Latitude 53 is looking for summer staff
We’ve got another busy summer planned this year and we’re hoping to bring a Development Assistant, Communications Assistant and Program Assistant onboard for a few months. Find the full details on our website.
Loose Ends
It’s hard to believe the end of April is already here and that today is my last official day as writer-in-residence. Since I began this position, I’ve been keeping track of great projects and a myriad of things I’d hoped to write about - some have become full fledged posts, while others still populate my lists. This evening I will be posting a full-length piece I’ve been working on about installing exhibitions and the unseen preparators who make it happen, but for now I wanted to briefly share a couple highlights from my writing “to do” list worth visiting or exploring on your own.
The Human Library
Initiated in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000, The Human Library is “an innovative method designed to promote dialogue, reduce prejudices and encourage understanding.” Essentially, readers can borrow “Human Books” for an hour long informal conversation where the “book” shares their experiences with the reader. Human Libraries exist in 32 countries around the world, and there are currently two branches in Alberta. One is through the Calgary Public Library and the other through the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus. The “titles” change every so often as new “books” are added or removed from circulation. There are some great “reads” available that range from practicing artists, writers, immigrants, cultural nomads, experiences from the queer community, and people with disabilities.
12th Royal Bison
In the fall I wrote about the 11th Royal Bison, drawing comparisons between it and an artist’s run centre. This upcoming weekend, May 5-6th, is the 12th iteration and promises to be just as amazing. With approximately 30% new vendors, there is bound to be something new and fresh to catch your attention alongside your trusted favourite vendors.
BFA 2012 Graduating Exhibition
This week is the last week to check out the BFA 2012 Graduating Exhbition Wayfindings,which closes on May 5th.. As typical of these graduating exhibitions, the works are a diverse combination of printmaking, painting, drawing and sculpture. Many of the artists exhibiting there are also participating in Walking on Walls, an exhibition of prints currently on show at SNAP until May 19.
“Who are we writing for?”
Edmonton has a very small community of people engaged in writing about the visual arts. Latitude 53 has made great steps in fostering written critical engagement with the arts via their monographs and initiatives like the writer-in-residence. This May, a workshop will take place to examine the question of “who are we writing for?” and explore ideas for creating a more vibrant and sustainable writing community dedicated to the visual arts. Stay posted for future blogs about this initiative.
Last night we invited a cross-section of Latitude 53’s community to join us for a facilities visioning session. Led by our board members Shafraaz Kaba and Genevieve Simms, we used collage to identify some of what we want in a space, looking forward to the next few years. It’s an exciting time!
Thanks to those who came out—and look out for more news about our long-term plans in the coming months.
Gallery hours this week
Planning on coming to the gallery later this week? Be aware that we’ll be closing early this Friday, at 5:00 rather than 7—to make way for a special Edmonton Poetry Festival event, “Every Poem Tells a Story (Don’t It?)” hosted by Alice Major.
We’ll also unfortunately be closed this Saturday.
Do people complement you on your organizational skills?
We are looking for a self-starter as the perfect fit for our five-member core team. The Administrative Coordinator plays an essential role in systems and supportive structures of administration of Latitude 53. Working at Latitude 53 requires flexibility and a willingness to engage with a variety of people and ideas in a changing, deadline-driven working culture. A flair for proactive problem solving and a good sense of humour are assets. Solid communication skills and a working familiarity with various computer software programs (MAC OS) especially Word and Excel, Filemaker Pro, and the Adobe Creative Suite. Knowledge of standard office procedures, business communication, basic bookkeeping, and numeracy is required.
Resolve to do the things you care about
Today is the first day of the new year - a time that always seems to be ripe with possibility, the promise of new beginnings, and the chance to make changes. A time when someone will inevitably ask, “what are your New Year’s resolutions…?”
For many of the people with whom I spent New Year’s Eve (and from many of the facebook statuses I’ve read over the past few days), 2011 seems like a year that could have been better. For myself, I was fortunate to find 2011 rich with opportunities. Not only was it the year that I finished and defended my master’s thesis, but I also received my first teaching appointment, and became the most recent writer-in-residence at Latitude. Each has come with its own set of challenges which have helped me discover new things about myself and made visible those that were latent. The richness I found this past year came, in part, as the result of seizing opportunities as they came and taking the time to connect with what mattered most to me. Last year I didn’t bother to set any resolutions per se, instead I chose to think about the things I wanted to do rather than make changes I wasn’t really committed to.
