annual report - scarborough...

2014 - 2015

ANNUAL REPORT

Community

CultureConnection

2 SCARBOROUGH ARTS ANNUAL REPORT 2014 - 2015

Scarborough Arts develops, delivers and

promotes arts programming and cultural

initiatives in collaboration and partnership

with the community. We bring artists to the

community and community to the arts.

StaffFrances Shakov, Executive Director

Jen D. Fabico, Program Director

Susan Dimitrakopoulos, Administrative Services

Coordinator

Marianne Rellin, Program and Communications

Coordinator

Tamla Matthews-Morgan, Children’s Programs

Manager

Dania Ansari, Youth Programs Manager

Andrew Togobo & Jason Yorke-Best,

EAST Program Coordinators

Ash Jahromi, Gallery Assistant

Brendan Hong & Amanda Rabey,

Program Assistants

Vidya Patel, Chairman

Benedict Lopes, Vice-Chairman

Lori Marzinotto, Vice-Chairman

Teresa Magnifico, Treasurer

Sathya Thillainathan, Secretary

Paul Fairman, Director

Grant MacEachern, Director

Jason Maghanoy, Director

Jessica Wilson, Director

Councillor Michelle Berardinetti, Ex-Officio

• Annual Juried Exhibition: Red Hot

• The Bluffs Gallery

- Bright Flight

- Come Out!

- Commemorate! Black History Month

- Holiday Dreams

- InspirAsians

- Unsung Sheroes

- Word Lens

• The Bridging Festival

• EAST Music Collective

• EAST Project Management Collective

• Kaleidoscope

• Write On!

Mission• All forms of creative and artistic expression

• Engagement and inclusion

• Accessibility

• Innovation

• Accountability

• Diversity

Core Values

Programs & Events

Board of Directors

SCARBOROUGH ARTS ANNUAL REPORT 2014 - 2015 3

Report from the Chair

I n our organization’s 38 years of providing arts in our community, there have been highs and lows, and this past year was a difficult one. We were in a similar situation last year, and the hope at that time was that we were finally

moving from a transitionary period without an Executive Director, to one of stability and growth. Unfortunately, we remained in a transition period this year with more changes than anticipated. We have learned many lessons in the face of these challenges which will serve to guide us into the future. Additionally, we can share our learnings and best practices with other organizations that find themselves in similar challenging circumstances. It’s easier to showcase our successes, and deemphasize our missteps, but that distorts the journey that all growing and evolving organizations take. We take pride in the fact that Scarborough Arts has been able to regain our footing in the past, and we have no doubt that we will be able to overcome current challenges. Scarborough Arts has an incredibly committed and resilient staff that has continued to deliver high quality programming throughout the year. The SA staff is dedicated to our community of participants, members, artists, funders and partners, and passionate about offering accessible, engaging and impactful programming. We were also excited to expand our team, as our signature music program EAST, has grown into new formats.

Our unique site at 1859 Kingston Road has come alive both inside the gallery and on our surrounding grounds this year as Scarboorugh Arts increased the number of events at our beautiful space. We were thrilled by the high level of community engagement and participation this year, and plan to build on this trend going forward. The popular paint nights, open-mic nights, and outdoor summer events will become mainstays of the on-site programming for the upcoming year.

We are unfortunately ending the year with a deficit, largely due to revenues deferred to next year. We are working diligently this year to maximize our resources and increase capacity. We have an opportunity to build new programming models that can utilize the types and scope of funding that is being made available to us.

Thank you to all the members, partners, participants, artists, funders, and the Scarborough community as a whole for supporting us this year. The arts in Scarborough are alive and well, and we’re excited to continue to be at the epicenter of the community.

VIDYA PATEL, Chair

ON THE COVERPhotos by Aniqa Rahman, Kat Rizza Photography, and Jen D. Fabico

THIS PAGEPhoto by Aniqa Rahman


STRATEGIC PRIORITY #2:

CONFIRM A PERMANENT LOCATION FOR SCARBOROUGH ARTS

Scarborough Arts has been toiling to confirm a permanent location to serve as an artistic hub for Scarborough. We are considering a number of factors: financial cost, accessibility, location, artistic aesthetic and facilities to name a few. Earlier this year, a visioning session was held to re-evaluate Scarborough Arts’ current state and define realistic expectations for the future. The Board determined that various groups were needed to support this vision, and University of Toronto Scarborough and The Rotary Clubs of Scarborough were invited into the conversation. Our next steps will be to continue engaging various groups, solicit governmental support and develop a working committee which will define specific tasks to help bring us closer to our goal. Establishing a permanent artistic hub for Scarborough is a long-term project for Scarborough Arts, but one which our staff, Board and community are committed to.


