Attachment 2
Summary of Applications
Carnival of Souls
Produced by Northern Light Theatre
“To celebrate the spirit of Halloween in meaningful and theatrical ways, for all members of the family”-from the application
Festival Dates:October 23 – November 3, 2002
Festival Location:Downtown Edmonton
Projected Revenue:$61,400
Grant Request(% of Rev)$ 5,000(8.1%)
Last Grant:$11,800 (2002 Arts Operating)
$ 3,000(2001 Festival SEED)
Projected Attendance:1500 in 2001
Ticket Prices:$5 - $11, festival pass $25
Volunteer participation:40 volunteers/ hours not known
Core program content will include House of Screams(haunted house), Horror Film Fest, workshops and Lantern March, Urban Tales Cabaret
Jury Comments
The jury recognizes the merit of this proposal and wishes to support it. In addition, the jury felt that this event has potential to achieve full festival status and encourages the organization to continue developing partnerships and expanded marketing strategies.
The jury notes that Carnival of Souls is not eligible to apply for 2003 SEED Festival funding in 2003, but may instead apply for support through the 2003 Festival Operating Program. Future applications must continue to demonstrate the distinctiveness of the event within the mandate of the organization. The jury recommends a grant of $4000.
Historic Edmonton Week
Produced by Edmonton & District Historical Society
“a mid-summer week-long celebration of history”
Festival Dates:July 28 – August 5, 2002
Festival Location:various locations throughout Edmonton
Projected Revenue:$19,600
Grant Request(% of Rev)$ 4,900(25.0%)
Last Grant:n/a
Projected Attendance:3,000
Ticket Prices:$2-$7.75
Volunteer participation:80+ volunteers
Core program content will include tours, lectures, contests and displays that provide information and awareness of Edmonton’s history
Jury Comments
In the opinion of the jury, the activities proposed in this application merit support and the jury rated it highly on all six assessment criteria. However, in working towards achieving full festival status, the jury encourages the organization to consider establishing a main festival site, a festival pass or passport and the possibility of a shuttle between venues. The jury recommends a grant of $3000.
Edmonton King of the Klondike
Produced by Edmonton King of the Klondike Association
“experience a little bit of the Klondike in the 21st century” -from the application
Festival Dates:July 27, 2002
Festival Location:Hawrelak Park
Projected Revenue:$17,500
Grant Request(% of Rev)$ 3,000(17.1%)
Last Grant:n/a
Projected Attendance:5000-7000
Ticket Prices:free
Volunteer participation:60-100 volunteers
Core program content will include children’s activity area, main stage and Klondike competition.
Jury Comments
The jury supports the concept of this event. However, in the opinion of the jury, the event is not clearly an emerging festival. The application was weak and lacked sufficient detail regarding a description or schedule of events. The jury recommends that the organization work with the EAC Grants Officer to more clearly describe the event and the event budget. The jury recommends no grant.
Edmonton International Literary Festival
Produced by Alberta Book Fair Society
“a festival to celebrate words…to promote literacy” -from the application
Festival Dates:October 4 - 5, 2002
Festival Location:Downtown Arts District
Projected Revenue:$105,000
Grant Request(% of Rev)$ 8,000(7.6%)
Last Grant:n/a
Projected Attendance:10,000
Ticket Prices:$2 - $15
Volunteer participation:not known
Core program content will include displays, readings and children’s venue
Jury Comments
The jury recognizes the potential merit of this proposal and the importance of a literary festival to Edmonton and would like to support it. However, in the opinion of the Jury, the proposal was too speculative and the jury was not confident that the event could take place as planned.
The jury noted the strong Board of Directors and expressed confidence that with more lead time for confirmation of venues, sponsorship, participating authors and programming the event could achieve emerging festival status. The jury encourages the organization to continue its efforts in establishing this event and to re-apply in 2003.
