ArtsBuild had the opportunity to tour digital spaces in our own backyard at Orchestra’s Canada and Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s Digital Day. We traveled with 20 orchestras and professional musicians to some of Kitchener-Waterloo’s core tech companies including Communitech, Accelerator Centre and Google with the intention of immersing ourselves in the digital world.

Admittedly, the office culture of the tech industry (and the industry as a whole!) may have been unfamiliar ground for most arts administrators. But the work culture at these companies was really inspiring to see. These workplaces are buzzing with creativity and we were surrounded by tech creators undoubtedly working on some big project set to hit the digital market soon.

But why would a group of orchestras choose to spend a day learning about the world of tech? The answer is simple: learning about other sectors sparks new ideas.

Museums are taking a lead on virtual realities and image mapping. Earlier this month, The Globe and Mail published the article “The role of virtual reality and technology in the future of museums” which argues how museums are well positioned to take on the role of tech pioneers. The Canada Science and Technology Museum is testing the waters with a virtual reality (VR) headset that creates a simulation of 1936 CN 6400 steam locomotive. Visitors are essentially “going back in time” to experience culture. Plus, VR provides a creative interim solution to for the Canada Science and Technology Museum to connect with audiences while the museum remains closed for renovations.

The Canadian War Museum is also embracing digital and are currently developing a Vimy Ridge virtual-experience to commemorate the centenarian year of the battle. The ROM in Toronto features augmented reality in their Tyrannosaurus Rex exhibit, which superimposes a digital dinosaur over ancient fossils.

But integrating technology into these cultural institutions doesn’t detract from their traditional role as purveyors of the past. Digital realities are helping to educate audiences and make the content more accessible. Mark Keating, chief information officer at the ROM, interestingly points out in the article that the integration of digital experiences renders audience attendance as an outdated measure of success for museums. VR can be accessed anywhere– location and getting people in the door isn’t necessarily relevant for audiences to experience an emotional connection with the content.

So what does this mean?

Museums are using technology to compliment traditional exhibitions and educational programs. Those who have embraced the digital are breaking the mold of cultural presentation. They are inviting new audiences to experience their offerings, while maintaining a physical presence in their communities. But what is perhaps most important to take away from these examples is that digital immersion is not just a supplement to museum programming – it’s the future. The worlds of technology and the arts are coming closer together and the results are going to be extraordinary.

We are very excited to announce that ArtsBuild has received an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Grow Grant! This grant will allow ArtsBuild to continue to offer three key programs that assist our artistic leaders in the area of facility management.

Funding from the OTF Grow Grant, will support the continuation of the Arts Facilities Mentoring Network, Asset Planner for the Arts and the expansion of SpaceFinder in more Ontario communities. All three programs will be accompanied by a Learning Series to further support our organizations.

Arts Facilities Mentoring Network
ArtsBuild is excited to again partner with WorkInCulture for the third iteration of the Arts Facilities Mentoring Network. This iteration offers arts organizations engaged in capital related issues/projects one on one support from experienced professionals. Over the course of a year, mentors and mentorees will participate in multiple in-person learning opportunities including workshops, webinars and check-ins, in addition to their one on one meetings. More details on this program will be released tomorrow on May 17!

Asset Planner for the Arts
Asset Planner for the Arts enables organizations take a proactive approach to managing your facility. It is an online program that captures facility assets in a cloud-based software, allowing organizations to access real time data, provide capital forecasts and up to date reports on the condition of the facility. This easy to use program helps arts organizations plan ahead for building repairs and upgrades. Through the OTF Grow Grant,  ArtsBuild will be able to provide a subsidy for this two year software, to make it more affordable for our arts organizations.

ArtsBuild is pleased to partner with Ameresco and WalterFedy on this program. More details on this program will be released on June 7!

SpaceFinder expansion in Ontario
Following the success of SpaceFinder Toronto and SpaceFinder Hamilton, ArtsBuild will be expanding the tool to Waterloo Region and three additional communities in the province. This incredible online tool allows artists to search for creatives spaces, while venues and spaces can market their spaces to new and potential users! Check out www.spacefindertoronto.org! More information to be released on May 31!

The Learning Series
The OTF Grow Grant will provide additional support through ArtsBuild’s inaugural Learning Series designed to complement these three core programs. The series includes in-person workshops, webinars and other resources to assist our arts organizations in leveraging ArtsBuild’s programs and maintaining more sustainable facilities.

We look forward to sharing more information about all of these programs in our newsletters and eBlasts in the coming weeks!

If you are interested in knowing more about any of our programs, please email Alex Glass, Program Manager at alex@artsbuildontario.ca.

After two years and ten communities, ArtsBuild has wrapped up our province-wide LEARN IT | BUILD IT | MANAGE IT workshop series, finishing in Pickering last month! The workshops were a huge success, with 234 participating arts administrators who learned more about building, financing, managing and engaging their community with their creative spaces. Participants came from different sectors across the non-profit landscape in Ontario, including social services, sacred spaces and community services.

What participants had to say about the workshop:

• “Amazing ground work for starting this journey. Each element was very helpful, especially the Community Engagement.”
• “Many lessons learned here, great session on Alternative Financing!”
• “The most important aspect is going into a major project armed with new knowledge.”
• “I will use the knowledge gained from this workshop to build critical relationships and ultimately take ‘ownership’ of the project.”

Every workshop produced new ideas and fresh collaborations for the organizations who attended the two day session. Thanks to all our community hosts and participants who joined us for the workshop! This workshop series acknowledged organizations province-wide needing additional expertise and knowledge especially during special projects such as renovations, new builds and capital campaigns. The interest in the workshop series demonstrated the need for ongoing professional development in the area of facilities for our arts organizations.