INCREASE ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

Within the 2014-2015 year, Scarborough Arts re-evaluated its program and staffing models to improve our organizational effectiveness and the better meet the needs of our members and participants. We implemented a rigorous program evaluation which concluded in significant revision of our programming. In addition, some programs were placed on a one-year hiatus to afford us more time to establish newer and stronger concepts and resources. Scarborough Arts also commenced a restructuring of its staffing roles and responsibilities. The restructuring of the staffing model will continue into our 2015-2016 year.

Strategic Growth

Allen Legacy (L) and Adrian Proszowski (R) at Come OUT!

Scarborough Arts building at 1859 Kingston Road

The late Archie Alleyne at Commemorate! Black History Month

Photos by Nina Escalante, Kat Rizza Photography, and Danelle Jane Tran



PROVIDE LEADERSHIP IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS

With a number of high-quality staple programs such as the Annual Juried Exhibition, EAST and Kaleidoscope, organizations across the Greater Toronto Area have consistently looked towards Scarborough Arts for best practices and models which they can adopt. Scarborough Arts is viewed as a leader in arts and culture because of our very capable programming team which is constantly innovating and presenting forward-thinking concepts.


INCREASE AWARENESS OF SCARBOROUGH ARTS AS A LEADER IN ARTS AND CULTURE

The Bluffs Gallery has played home to an array of exhibitions and events with various art forms, culinary collections and social and cultural themes. This year, Scarborough Arts celebrated events such as International Women’s Day, Asian Heritage Month and Pride Month while continuing to present our popular seasonal exhibitions. We added new artists to our roster such as the late Archie Alleyne, Andy Fabo, Goliath Paw, Hiro Kanagawa, and LAL.

Pantayo Kulintang Ensemble at Unsung Sheroes

Ann Brokelman at InspirAsians

Lido Pimienta at Come OUT!Photos by Danelle Jane Tran, Aniqa Rahman, and Kat Rizza Photography


“

Testimonials

I had an awesome time at

Scarborough Arts’ Paint Night, surrounded by great artists, music, and community. I’m inspired to do more painting!

- DIPESH SHAH Program Participant,

The Bluffs Gallery

“I chose to work with Scarborough Arts for ‘Poetry Came in Search of Me’ because

of its extensive experience serving the Scarborough community. As an emerging poetry curator from Scarborough, I was able to tap into the organization’s network of Scarborough writers and artists. I look forward to working with Scarborough Arts again.

- ANNA NIEMINENGuest Curator, “Poetry Came in Search of Me” for Ontario Culture Days

“O ne of the reasons Kaleidoscope is so fun is because of the activities we do at the

sessions including drawing, painting, dancing, singing, and drumming. There are a lot of fun games, and a “check-in” circle where you give your name and your favourite food, song, or hobby. The check-in circles help you get to know the people in your class (who) you (may not) know well and friend(ships) may blossom.

- GRADE 5 STUDENTProgram Participant, Kaleidoscope


“S carborough Arts...I don’t know where to start. When I was

16 years old, I started becoming involved in their music programs, and it changed my life. The people who I was able to meet – like Dan-e-o – some of the things he taught me about songwriting, I still use everyday. He’s been an amazing mentor. Also, people like Jen Fabico have been supporting me from the very start. And that’s all we need, support. I think it’s incredibly important that programs like EAST get the chance to flourish so people like me could keep honing my music because honestly, the program changed my life. It could change your life too if you’re an artist.

- SETH DYERProgram Participant, Various“S carborough Arts gave me the confidence

to start writing my life story and express myself before an audience. I hope that Scarborough Arts will continue to provide the opportunities for people who need to develop and expose their talents.

- JOAN LITTLEScarborough Seniors Write participant; May 2015 Member of the Month

“I admire Scarborough Arts for providing opportunities to youth and for providing

a space for artists to socialize. As an emerging artist, I’ve maintained relationships with certain people for years after I first collaborated or learned with them through Scarborough Arts. I still benefit from my experience in their workshops and continue to build the self-esteem which it partly engendered in me.

- PETROSE TESFAIProgram Participant, Various

LEFT PAGEPhotos courtesy of Anna Nieminen, Tamla Matthews-Morgan and Marianne Rellin

THIS PAGEPhotos by Clea Christakos-Gee, Aniqa Rahman, and Joan Little


I am pleased to present the audited financial statements of Scarborough Arts for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2015.