Letter of appeal from the Alberta Book Fair Society and Decision of the EAC Appeal Committee
June 27, 2002
Board of Directors
Edmonton Arts Council
#308, 10310 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton AB T5J 2W4
Dear Board of Directors,
Last week the Book Fair Society received the decision of the Edmonton Arts Council Festival Seed Jury. It was disappointing that the jury could not support the festival this year. The juries concern about preparedness for this October is understandable. The encouragement that the jury provided for future years was heartening.
After reviewing the results of this jury process, the Board of Directors for the literary festival decided to submit an appeal of the jury’s decision. We are aware that the grounds for an appeal are very specific – that there was some fundamental misinterpretation of the information provided in the original application. We are also aware that the jury cannot look at new information. Also, we are aware that this appeal is a long shot and it is not a process to be taken lightly. That being said, we feel it is important to take this step in order to ensure that the jury is fully aware of the detail of the original grant application. Whether or not this appeal is successful, the Board is committed to presenting the literary festival on October 4 and 5, 2002.
The business plan presented to the jury as part of the grant application is very ambitious. It reflects the dreams and goals the Board of Directors has for the literary festival five years from now. It is important to understand that the first year of this new venture would provide the framework upon which to build support from the community, sponsors and grant organizations. To try to explode full blown on the festival scene in Edmonton is a recipe for disaster.
Therefore, I would like the jury to consider the following points while reviewing our appeal.
- The introduction of the literary festival is an important addition to the festival scene in Edmonton. Research by the Book Fair Society determined that there is significant support from funders, booksellers, arts organizations and the community for the idea of a literary festival. A literary festival represents a significant sector that is not represented in our festival community.
- After committing to the idea of the festival, the Board determined that it was absolutely necessary to present a two day festival this year. After taking one year off after the last book fair for research, any further delays would cause a significant loss of momentum with the Board and with funding bodies like the AFA and the Canada Council. After the festival in October, it will be possible to present an appropriate level of commitment by the community to sponsors and granting bodies which will encourage financial commitment for 2003 and onward.
- How will the organization of the festival occur in time for October? There are significant commitments from Board members and friends who represent a broad section of the literary community in Edmonton.
- Sharon Budnarchuk, President, is actively pursuing authors through her contacts with booksellers and publishers across Canada to determine who will be on book tours at that time. Sharon has already been successful in securing Rohinton Mistry as the lead author for the opening event on Friday night. Sharon has just come back from Book Expo with many contacts that will now be programmed.
- Jonathan Meakin, of the Young Alberta Book Society, Member at Large, will be using his contacts with authors of books for children and young adults to program family readings and events for Saturday afternoon.
- Norma Lock of the Writers Guild of Alberta, Member at Large, is providing office space for the literary festival in the Percy Page Centre. There the festival has access to computer, phones, photocopying, faxes, and email. As well, the WGA has committed one of its summer students to the festival part time.
- The Stroll of Poets (Gordon McRae, treasurer) will work with the festival to develop a program of poetry for Saturday afternoon and evening. Also, the festival will cross-promote the Stroll of Poets fall event on Whyte Avenue on Sunday October 6. This will provide a third day of events and will enhance the profile of both organizations.
- TALES, the storytelling group, Member at Large will provide a storytelling event on Saturday afternoon for young and old.
- Edmonton Public Library, Stanley Milner Branch, represented on the Board by Judy Moore, Member at Large, will be providing administrative and space support. It will be literary central for the events downtown.
- Mark Kozub, Member at Large, will provide members of the Poetry Slam for one of the events on Saturday evening.
- Barbara Dacks of Legacy Magazine has already provided a one third page ad space in the next issue. That is a $900 value.
- David Chereos of Film and Video Association also has committed to working on developing a screenwriting workshop for the Saturday afternoon.
- Wayne Arthurson of Autarky Communications, Member at Large, has committed to coordinating the readings.
- Ron Garth, Editor Publisher of VUE Weekly magazine has committed to being the Literary Festival’s media sponsor.
