Sustainability Matters for the Arts

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Sustainability within the arts sector is something everyone is talking about: How do we make our buildings more energy efficient? How do we measure (and reduce) our carbon footprint? How can my organization convert utility costs into programming dollars?

Recently The Guardian published an article about the importance of engaging the arts sector in this important conversation about environmentalism. While the article originates in the UK, many of the objectives of sustainability initiatives of Arts Council England reflect what ArtsBuild has made available through our partnerships here in Ontario. Programs like Carbon Counted and our Energy Savings Assessments, can help arts organizations take their first steps to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Click HERE to read the article and join us on April 4th for our webinar with Ian Garrett, co-founder and director for The Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts.

lynda.com is here!

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ArtsBuild Ontario is proud to announce Online Learning for Arts Organizations through lynda.com!

Have you ever wanted to work on your skills but haven’t had the time or didn’t know where to start? Now you can! lynda.com has over 1,600 online classes in hundreds of different subjects including software training, creative and business skills (including project management). With new courses being added monthly (in english and en français), you’ll always find new courses to build your professional toolkit.

What’s even better about this partnership is that ArtsBuild is able to offer this service to arts organizations for only $150, compared to the regular $350 rate for individuals!

Not convinced? Here are the Top 10 reasons to sign up: http://bit.ly/lyndaTop10 (or sign up for their free 7-day trial!) If you are convinced, sign up today: bit.ly/lyndasignup!

Sustainable Practice in the Arts with Ian Garrett (Webinar)

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LEARN ABOUT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE ARTS WITH IAN GARRETT:

Join your peers and Ian Garrett, one of North America’s most respected voices on sustainability in the performing arts, on April 4th from 2pm-3pm for an online conversation about what sustainable practice really means.

By looking at current research and examples you will learn how to identify key performance indicators around sustainability and the cost/benefit analysis for tackling the low hanging fruit – in other words, the simple changes in how cultural facilities are managed in order to improve their energy efficiency. Ian will also address some of the possible misconceptions about the ecological impact of the creative sector.

Update: Arts Facilities Mentoring Network

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The inaugural session of the Arts Facilities Mentoring Network launched on February 27, 2013 with a full-day workshop on best practices in mentoring. We are very proud and impressed by the calibre of talent and expertise participating in the Arts Facility Mentoring Network.

ArtsBuild has partnered with WorkInCulture to develop the Arts Facilities Mentoring Network.  The Network provides established leaders in Ontario’s nonprofit arts community who are responsible for building, managing and financing facilities with the opportunity of one-on-one learning with experienced topic experts.

The Arts Facilities Mentoring Network is a practical way to build on people’s desire to learn and share skills, connections and knowledge.   Each mentoree identifies a key learning topic, and the Network matches them with a mentor who has tackled a similar challenge.  Pairs meet for three hours every month and take part in two in person workshops that provide the opportunity for Network peers to meet.

Click here for pictures from the kick-off workshop for mentors and mentorees.

Energy Savings Assessments: Call for Interest

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ENERGY SAVINGS ASSESSMENTS:  Call for Expressions of Interest

Reducing energy consumption – and our utilities bills – is top of mind for many of us. And every dollar saved can go to our programming!

GLOBE, the energy management subsidiary of ArtsBuild’s partner Housing Services Corp, is ready to conduct in-person, Energy Savings Assessments to show you the things you can do today to reduce your energy usage, and also the improvements you could make that have the best and fastest paybacks.

GLOBE energy auditors will analyze your utilities bills, make a site visit to assess your facility and help you register for the many incentive programs offered through the Ontario Power Authority and your local utilities providers.

With the support of the Government of Canada, ArtsBuild is pleased to offer a subsidy for the Energy Savings Assessment to a limited number of organizations.

Register your interest here for more information so you can benefit from this program.