Announcement: Strategic Initiative Applications, Metcalf Foundation

In order to respond better to the planning cycles of arts organizations, the Metcalf Foundation will be considering Strategic Initiative applications in winter and summer of 2008.  That means that there will be a new deadline for intake of Letters of Interest to the Strategic Initiative program – December 17, 2007.

Successful applicants to the Strategic Initiative program will be funded by the Foundation for a three-year period to implement a strategic course of action that would not be possible under normal budgetary circumstances. The program is open to professional theatre, dance, music, and opera organizations, based in Toronto, with annual operating budgets under $3 million.  Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Michael Jones, Arts Program Director, to discuss their proposals in advance.

Full application guidelines, including requirements for the Letter of Interest to the Strategic Initative program, are available for download at the Foundation’s website, http://www.metcalffoundation.com.

The 2008 deadlines for all of the Performing Arts programs at the Metcalf Foundation are listed below.  Please also note the change to the traditional timing of the Senior Artists & Administrators program.

APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR 2008
(all dates are 2008 unless marked)

Strategic Initiatives – Round 1
Letter of Interest deadline:  December 17, 2007
Foundations extends invitation to apply:   December 21, 2007
Full Application deadline:  January 28
Grant notification:  March 10

Strategic Initiatives – Round 2
Letter of Interest deadline:  March 31
Foundations extends invitation to apply:  April 7
Full Application deadline:  May 5
Grant notification:  June 23

Professional Development:  Internships – Round 1
Application deadline:  April 28
Grant notification:  June 23

Professional Development:  Internships – Round 2
Application deadline:  October 20
Grant notification:  December 15

Professional Development:  Senior Artists & Administrators (one round only)
Application deadline:  June 19
Grant notification:  October 6

Event: An Evening with Stephen Lewis

presented by the Ontario Heritage Trust

November 27, 7:30 pm; Reception following

The Ontario Heritage Trust is pleased to present an evening with Stephen Lewis, one of Canada’s most respected commentators on social affairs, international development and human rights. At the event, Mr. Lewis will discuss “Tomorrow’s Past Matters: Investing in Heritage and Enriching Democracy.” Tickets: $30 plus applicable taxes and fees. For further information or to order tickets, call 416 872-5555; visit www.ticketmaster.ca or www.heritagetrust.on.ca

Job Posting: Executive Director, Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival

The Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival, a non-profit/charitable organization that produces two annual festivals featuring over 150 independent theatre companies, is currently seeking an Executive Director.

As Executive Director, you will provide dynamic leadership for all the company’s activities and follow the mandate of the organization including the guiding principles of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.   Working with the Producer, the Executive Director is responsible for the fiscal management, revenue generation, human resources management, leadership and over-all health of the organization.

The Fringe is entering its 20th anniversary season and has just completed a record setting year with a ticketed attendance of 57,128 and returned $399,320 in box office revenue to the artists.  The Festival currently has three full time staff, 70-80 contracted staff, 325 volunteers and an operating budget of $650,000.

We are looking for someone who is creative, responsible, self-motivated, organized and outgoing.  The ability to multi-task efficiently and work within a team structure is also an important part of the position and festival environment.

The key duties for this position will require a broad knowledge of arts/festival management, grant writing, fundraising, bookkeeping, marketing and human resources. The Fringe is currently in the early planning stages of launching a capital campaign and although experience in this field is not required it will be considered an asset.

Skill Requirements:

• 3 to 5 years experience in a similar role.
• Superior administrative and management skills including team building and problem solving skills.
• Proven fundraising and grant writing experience and understanding of the current arts funding climate.
• Knowledge of the Fringe Festival movement and philosophy of the Fringe.
• Financial planning and budgeting experience.
• Negotiation, facilitation and community development skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, high pressure environment.
• Strong computer skills.

This is a full time permanent position within the organization.  The successful applicant will have a six month probation period and performance review during which time there will be opportunity for a transition period and on-the-job training/experience with the current Interim Executive Director/Festival Producer.

Please include a salary expectation within the cover letter.

Submission Deadline:  November 30, 2007
Start Date: Between January 1 and 31, 2008

No telephone calls please. Questions (not applications) may be forwarded to searchcommittee@fringetoronto.com
We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Fringe is an equal opportunity employer.

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter and two references to the attention of:
The Search Committee
Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival
208-344 Bloor St. W.
Toronto, ON    M5S 3A7
Fax: 416-966-5072
No e-mail submissions please.

Announcement: York University-Maytree Foundation Executive Directors’ Institute

Apply now to the York University-Maytree Foundation Executive Directors’ Institute

The 2008 Institute focuses on the development of strategic leadership in a rapidly changing voluntary sector. The program is designed for executive directors from the non-profit sector who are creative, inspiring, innovative and visionary in leading effective organizations and communities.

The Institute offers cutting edge programming in emerging leadership competency areas such as complexity theory, social entrepreneurship, human resources, complexity-inspired governance, change management, resource development and marketing. All program modules are led by York University faculty with an emphasis on participants bringing their management leadership experience to an innovative educational environment.

The application deadline is Friday December 14, 2007 by 5:00 p.m.

To Apply Click Here

Event: Bid Adieu to Christmas Angst, Theatre Columbus

Theatre Columbus’ 17th annual fundraising auction

Get all your holiday shopping done in one fell swoop…… Theatre Columbus’ 17th annual fundraising auction, hosted by auctioneer Jay Mandarino, with both live and silent auctions. An eclectic variety of items including a mystery bottle sale, designer clothing, home furnishings, a will, food baskets, framed artwork, fitness classes, books and, of course, theatre tickets. Help support the creation of new Canadian theatre

Cover: $10
Venue:  The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West, 2nd floor reception gallery
Date: Monday December 3, 2007
Time: 7 pm  reception & viewing
8 pm live auction

For more information contact Deirdre Newman  at:

Phone: 416.504.0019
Email: dnewman@theatrecolumbus.ca
Website: www.theatrecolumbus.ca