Man Down

One tremendous perk of my job (job #3- Canadian Crafts Federation) is being up to date on cultural happenings in our country. I gather all of this information and then distill it into a bi-weekly newsletter distributed to the provincial Crafts Councils and others. A pretty grim piece of news crossed my desk yesterday, and while I'm not usually one to rant online, this situation certainly merits some drama. 

A few days ago the Cultural Human Resources Council quietly had it's throat slit.

The CHRC supported cultural sector workers (you, me, the Executive Directors of the galleries and councils we are members of, our fellow board members, broadcasters, educators, entrepreneurs, and makers...) through training, career development and management, education, and advocacy. Their Youth Internship program paved the way for our entrance into arts organizations when we were students. Their studies helped us plan budgets and explore new markets. They developed material for teachers and businesspeople alike.

Now they are scrambling to put into place systems and people to safeguard their invaluable information and programs and help cultural workers access these resources after their end date, March 2013.

The organization who pulled the trigger on CHRC, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, has not publicly announced their actions, nor can any information about this be found on their website. 

Please send your support to the CHRC, and if you can help in any way, contact Sue Annis at sannis@culturalhrc.ca or by phone at 613-562-1535.

If you feel so inclined, please send your rage over to HRSDC (c/o. the Honourable Diane Finley), every stinking newspaper editorial column in the country, and Prime Minister Harper's inbox (pm@pm.gc.ca, or address real mail to the Office of the Prime Minister, 80 Wellington Street, Ottawa, On, K1A 0A2). Scream about this from the top of your roof, post the info on your facebook wall, and send loving vibes to your fellow cultural sector workers. And then tighten your belt, because the next four years will be lean times indeed.  

This Town is Small

My birthday recently passed and my heart is still full of happiness and somehow, little seeds of ambition are once again stirring. A parcel arrived in the mail today that I had completely forgotten about:

Yeah! My sketchbook for the 2012 Sketchbook project! That barcoded brown book is so full of promise. The more I look at it, the more excited I get about putting ink on paper and getting some of this junky pent-up lethargy out to make room for good, creative, happy maker vibes. 

And speaking of good vibes, I spent some time today reading up on the PEI artist collective, This Town is Small. They're a group of dynamic people dedicated to starting up an artist run centre on the island and creating a support network for artists, musicians, thinkers, and the like. The image below is just one of the many neat things they think about, and it made me realize how much I need to reconnect with my community.  

Long Overdue Update

Hello again! It's been a while since I've had the time or inclination to post updates and keep everyone abreast of my activities, and for that, I apologize. 

I started work at the Canadian Crafts Federation two weeks ago as their communications coordinator. It's a great summer gig. That takes care of three days of the week, then there's my job at the rock shop, and then the barracks... let's just say I haven't had two consecutive days off in three weeks, and the next day off is a week away. 

Making money and saving up for the big move to ON is definitely a positive thing and I do like the work, but this schedule certainly hasn't left time for relaxation, studio fun, or family and friend fun. It kinda blows, actually. 

Creatively, I've started knitting the sock I've been meaning to knit for ages, I started a sweater too, and as of last night, I'm making more inventory for the barracks shop. There's also a queer art market coming up in a few weeks that I might sign up for if I come up with enough inventory. It's hard for me to develop quick little products I can whip up for last minute things like that, so we'll see what I can come up with. My brain's hardwired to make complicated, time-consuming things... 

On a happy note, you should purchase this year's pride calendar for two reasons: 1. Support Fredericton Pride! 2. I'm in it! 

The amazing Jeff Crawford is the talent behind the photographs and the whole shebang should be ready for sale by mid-August.