The Canadian Artists’ Representation / Le Front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC) is pleased to invite visual artists from across Canada to attend our annual conference in Vancouver at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
Below is an outline of conference events – it looks like it’s going to be an exciting weekend!
Conference Schedule *
FRIDAY, MAY 31st
Registration opens
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Atrium, South Building
Keynote address by Germaine Koh
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Germaine Koh will speak about the mutually beneficial aspects of mentor relationships. She will discuss different mentorship models via case studies from her own development as an artist and curator, and her experiences teaching, coaching and mentoring, launching DIY initiatives, and leading community-based projects.
Reclaiming traditional knowledge for indigenous communities
3:15 pm – 4:00 pm
Ninety-five per cent of patents, trademarks and copyrights on Indigenous traditional knowledge and cultural expression are owned by non-Indigenous people or corporations. None of the profits from these are shared with the communities from which they come. At the same time, Indigenous people are the lowest socio-economic group in Canada. Greg Younging, professor of Indigenous Studies at UBC Okanagan, will discuss the implications that the exploitation of Indigenous cultural images have within the visual arts community and beyond, and will discuss best practices and protocols that encourage respectful cultural exchange.
Introduction to Dragon Boat Racing (Optional)
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm, False Creek Racing Canoe Club, 1318 Cartwright St, Granville Island
The False Creek Racing Canoe Club will teach the basics of dragon boat paddling and racing in a friendly, supportive and fun environment. A suitable activity for all ages and for all levels of fitness and athletic ability, this is a great way to tour Vancouver from a unique perspective – the waters of False Creek. $15 per participant – rain or shine!
Opening Reception
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Gallery Gachet, 88 East Cordova Street
SATURDAY, JUNE 1st
Coffee and Registration
9:00 am – 9:30 am, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Atrium
Art Starts: Talent in the Room
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
How can artists synthesize the skills in their professional art practice to be more marketable and relevant in schools? Infusion: Arts in Education is a professional learning program for artists and teachers. Its purpose is to encourage and assist teachers in their commitment to promoting arts integration-based practices in their classrooms. Following this presentation, delegates will break into groups to discuss how artists can be more effective in the classroom and in community outreach projects. Speaker: Terri Anne Wilson, Arts Integration Manager at ArtStarts in Schools
Mentorship: Learning the secrets to success from your peers
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Given that most visual artists are self employed, mentorship programs are an important way to connect with both senior artists and peers. Panellists will discuss the benefits of formal and informal peer-based learning and how it can help to advance your career. Speakers include media artist Paul Wong, Tracey Kim Bonneau from the En’owkin Centre’s National Aboriginal Professional Artist Training mentorship program in Penticton, Joysanne Sidimus from the Canadian Senior Artist Resource Network, and a representative from CARFAC Saskatchewan’s Mentorship Program.
Meet the Mentor Forum
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
What would successful artists have wanted to know at the beginning of their careers? At this forum, emerging and mid-career artists have the opportunity to learn from the experience and insight of established artists. Don’t miss the chance to obtain advice, expand networks, and develop a sense of camaraderie with fellow artists.
Tour of the Vancouver Contemporary Art Gallery
7:00 pm, Vancouver Contemporary Art Gallery, 555 Nelson Street
CARFAC 45th Anniversary and Visual Arts Advocacy Award
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Celebrate 45 years of artists working for artists! This reception will feature the presentation of the Visual Arts Advocacy Award, which honours a professional artist from BC who has made a significant contribution as an advocate for the Canadian visual arts community. Each year, we present the winner with a craft-based artwork, acquired through a provincial craft council.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2nd
Coffee and AGM registration
9:00 am – 9:30 am, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Atrium, South Building
CARFAC National Annual General Meeting
9:30 am – 10:30 am, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Atrium, South Building
All current members of CARFAC are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you’re not a member yet, take this opportunity to join and find out more about what we have been up to in the last year.
Visual Arts Open Forum
10:30 am – 11:00 am
An opportunity for artists to participate in an open exchange of ideas and information. If you know about a project or idea that you think other artists will be excited about, tell us about it! But keep it short and sweet – in order to keep the dialogue lively, presenters will only have 5 minutes to spread the word.
Sharing Profits with Artists: The Artist’s Resale Right
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Many people profit when an artwork is resold – but not the artist. CARFAC would like to see this changed by bringing the Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) to Canada. The ARR would give Canadian artists 5% from the resale of their work, as is done in at least 70 other countries world-wide. This presentation allows artists to ask questions and learn more about what the ARR might mean to them. CARFAC’s National Executive Director, April Britski will provide an overview of our proposal, and Vancouver artists and representatives from the art market will also share their views on this issue.
Closing Remarks
2:00 pm – 2:15 pm
CARFAC BC AGM
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
* Details subject to change
Please Note: We do not currently have a budget for simultaneous translation of conference events. All conference materials will be available in French and bilingual staff and board members will be on hand to field questions and provide assistance in your language of choice.
Registration Fees
$80 for CARFAC members
$100 for non-members
$50 for students
Please note: Participants will be responsible for arranging their own travel, accommodations and food. Information is included below on some of the options available.
Send us a registration form and a cheque or register via Paypal:
Video Bursary Contest
Can’t fit the registration fee in your budget? Five bursaries for the Artists for Artists conference in Vancouver are up for grabs. Get the details.
Accommodations
The Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre is offering a special room rate for conference participants of $119 for single/double occupancy (plus $15 for each additional person). To book a room, call the hotel directly at 1-604-707-1939, or email info@hivancouver.com, and quote “CARFAC National – Annual conference” by May 1st to receive the special rate.
If you are looking for budget options, there are at least two hostels that offer shared and private rooms at very reasonable rates within walking distance of the conference. HI-Vancouver Downtown is a twenty minute walk and HI-Vancouver Central is just a little further.
Billeting: Can’t afford a hotel room for the “Artists for Artist” conference and don’t mind sleeping on a member’s couch? CARFAC BC will be organizing a free billeting service between Lower Mainland members and conference participants. Just send us your Vancouver dates and any must-haves (ie; peanut free, no cats, no dogs, lots of cats and dogs, spare room for couple etc.) and CARFAC BC will try to hook you up with a member who may have just the place. Email: membershipcoordinator@rocketmail.com Subject line: Billeting, or leave a detailed message at 604-519-4669.
Transportation
VIA Rail
VIA Rail has offered a 10% discount for conference participants using confirmation number 12513. This offer is valid from May 25 to June 7, 2013 from all stations throughout the VIA system to Vancouver, British Columbia and return. Fare applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking. One complimentary stopover is allowed at no additional charge. For travel on all fare plans in Business class, the first stopover is allowed at no additional charge, provided that this stopover takes place in Toronto, Montréal or Ottawa only. Discount is off the best available fare in Economy, Business, Sleeper, or Sleeper Touring class (subject to the conditions and restrictions of the fare plan to which the additional discount is being applied). Discount does not apply in Economy – special or escape fare, or in Business – supersaver fare. Visit http://www.viarail.ca/en for more information and booking.
Sky Train from the Airport
The Canada Line is Vancouver’s new rapid transit rail link connecting YVR to downtown Vancouver in 26 minutes. It’s a fast and easy way to get to the city centres. The Canada Line runs every seven minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours.
Volunteer for Artists for Artists and get in for free!
Volunteers who are able to commit to two, four hour shifts are welcome to attend all conference events for free with the exception of the Dragon Boat session the evening of Friday May 31st. Volunteer positions are limited and will be scheduled on a first come first served basis. Contact us to sign up.