Welcome to ELAN. The English-Language Arts Network is devoted to helping Quebec's English-language artists make connections with one another, with their francophone colleagues and with their audiences in Quebec, Canada and internationally. Membership is free! Becoming a member.
The President's Message
ELAN was formed in 2005 with two objectives. The first was to bring together relatively isolated artistic communities to share ideas, information and professional services. The second objective was for artists to be more visible and actively involved within the larger community in which we live. … more
What's New
This month's Schmoozer will take place at Ye Olde Orchard on Tuesday May 13, from 5 to 7pm. The Schmoozer is a monthly opportunity for ELAN members to meet each other in a social setting, share current news items, and brainstorm future projects ideas. Some of you may recognize Ye Olde Orchard from other locations in Montreal, however this is a newly opened bar located at 20 Prince Arthur West (just west of St. Laurent, near metro St-Laurent).
There is a suggested donation of $2 to attend the Schmoozer. Please RSVP to the ELAN office by sending an email with Schmoozer in the subject line.
ELAN Database of Performing Artists
Separate from our website, ELAN has created a mini-database of performing artists (music, theatre, dance, spoken word, etc.) interested in touring out to the regions. This database will be used as a guide by affiliated associations throughout the province who are mandated to present 2 performing artists per year (artist fees are paid as well as some financial aid offered with regards to travel and accommodation). If interested please submit your name, contact information and a short description of what you are proposing in terms of performance. There is no current deadline. The database will be compiled over the next six months. Interested members can forward information c/o Executive Director Michael Toppings.
Did You Know?
Information at your fingertips!
Beginning April 2008 the Montreal Association of Independent Libraries will provide individuals throughout Quebec with free access to English language e-resources, including databases, online reference tools, and eBooks. You can access this information by going to the MAIL website and signing up as a member of MAIL. For additional information contact Independent Libraries.
Copyright Information and Resources
Barbara Florio Graham has reviewed Canadian Copyright: a Citizen's Guide, by Laura J. Murray and Samuel E. Trosow. The review is posted on her website, which also contains a wealth of free copyright information and resources for both the U.S. and Canada.
BOARD speak
ALL MAGOG
Anna Fuerstenberg, Theatre Board Representative
On a splendid sunny day near the end of last month I headed out with ELAN President, Guy Rodgers, to attend a gathering of artists in Magog. This meeting had been organized by Mark Patterson and Rachel Garber of the Townshippers' Association in conjunction with ELAN. The Townships are such a joy that the highway melted away and soon we were in the scenic town. It took a bit of maneuvering to find the church hall where the meeting was being held but we got there just before it started.
There were approximately fifty to sixty artists of every age and discipline and Julie Espana Keller and Todd Van Dyk, the visual arts representatives from the ELAN board were there as well, making valuable connections for the "artist in residence" program on which Julie is working. The room was buzzing with conversation and we were finally called to order. We participated in a very seriously organized speed dating kind of event; four people sat at a small table, introduced themselves to each other and then responded to a series of questions about artists' needs and situations. One member of each group stayed on and took notes of the discussion, and three moved on.
In spite of the comparative rigidity of the format and the dearth of time for any deep discussion, I found myself fascinated by the delightful people whom I was meeting, and slowly realized what a huge role ELAN has to fulfill to address the issues which were raised.
First and foremost there was universal desire to connect to other artists; the isolation of artists living in small villages and whistle stops is unimaginable. There is of course the desire to perform and exhibit in other regions and cities, as well as venues in the Townships. The most immediate need will be met when ELAN begins to organize a series of Schmoozers in different parts of the Townships.
There is a great need for a serious inventory of exhibition and performance spaces in the regions and in the cities. This needs to be done before we can organize any moving around. We need to assess what spaces there are and then evaluate how much it might cost to upgrade them.
Finally the greatest desire is for a continuous flow of art and artists from region to region, region to city, and city to country. Residencies are a possible beginning for this kind of movement and there should be artist residencies in every community and in the cities as well. These should be available in the performing as well as the visual and recording arts. I have a dream that it will become possible for artists to exhibit, perform, direct workshops, and make connections in every region, town, and city of this province. Only then, will we be able to have the kinds of exchanges among artists and curators and audiences, which will give our communities the possibilities of celebrating their shared identities.
Artistic Collaborations
This is a new section of ELANews where members are invited to post projects they are working on that require the input of others. This is a great opportunity to reach a large audience of interested, involved artists and get a response!
Creating with Sound
An invitation to dancers, visual, spoken word and video artists to collaborate with experienced composer, performer, improvisor and soundscaper. Contact Allyna or call (819) 876-5682.
Survival Japanese Cooking Survey, Please help
ELAN member, Shie Kasai is working on a project which needs your input. Please fill out a brief on-line survey before May 3 to help with Shie's research. The collected data will inform Shie's art production that will be on display at the MAI in the Fall 2008.Your contribution is much appreciated.
Writing Collaborators Wanted
New ELAN member seeks writers to help her to compile two books, one biographical and the other a manual dealing with a self-involvement program she has put together. For details, please contact Althea J-C Seaman.
S.O.S. Atelier
Patrycja Walton is presently working on a project regarding artists' studio space in Montreal. She is the recent founder of S.O.S. Atelier, a company based on an artist/client studio rental support system. She is beginning the project with her prototype Michel Pedneault, a painter from the Grover building in Montreal. As part of her project, she is conducting a survey regarding artists' personal work space. If you would like to help Patrycja by filling out her survey or to find out more about S.O.S. Atelier, email Patrycja. The information she is collecting will help solidify improvements to the current studio space situation for artists in Montreal.
Arts Showcase
An online art gallery, literary digest, theatrical stage, movie theatre and CD player. Sample the best in English-language arts in Quebec … more
The Arts Calendar
The Arts Calendar lets you know what's happening and where in the English-language arts in Quebec. Just click on the date to find out about performances, arts shows, readings, launches, festivals. To submit upcoming events, click here.