

As part of our organization’s commitment to IDEA, we work to remove barriers in collaboration with a broad range of voices. Removing these barriers begins with the hiring process. To that end, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and providing accessible employment practices. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known.

We strongly encourage applicants who identify as part of underrepresented groups, including women, people of colour and those with disabilities to apply. Even if your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we strongly encourage you to apply anyway! An excitement and passion for Arts Commons can go a long way here, whether it’s in this role or another.

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Arts Commons is looking an enthusiastic and engaged team member to join us in the capacity of Digital Communications Coordinator!

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Arts Commons is looking an enthusiastic and engaged team member to join us in the capacity of Digital Communications Coordinator!

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Arts Commons is looking an enthusiastic and engaged team member to join us in the capacity of Digital Communications Coordinator!

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Celebrating the life of Mary Shannon Will

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Celebrating the life of Alberta artist Mary Shannon Will, who passed away on October 20. An exhibition celebrating her career is on until Nov. 27.

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WILL, Mary Louise Shannon
September 9, 1944 – Sampson, New York
October 20, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta
 

Mary Shannon Will, an artist known for colourful, witty ceramic sculpture and vibrant abstract painting, died of ALS on October 20 at Chinook Hospice in Calgary. A senior member of the Calgary art community, she was 77.

Shannon Will was born in Sampson, New York in 1944. Her childhood was spent in Seattle, Washington and then in Madison, Wisconsin, where Mary completed high school. Mary credited her father, an amateur artist who served in the US Navy and later worked in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, for encouraging her creative bent. After a year at Coe College, a liberal arts college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she studied ceramics at the University of Iowa (1964–1967), the Tuscarora Pottery Summer School (1966–1967), and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque (1970–1971). Mary moved to Calgary with her husband, artist John Will in 1971, and immediately set up her ceramic studio at their home in Lower Mount Royal.

Albuquerque was Mary’s life-long second home, a place she returned to annually. She loved taking trips into Santa Fe with her sister Michelle and her dogs to comb second-hand stores for unique pieces of turquoise jewelry and collectibles. While traveling throughout the southwestern United States and Canada, rarely would Mary and John miss a roadside attraction where a postcard, souvenir “floaty pen,” antique thermometer, or western-themed café cup and saucer would await them. Trips to New Mexico often included visits to Taos, Chaco Canyon, Acoma, Frijoles Canyon, and other ancient Pueblo sites that are home to the diverse Indigenous peoples of the Southwest and are places Mary held dear since first visiting them with her parents. Over the years, the people, light, colour, and cultures of the Canadian Prairies, New Mexico, and the Southwest intertwined to weave a strong network of relations and experience that shaped Mary’s life and art.  

Mary made art for over 50 years. During the 1960s and early 1970s she made functional studio pottery, but her pots quickly morphed into brightly coloured ceramic sculptures that recall sensuous botanical and biological organisms. Around 1980 Mary visited the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design while John taught summer classes there. Here her existing interest in systems, rules, and chance blossomed to guide her use of colour and pattern in a series of abstract geometric ceramic sculptures made between 1978–1985. These works with their glowing glazed surfaces of solid and graduated colour precisely patterned with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tiny dots and dashes mark the trajectory of her practice for the years to come.

Mary began to make prints, drawings, and paintings using highly subjective systems and processes from the mid-1980s on. In the mid-1990s, Mary was an artist resident at the Banff Centre for the Arts where she discovered a synergy between the pixelated digital technology of Photoshop and her method of working with generative systems, patterns, chance, and colour. After much trial and error—and good-hearted collaborative toil with the computer technicians—Mary began producing archival inkjet and mixed-media works with paint where grids of digital pixels glitch and dissolve under the artist’s subjective systems.

From 2005 on Mary returned exclusively to painting small, intimate, and square works where the layers of colour glow and shimmer to create a jewel-like depth. These works are intuitive responses to the people, places and things that shaped the artist’s experience and perception of the world in which she lives: a trip to India with her friends Gisele Amantea and Peter White, a place in New Mexico, a residency with Jeffrey Spalding at the Tao Hua Tan International Artist Retreat and Residency (China), a shape from a doodle done while watching film noir. Mary, being a bit of a rascal, was unlike other conceptual artists and never allowed the system to completely override her personal responses to the process or materials. Beauty was her endgame.

Mary, you are as unique, eclectic, and colourful as your work. We will sorely miss you Mary but are truly grateful to have shared in your life. Thank you for the rich legacy you have left us in your work, through it the depth and richness of your life will live on in full colour.

Mary Louise Shannon Will is survived by her husband John Arnold Will, her sister Susan Michelle Shannon (Los Angeles, California), her brother John Thomas Shannon (Missoula, Montana), and is predeceased by her brother Robert William Shannon.

You can view more of Mary's artworks in the AFA's collection through the AFA Virtual Museum.

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Celebrating the life of Mary Shannon Will
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Celebrating the life of Alberta artist Mary Shannon Will, who passed away on October 20. An exhibition celebrating her career is on until Nov. 27.

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Celebrating the life of Mary Shannon Will
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Celebrating the life of Alberta artist Mary Shannon Will, who passed away on October 20. An exhibition celebrating her career is on until Nov. 27.

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Mary Shannon Will
COWGIRL
2001
Inkjet on paper (Collection of M.N. Hutchinson)
Mary Shannon Will
TAJ MAHAL
2005
Acrylic, glass on wood