March 16, 2012

Showcase 2012

"Creativity is contagious. Pass it on." —Albert Einstein 

These six words became the guiding theme of this year’s ArtStarts Showcase conference, sparking one bright idea after another. Building on this, the ArtStarts team focused on joining Inspiration and Information to shape this year’s event, which was held March 1 & 2 in Vancouver.

Inspiration

The event branding was a visual icon of this guiding theme with one fiery sparkler lighting another, illustrating that creativity is indeed contagious. This concept was brought to life during the conference when the artistry showcased on stage sparked a reaction among delegates who doodled away at their tables producing mini masterpieces of their own.

Hussein Janmohamed was enlisted as keynote speaker, inspiring the room with a personal story of his connection to music and how it has shaped his life. He reminded us about the power of the arts, by leading us through song. We learned a few lines of lyrics and within minutes we were making beautiful music together – in 5 part harmony.  Delegates then completed letters finishing the sentence “I have been inspired and I pledge…” and enclosed them in a self-addressed envelope to serve as a timely reminder post-event.

The conference was bookended by inspiring young performers starting with Grade 12 student and Shakespearean actor Joylyn Secunda, and ending with students from the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. These demonstrations were living proof that the work that young audience presenters and performers do to bring artistic experiences into schools across BC sparks inspiration in young people to seek out artistic expressions of their own.

Information

The two days presented 30 wonderful artistic performances that amused, moved and educated not only the young audiences seated on pillows, but also the “big kids” seated in chairs behind them. The diversity of performances explored different countries, cultures and art forms so that at the end of each day, our heads and hearts were brimming. Delegates used their Artists Directories to capture useful information from each performance to take back to their communities as a reference for later.

The panel discussion “If I knew then…Perspectives on Touring BC” gave both presenters and touring artists a platform to discuss the successes and the challenges that are experienced in the process of bringing artists to perform in schools. The lively discussion raised valuable points for both sides and highlighted areas that require refinement not only for the presenters and artists, but also for ArtStarts through its booking and touring service.

This year ArtStarts contracted filmmaker Vita Mavronicolas from Fire and Light to capture the event through video. Once the footage has been compiled and edited, mini snippets from each showcase (for artist groups that provided consent) will be posted on the ArtStarts website as an informative resource to help presenters decide which shows to bring to their schools. As a teaser, this short video by Juan Martinezguerra captures some of the behind the scenes action and highlights of the two days.

Overall, looking back on the ArtStarts Showcase 2012 there is much to be proud of. We were very interested to read through all of the feedback we gathered from everyone involved including the attending delegates, the showcasing artists and our team of dedicated volunteers. Quoting the words from one of this year’s showcasing artists:

"The Showcase was phenomenal! It was so professional, well-run, engaging, information filled and diverse! Thank you to the ArtStarts team for making our first showcase such an inspiration!" —Kloshe'nem

Our hope is that that the sparks lit from the conference will in turn light a few more, and then a whole lot more. After all, Creativity is contagious, so let’s pass it on!

Enjoy more photos in our Showcase 2012 album on Facebook, and while you're there, give us a "Like"!