Scarborough Arts continues to deliver some of the very best Arts and Culture programming and events across the Scarborough community. When there is a need, the community knows who to call and Scarborough Arts has delivered. Spending a total of $321,000 on programming, Scarborough Arts received many calls throughout the year from community members, participants and leaders for additional Arts and Cultural events in Scarborough. In order to meet the immediate demands, Scarborough Arts opened its doors to the community with a series of programming (including Paint Night, Spoken Word, Poetry/Literary readings and much more). In addition, Scarborough Arts hosted a successful summer concert in the park which received media coverage, hosted a BBQ, children’s craft centre and stage for artistic performances which was well received by over a hundred visitors.

Unfortunately, Scarborough Arts also faced many challenges throughout 2015 that included: operating with a new Executive Director, supported by some new staff members and a new bookkeeper, some of whom have come and gone. There were many lessons learned along the way. Staff retention, and financially sustainable and competitive salaries are major concerns for Scarborough Arts. The volunteer Board of Directors has been working diligently over the past couple of months to find the right Executive Director for Scarborough Arts. In addition, the Board is spending time focusing on the organizational structure in order to align responsibilities and increase support, as applicable.

In fiscal 2015, Scarborough Arts was notified that proceeds from future Bingo events would be reduced as a result of the significant accumulated balance in the Bingo and Nevada accounts (approximately $85,000). Although certain expenditures processed through the operating bank account met the criteria for funding through the Bingo accounts, Scarborough Arts is reporting a deficit of approximately $10,000 for fiscal 2015 when a surplus would have been reported if qualifying programming expenses were appropriately allocated to the Bingo fund.

Additional 2015 challenges included: fundraising activities which were approximately 50% lower and membership fees which dropped almost 10%.

Treasurer’s ReportTERESA MAGNIFICO, Treasurer


“

“

Moving forward, Scarborough Arts will continue to work towards diversifying revenue sources and exploring fundraising strategies. The Board and staff are extremely excited about the journey ahead and are looking forward to growing and playing a vital role in promoting the development of the arts for the enjoyment and benefit of Scarborough and the GTA as a whole.

I want to acknowledge our dedicated and committed staff members and Board for their efforts, hard work and leadership in the community of Scarborough.

I would also like to acknowledge each member’s financial contribution to the sustainability of Scarborough Arts. All donations are a most welcome addition to the ongoing support of Scarborough Arts.

Spending a total of $321,000 on programming, Scarborough Arts received many calls throughout the year from community members, participants, and leaders for additional arts and cultural events in Scarborough.

EAST Collective artists and Scarborough Arts staff at the EAST Collective Open Mic Night at The Central

Audience members at Bright Flight’s Open Mic Night

Grade 5 student during a Kaleidoscope session

LEFT PAGE Photo by Kat Rizza Photography

THIS PAGEPhotos by Kat Rizza Photography, Aniqa Rahman and Tamla Matthews-Morgan

- TERESA MAGNIFICO, Treasurer


Our Supporters

FUNDERS - OPERATING

An agency of the Government of Ontario.Un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario.

Constituency Office: 4117 Lawrence Ave E. Unit 109Toronto, ON M1E 2S2416-281-2787 @MitzieHunter

www.mitziehunter.onmpp.ca

FUNDERS - PROJECTS

FUNDERS - DONORS & SPONSORS

We would like to thank our supporters who have helped Scarborough Arts grow in the 2014 - 2015 year. These groups and individuals are a vital component of our organizational and program successes.


Agincourt Community Services Association

Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre

Caribbean Flair Catering

Catholic Cross-Cultural Services

Cedar Ridge Creative Centre

Children’s Aid Society of Toronto

Council of Agencies Serving South Asians

Diaspora Dialogues

Doris McCarthy Gallery

East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club

East Scarborough Storefront

G5 Canadian Urban

Guerilla Printing

Rosedale Corporate Catering

Harmony Movement

Heart Beatz – Cliffcrest Community Centre

Inside Out Film Festival

JVS Toronto

Malvern Family Resource Centre

Military Trail Public School

Mural Routes

Native Child and Family Services

Neighbourhood Arts Network

Phase One Studios

Reel Asian Film Festival

Scarborough Museum

Silver Springs Public School

St. Boniface Catholic School

St. Dunstan Catholic School

Toronto Public Library

Toronto Region Conservation Authority

Tropicana Community Services

Warden Avenue Public School

PARTNERS

At Scarborough Arts, every little bit helps! Thank you to our individual donors who

have made a contribution, whether large or small, to our organization this year.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

www.facebook.com/scarborougharts

@scararts

@scarborougharts

1859 Kingston Road

Scarborough, Ontario, M1N 1T3

416-698-7322

[email protected]

www.scarborougharts.com

Charitable # 1236 89704 RR0001

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