- Diane Walton of ON SPEC Magazine has committed the magazines resources to coordinating an event featuring Edmonton’s speculative fiction community.
- Over the next month contacts will be made with the Downtown Business Association, the Downtown Arts District Partnership, Edmonton Downtown Development Corporation, the Winspear Centre, the Edmonton Art Gallery and the Citadel Theatre to determine the kind of partnership that these organizations could provide. We will be discussing complementary programming and promotion. Appointments with each of these organizations have been made and meetings will occur over the next two to three weeks.
- How much will the Festival cost? The Festival will certainly not cost $90,000 this year.
- The Board members organizations and others are providing their commitments
as in-kind donations of services and equipment.
- Friends of the festival sponsorship and donation campaign will be organized over the next month. After investing some time in the search for large dollars with no success, and the need for cash flow becoming ever more important, the value of a personal letter writing campaign makes sense. First of all, it will let people know about the festival, and it will give people an opportunity to help out with a new festival within their comfort level.
- The literary festival will also take advantage of the new lottery program, the Community Investment Program.
- There are hard costs that will be difficult to avoid. Some direct rental costs, insurance, office supplies, catering, small honoraria for presenters need to be covered. See attached budget for this year. The attached budget is approximately $32,000; however, there is enough leeway in costs to allow modifications depending on the revenue generated.
As you can see, the commitment to this festival is very strong. One way or another there will be a literary festival in downtown Edmonton on October 4 and 5 2002. I hope that you can provide some support for our endeavour.
Thank you for taking the time to review our appeal.
Sincerely yours
Sharon Budnarchuk
President
July 3, 2002
Sharon Budnarchuk, President
Alberta Book Fair Society
Percy Page Centre
11759 Groat Road NW
Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6
Dear Ms. Budnarchuk,
The Appeal Committee of the Edmonton Arts Council has met and, based on the content of the letter of June 27, 2002 from Alberta Book Fair Society and on the presentation you made in person on July 3, 2002, has considered your organization's appeal of the Seed Festival Jury recommendation for the 2002 City of Edmonton Community Investment Seed Festival Operating Grant.
The Edmonton Arts Council intends its process to be fair. Any applicant may appeal to the Appeal Committee of the Edmonton Arts Council Board of Directors in the case where it can be demonstrated that the relevant Peer Jury was in error of their understanding of the application.
In the opinion of the Appeal Committee, the Seed Festival Jury understood the Alberta Book Fair Society’s application in support of Edmonton International Literary Festival. The Appeal Committee has, therefore, decided to not overturn the Seed Festival Jury's recommendation.
In making its decision the Appeal Committee considered the following:
- The Seed Festival Jury bases grant recommendations on its assessment of the proven or potential merit of the proposal. In determining merit, the Jury uses factors identified in the City of Edmonton Policy C-211D which guides the Community Investment Program.
- It is the responsibility of each applicant to demonstrate the merit of its proposal within those factor areas.
In the opinion of the Appeal Committee, the application from Alberta Book Fair Society in support of Edmonton International Literary Festival did not adequately describe the proposed activities.
The Appeal Committee acknowledges and is encouraged by much clearer information included in the written appeal and by discussion at the organization’s presentation that better describes specifics of the proposed event. Further, the Appeal Committee noted strong grassroots support and the dedication and commitment of the organization’s Board and volunteers.
In its comments to your organization, the Jury recognized “the potential merit of this proposal and the importance of a literary festival to Edmonton”. This opinion is shared by the Appeal Committee and the Edmonton Arts Council Board of Directors.
For these reasons, I encourage you to work with the staff of the Edmonton Arts Council to explore other potential avenues of support. Thank you for meeting with the Appeal Committee of the EAC Board of Directors.
