Media Room Blog
Behind the Scenes at the Esplanade
Posted on Mar 19, 2012 by Sandi
Culture Forum 2012
Posted on Mar 13, 2012 by Tobie
http://www.culture.alberta.ca/cultureforum2012/
Our vibrant cultural landscape is a source of pride for all Albertans; enhancing our quality of life and strengthening our local and provincial economies.
Culture Forum 2012 was held in Red Deer on Feb. 24 and 25 and involved nearly 400 representatives of Alberta's arts, heritage, multicultural, nonprofit/voluntary, creative industries and corporate sectors. Delegates heard from speakers and presenters; and participated in 18 concurrent workshops covering a variety of topics. A broad range of ideas, best practices and new innovations were discussed.
The Government of Alberta is now asking the broader public for its help in charting a course for our province's cultural future. The online survey is available until March 28 and echoes the questions and topics that delegates of Culture Forum 2012 recently covered.
Take this Survey
https://extranet.gov.ab.ca/opinio6//s?s=12813
The Government of Alberta is working hard to enhance Albertans' quality of life. The information and feedback received through Culture Forum 2012 and the broader public survey will help government, the corporate community and the culture sector build a solid foundation for culture to prosper in our province.
Stuart McLean likes the Esplanade
Posted on Mar 05, 2012 by Sandi
Stuart McLean was a recent guest on stage at the Esplanade. You can listen to the recording of the Vinyl Cafe made at the Esplanade by tuning in to CBC Radio One 98.3 FM (CBRM-FM) on Sunday, March 31st at noon. Image from the Vinyl Cafe Photo Gallery.
More photos of Stuart McLean in Medicine Hat can be viewed by clicking HERE
NON-BINDING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR BUSINESS SPACE
Posted on Mar 05, 2012 by Tobie
The Cultural Development Department has a unique business opportunity to provide valued service to our Esplanade visitors. The Department extends an invitation to submit a Non-Binding Expression of Interest (EOI) to lease space within the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre. This opportunity is open to innovative and creative proponents who have a desire to take advantage of premier space in the Esplanade. The City will review the applications and determine whom the City may enter into negotiations with based on the information provided. The City of Medicine Hat reserves the right to reject any orall expressions of interest.
SPACE: The Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre attracts over 80,000 visitors per year. It is a modern building that projects a professional and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The two spaces relative to this EOI are accessed from the large, public main floor lobby which also includes the entrances into the Theatres, Museum and Art Gallery.
The available spaces include:
Area approx. 37 square metres
Area approx. 62 square metres
o Cupboards/cabinets with 2 sinks, counter approx. 4.23 metres
o Counter approx. 3.77 metres
Storage room of approx. 11 square metres
Storage room of approx. 7.5 square metres
VIEWING:
There will be an Open House for anyone interested in viewing the spaces on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, 401 First Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Related Files
Kitsch and Culture in Medicine Hat
Posted on Feb 16, 2012 by Tobie
MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Esplanade Art Gallery and Medicine Hat College’s Visual Communications Program are pleased to announce “Fantasy and Other Real Things”, a look at kitsch and culture by visiting artist Betty Spackman, on Thursday Feb. 16, 7:30 PM.
Related Files
Artists at Esplanade Art Gallery for Closing Celebration of Quilt Exhibitions
Posted on Feb 16, 2012 by Tobie
MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Esplanade Art Gallery is pleased to announce the closing celebration for the quilt exhibitions currently on display in the gallery. Visiting artist Judith Tinkl will join Medicine Hat quilt artist Fran Lauzon to meet visitors at a reception on Sunday February 5 at 1 PM, followed by First Discoveries, a family art activity, at 2pm. Free.
Related Files
Harper Government Invests in Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre
Posted on Feb 16, 2012 by Tobie
MEDICINE HAT, Alberta, January 27, 2012 – Southern Albertans and cultural enthusiasts will once
again have access to a variety of artistic experiences, thanks to support from
the Government of Canada. This was announced today by LaVar Payne, Member of
Parliament (
With this funding, the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre will present its highly anticipated 2012–13 and 2013–14 performing?arts series. These annual multidisciplinary series showcase artists and acts from across Canada and feature a variety of performances, from theatre and dance to children’s programming, as well as world, classical, popular and folk music.
Related Files
Our Chinese Heritage
Posted on Feb 16, 2012 by Tobie
MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Esplanade Museum and Esplanade Archives are proud to present Our Chinese Heritage in the Heritage Gallery, three exhibits which honor Chinese Canadian contributions to the development of Western Canada. The exhibits will be open during regular operating hours from January 29 to April 22, 2012. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, January 29 beginning at 2:00 PM and everyone is welcome.
Related Files
Non-Profit Grants Now Available
Posted on Jan 13, 2012 by Tobie
Non-Profit Grants Now
Available
Funding addresses
critical operating expenses
MSI Operating Grants
for non-profit organizations are available through the Alberta Government
Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) and administered by the City of
Medicine Hat. The grants are meant to address growth-related challenges and
enhance the long-term sustainability of Medicine Hat.