The problem with resolutions is that typically they’re a series of self-imposed restrictions, and undefined in terms of how and when they are to be achieved. Beyond that, the self-improvements that fill resolutions could be done any time of year. If we honestly wanted to drink more water, eat healthier, quit smoking, save more, or whatever, then why would we wait for the first of January?
This year I challenge you to do something different. I challenge you to put aside the typical resolutions and make time to do the things you care about. Since you’re reading the Latitude 53 blog, perhaps this might mean visiting more of the great exhibitions that roll through here. Or maybe it means checking out a talk offered by a visiting artist and participating in the dialogue surrounding their practice (Latitude, the U of A, and the AGA are just three examples of places that run these kinds of initiatives). Or it could mean getting involved in any one of the arts related festivals that have earned Edmonton its reputation.
I offer you this challenge as I have taken it myself. Last year I wanted to connect more with what was happening in Edmonton’s diverse visual arts community, so I made the commitment to check out more exhibitions of all stripe. Those I attended included everything from the major exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Alberta to the Garage Show (which, for those of you who missed it, was literally held in 2 garages), and everything else in between. I was part some interesting conversations about the history art in Edmonton (and on the prairies), the role of artist-run centres, and community engagement. In addition, I had the opportunity to attend an international conference, where I was able to share my own research about the visual culture of eugenics on the prairies - which has led to collaborative initiatives with some amazing people.
I will again resolve to spend time doing things that actually matter to me this year. And just maybe start that blog I’ve been contemplating for quite some time…
Latitude 53 welcomes: Christopher Savage
Christopher comes to Latitude as our new Communications Assistant with a well-cultivated communications background and a diploma in Journalism from MacEwan University.
Christopher brings to the table new approaches to enhancing Latitude’s presence in Edmonton and beyond through media outreach and integration initiatives. He will also be involved in our outreach campaign to help raise awareness of Latitude’s on-going programs and services.
Here’s what Christopher has to say about his new position:
Christopher, what brought you to Latitude 53?
“I perceived it as an excellent opportunity to further my experience in the communications field, and to get involved with Edmonton’s most prolific artist-run center.”
What do you hope to achieve while here?
“The Interdisciplinary study of communication and art has always been of great interest to me, and I hope to use the information that I uncover in this pursuit to better serve as a Latitude team member.”
If you wish to contact Christopher, please email him at: christopher@latitude53.org.
Latitude 53 welcomes: Kimi Ahluwalia
“I’m still suffering from a chocolate addiction” - Kimi Ahluwalia
Kimi started out at Latitude 53 with a summer internship position as an Engagement Assistant, and has returned to us as our new Volunteer Coordinator. She is studying Art History and Psychology at the University of Alberta.
Not-for-profit organizations, like Latitude 53, rely heavily on volunteer support for our success, and Kimi is vital to the day-to-day operations and our success with projects both inside and outside of the gallery. Volunteers serve on the Board of Directors and Committees, display exhibits, raise funds and generally keep the place running, so Kimi’s task is no easy one. Yet with her charming demeanour, quick wit and natural ability to organize people efficiently, she is able to manage the volunteer base at Latitude with poise and flair.
In her spare time, Kimi’s favourite hobby is fighting crime and she one day hopes to one day rule the world. Welcome aboard Kimi!
Interested in helping out? Hit Kimi up at: outreach@latitude53.org
Call for Submissions: Unstable Natures
Together with the Art and Design Graduate Student Association at the University of Alberta, we’ll be hosting a show this March as part of their symposium on instability. Unstable Natures is now open for submissions:
The ADGSA is excited to host Unstable Natures at Latitude 53, one of Alberta’s leading contemporary art centres. We are currently seeking innovative new artworks by current and recent graduate students that explore:
The expression of moments of rupture as a catalyst for change through material instability
Volatility, contingency and chance
Conditions of political, cultural, economic or physical instability
Structural instability or material degradation
We're Hiring: Communications Assistant
We’re looking for a Communications Assistant to help us out this season.
The Communications Assistant plays an essential role in communications and outreach of Latitude 53 in the greater Edmonton region and beyond, while working with some of the most dynamic and diverse artists in Canada today. A strong belief in artistic freedom and autonomy, and a solid support in alternative media and alternative mindsets is a must. The ability to work with diverse groups is required, along with solid communication skills and a working familiarity with various computer software programs and in a Mac OS environment. The ideal candidate should be familiar with social media and community relations.
The Communications Assistant will work with a team on the areas of:
integrated communications for all aspects of Society’s programs and services;
enhancing a media and outreach campaign for core programming;
targeted outreach and communications focusing upon increasing audience attendance to Latitude 53.
Head on over to our website and take a look at the full details.