Sincerely,
Julian Mayne, Chair
Edmonton Arts Council Board of Directors
Chinese New Year School Project
Produced by Chinese Benevolent Association of Edmonton
“to celebrate and promote the community spirit of the Chinese New Year Festival” -from the application
Festival Dates:January 29, 2003
Festival Location:Northlands Agricom
Projected Revenue:$18,000
Grant Request(% of Rev)$ 8,000(44.4%)
Last Grant:$2520(CIP Multicultural)
Projected Attendance:500
Ticket Prices:$9
Volunteer participation:100(including dragon dancers)
Core content will include lion & Dragon dance, Chinese fortune telling, cooking demonstration, Chinese New Year Bazaar. The event, for Edmonton school children, will take place over a 5 hour period.
Jury Comments
The jury recognizes the merit of the activities proposed in this application. However, based on the evaluation criteria, in the opinion of the jury, the Chinese New Year School Project is not clearly an emerging festival, nor does it have potential to achieve full festival status. The jury recommends no grant.Kaboom³ Theatre Performance Festival
Produced by Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre
“a celebration of new Canadian plays, innovative play making and theatre artists” -from the application
Festival Dates:February 14 - 23, 2003
Festival Location:The Rice Theatre/Citadel
Projected Revenue:$59,070
Grant Request(% of Rev)$ 8,000(13.5%)
Last Grant:$13,000 (2002 Arts Operating)
$ 3,000(2001 Festival SEED)
Projected Attendance:2600
Ticket Prices:$5 – 16, Festival pass $26 - 32
Volunteer participation:72/288 hours
Core content will include 3 productions, Playwrights’ Garage and an evening with a nationally recognized Canadian playwright
Jury Comments
In the opinion of the jury Kaboom³ Theatre Performance Festival has potential to achieve full festival status and the jury rated the festival highly on all six assessment criteria. The jury notes that Kaboom³ Theatre Performance Festival is not eligible to apply for 2003 SEED Festival funding in 2003, but may instead apply for support through the 2003 Festival Operating Program. Future applications must continue to demonstrate the distinctiveness of the event within the mandate of the organization. The jury recommends the grant request of $8,000.
Mid Autumn Festival
Produced by Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Centre Foundation
“to promote and celebrate with Edmontonians the traditional cultural values of the Mid-Autumn festival” -from the application
Festival Dates:September 20 & 21
Festival Location:9540 – 102 Avenue
Projected Revenue:$14,590
Grant Request(% of Rev)$ 5,000(34.2%)
Last Grant:$15,000(CIP Multicultural Operating)
Projected Attendance:10,000
Ticket Prices:main event free, banquet $10
Volunteer participation:60-80/2100 hours
Core content will include opening ceremony, main stage performances, displays, Chinese farmer’s market and Banquet
Jury Comments
The jury recognizes the merit of this proposal and rated it highly on cultural development and quality of life. However, in the opinion of the jury, in order to achieve full festival status, the organization must develop a stronger plan to promote the event to a broader audience. Additionally, the jury notes that the Mid Autumn Festival is ineligible for SEED Festival funding in 2003, but may apply to the 2003 Festival Operating Program. The jury encourages the organization to work with the EAC Grants Officer prior to application. The jury recommends a grant of $3,000.
Inclusion: An Urban Experience
Produced by CJSR FM88
“a hip hop/electronica experience” -from the application
Festival Dates:August 31, 2002
Festival Location:Gazebo Park/Orange Hall
Projected Revenue:$7,900
Grant Request(% of Rev)$2,150(27.2%)
Last Grant:n/a
Projected Attendance:600
Ticket Prices:$7
Volunteer participation:45/180 hours
Core content will include Graffiti Wall Art, Breakdancing Competition, DJ performances, Turntablism Demos
Jury Comments
The jury recognizes the potential merit of the activities proposed in this application. However, based on the evaluation criteria, in the opinion of the jury, Inclusion: An Urban Experience is not clearly an emerging festival. Additionally, the jury expressed concerns regarding the viability of the event. The jury recommends no grant.