Reasons to become an APA Member
As a leader in the presentation and promotion of performing arts in the Atlantic region, APA offers programs that are valuable to our members and to the betterment of the field. There are many benefits to being a member of the Atlantic Presenters Association including:
Block Booking
Block Booking allows our members to experience the power of collective buying - it increases the potential to purchase shows that might normally be out of reach for individual theatres, arts and cultural centres, or festivals, and to buy shows that may not always be considered for smaller markets. The APA uses a block booking software program that members can access at any time to either add artists to their wish list, or to join a tour.
Contact East
Contact East is a performing arts conference where artists and presenters from across Canada meet to do business. From live music, theatre and dance showcases to industry seminars and awards, Contact East is an annual event, held in September, not to be missed. For more than thirty-five years, APA members and volunteers have worked together to produce this four-day artist showcasing event and conference in cities and towns throughout Atlantic Canada. Please stay tuned to www.contacteast.ca for event information, including registration, showcasing artist’s information, professional development opportunities, etc.
Communications
The association has full-time staff working from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island who are committed to ongoing and meaningful communication. The APA has an active website which provides members with the latest APA news, educational resources, and a database of member profiles and contact information for more than sixty theatres, arts and cultural centres and festivals in Atlantic Canada. APA is also into social networking – become our fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or chat with colleagues on the APA’s blog.
Professional Development
Very few presenters receive post-secondary training in their field. Most learn first-hand with the support of their peers in addition to professional development seminars presented by associations such as ours. Professional development can be defined as the process of improving skills and competencies needed to produce outstanding results. For presenters that means learning about ways to develop and keep audiences, sharing ideas on best practices and procedures, and particularly for new and emerging presenters, learn from experienced individuals about marketing, operations and finance skills necessary to present a live performance. The APA provides professional development sessions at its May retreat, during Contact East, in addition to regional professional development sessions independently and in collaboration with other like-minded organizations.
Mentoring Opportunities
Among APA members, within our staff, and among our colleagues across Canada, there is an amazing body of knowledge on presenting, production, promotion and pricing. Being that we all love what we do and that we want to see the level of presentation continue to develop in the region, mentors are essential to assist new and emerging professionals in learning the art of presenting performing arts. For more information about mentorship opportunities offered through the APA, please contact Sue Urquhart at sue@atlanticpresenters.ca or 902.892.6269.
Providing Funding Information
To some degree, all presenters require support from various funding agencies to deliver the best quality and quantity of performances in their communities. The APA staff is available for consultation with members to assist with providing funding information specific to each Atlantic province.
Financial Benefits
The APA collaborates with a number of affiliate organizations (ECMAs, CAPACOA, etc.) to ensure deals on event passes and accommodations etc.
Special Projects
In April 2011, the APA launched the Atlantic Moves program, a three-year contemporary dance pilot project funded jointly by the Department of Canadian Heritage and Canada Council for the Arts, in addition to the Province of Nova Scotia. Applications were accepted from all interested APA members as well as members of RADARTS, Canada’s French presenting network. The nine presenters chosen, including a member of RADARTS, are given risk funding, travel funds, and professional development opportunities across the country on contemporary dance. It is our hope that this dance pilot project will be the first of many special projects for our organization.
The Atlantic Presenters Association provides programs and services that are relevant to theatres, arts and cultural centres, festivals and organizations presenting live music, theatre or dance. To find out information about our annual membership rates or for inquiries about our membership benefits, please contact:
Jennifer Gillis
Membership Services & Atlantic Moves Coordinator
jennifer@atlanticpresenters.ca