“We are looking to
assist successful organizations that serve a need and contribute to the overall quality of life
and sustainability of Medicine Hat as a community,” says Leslie Jerry, community inclusion coordinator.
“Typically, funders focus on new programs. This MSI funding is unusual in that
it provides the opportunity to address critical operational funding,” added
Jerry.
Applications and
further details are available on the City of Medicine Hat website
www.medicinehat.ca.
Deadline to apply is
Thursday, February 2, 2012.
Registered non-profit
organizations can apply for MSI grants to cover qualifying operating expenses
including salaries, wages, rent, utilities, small equipment, operating supplies
and maintenance. An Application
Information Session will be held in Council Chambers from noon until 1 p.m. on
Wednesday, January 25, 2012.
Organizations that
meet an identified need in Medicine Hat can apply for up to $25,000 to use
within the calendar year. Criteria include measurable objectives, proof of
accountability and non-profit status.
Alberta Government
Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) Conditional Operating Funding is
subject to final approval of provincial and municipal funding.
- 30 -
For
further information, please contact:
Leslie
Jerry
403 502-8086
Related Files
Cornell recorded at Esplanade show
Posted on Nov 24, 2011 by Tobie
Source: Medicine Hat News
Former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell left with more than just the memory of a packed Esplanade Theatre after playing an April gig in Medicine Hat. The Seattle grunge godfather recorded one of the tracks for his live album that went on sale earlier this week.
Thank You off Cornell's latest acoustic offering, Songbook, is receiving rave reviews as it climbs up iTunes and international charts.
The track was recorded at the soldout Esplanade on April 27 with the city getting its due in the album's liner notes along side Chicago, New York and Washington.
RECORDS OF SACRIFICE
Posted on Nov 24, 2011 by Tobie
The Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre Museum and Archives, working with local military genealogist Chris Enslen, and with the support of local defense supplier Meggitt Training Systems (Canada) Inc., have arranged for all of the records of all the men who enlisted in Medicine Hat for service during World War I to be digitally copied.
More than 1,300 men signed up in Medicine Hat for service during World War I. They put their lives on hold; left their dreams, families and jobs in order to serve their country. All of them made sacrifices; too many did not return.
In what is believed to be the largest undertaking of its kind in the country, the records of their service are being brought home to Medicine Hat with the First World War Enlistment Records Project. Due to the large number of files the project is expected to take over one year to complete and is scheduled to be finished in 2013, just a year short of the centennial of when the first of the volunteers signed up.
The project is being supported by the local defense supplier Meggitt Training Systems (Canada) Inc. Their assistance will allow present and future generations of Medicine Hat students to examine the records of their predecessors who volunteered to preserve freedom and democracy. Genealogists and the public will also be able to conveniently access materials at the Esplanade Archives Reading Room which have previously only been available in Ottawa.
The Esplanade Museum and Archives will also benefit substantially. “We are currently planning a major new exhibit to commemorate the centennial of the First World War and the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Second World War,” said Museum Curator Robert Bruce Shepard. “Having these records will help us immensely with our research.”
Katimavik Volunteers in Medicine Hat
Posted on Oct 18, 2011 by Sandi
Medicine Hat has been reaping the benefits of Katimavik <katimavik.org>. The second wave of the Katimavik Culture and Language Volunteer Tour is underway. Ten young people between the ages of 17 and 21 have come from various Canadian locations to live and volunteer in Medicine Hat while they learn about our city and improve their English or French language skills.
The current Katimavik volunteers arrived September 29th and will volunteer until mid-December. Each member volunteers full time at an organization and they also volunteer as a team for evening and weekend events.
The City’s Cultural Development Department is very pleased to have Andrew Smith volunteering at the Esplanade where he assists the Marketing Director. During the first wave of Katimavik volunteers, Marie-Noël di Pasquo, volunteered in the summer Art Camp and assisted the Esplanade Education Coordinator.
Check out the Shaw Cable video on the Katimavik Team who volunteered in Medicine Hat from July through September. http://www.shaw.ca/ShawTV/medicinehat/ - click on "Katimavik" on the top right-hand side.
The Outsiders Heat Up the Esplanade Stage
Posted on Oct 13, 2011 by Sandi
The Outsiders are tough and they never back down. Hometown Acting Studio brings a quality performance to the Esplanade stage with believable characters and a story that every age group can relate to. It's an action packed tale of bullying and heroism that has audiences impressed with the ability of this local troupe to entertain and educate. From all-star acting and realistic costumes to the smooth background melodies and incredible set design, this is a show you really don't want to miss.
More than 1200 students from Bow Island, Burdett, Leader, Maple Creek, Consul and other towns joined City school students during two days of afternoon performances. The Outsiders is a curriculum reading option for students. Photos courtesy of RJF Productions
