COMMFFEST PROGRAM EVALUATION BRIEF DESCRIPTION This evaluation examines COMMFFEST’s 2016 project presented at the idea/conceptual stage over the course of 12 months with a goal to create a MEDIA/ARTS HUB linking seniors with youth who wish to pursue a career in the arts. Enriching people’s lives through arts, culture and heritage, this initiative engaged people in community-based arts creation. EVALUATION METHODOLOGY Our project evaluation involved one on one interviews in person and on phone with participants followed by an analysis of the scope of the involvement of the participants, their level of satisfaction with their experience and the project’s as well as COMMFFEST’s on-going impact upon the community.
FINDINGS MEDIA/ARTS HUB OUTPUTS • The MEDIA/ARTS HUB project included a senior/young adults’ collaboration in the presentation of an art exhibition during COMMFFEST 2016. • A Senior’s Group Seminar was presented at the Rainbow Cinema during COMMFFEST 2016. • AYouth Discussion Series was presented by seniors. • A Celebration of the life of Ken James, hosted by seniors from The Performing Arts Lodge was held . • The Creation of Two Short Films by students with their efforts led by seniors. 1) “A Day In The Life of Henoke” 2) “My Hardworking Mother” • A Gala Musical Evening led by seniors. • A Youth Opera performance directed by local senior Opera Maestro, Dan Eby at Briton House. • COMMFEST’s on line radio show provided dissemination of information, audience participation and entertainment. • Documented acting workshops for seniors with renowned. director, Kurt Weiss
MEDIA/ARTS HUB OUTCOMES • Students gained an understanding of the curatorial role of art presentations as well as the details and dynamics of organizing an exhibition. Respectful learning practices were established between youth and senior participants and the resulting experience of audience appreciation of the successful show fostered their mutual sense of connection with the arts. They recommended expanding the opportunities of such art exhibitions. • The Senior’s Group Seminar provided participants with the opportunity to share, learn and plan how their expertise can contribute to building healthy vibrant communities and leave a lasting legacy for youth and the public at large. They expressed their commitment to participating in another presentation during COMMFFEST 2017. • Our Youth Discussion Series, presented by seniors was attended by seventy plus youth who had the benefit of hearing the seniors share their life’s work, the challenges that they faced and what it took to succeed. Youth cited how inspiring yet humbling it was to hear about the sacrifices that senior artists often made in order to pursue and excel at their craft. Their take away from the series was a clearer understanding and appreciation of the role of arts and culture in building community. • The Celebration of the life of Ken James was a fitting homage demonstrating the honour of a life spent contributing to arts and culture. The event was digitally documented by students from St. Michael’s Catholic School, furthering their understanding, skills and experience. • The Creation of Two Short Film, “A Day In The Life of Henoke” and “My Hardworking Mother” by students who were directed through the process of filmmaking by experienced seniors offered a supportive opportunity for learning and self-expression that included camera instruction, creating music for film and the art of documentary. These films will be included in COMMFFEST 2017. • The Gala Musical Evening brought together seniors aged 65 – 90. The event will grow to incorporate Youth Choirs and additional musical groups at COMMFFEST 2017. • As a result of the Youth Opera directed by senior professional Opera Maestro, Dan Eby, a performance is planned by Eby along with the youth at COMMFFEST 2017. • COMMFFEST’s on line radio show received numerous requests from seniors as well as youth for inclusion in the broadcasts as hosts and programming is in the planning stages for the MEDIA/ARTS HUB to serve their interests and expand audience development.
• Documentation of Kurt Weiss acting workshop for seniors will be used for youth instruction. Sadly Kurt Weiss has recently passed away which adds immeasurable value to having preserved his signature style of directing for generations to come.
ANALYSIS • A primary impact of MEDIA/ARTS HUB was the expansion of COMMFFEST’S community outreach, diversity of programming and services and an increased community profile. Seniors appreciated the opportunities to participate in the programs and share their skills and passions with the youth who in turn felt honoured and inspired by the unique exchanges and events. • A secondary impact was identifying areas of potential capacity building: the need to increase our partnerships in terms of venues and sponsors as well as volunteers in order to successfully take the MEDIA/ARTS HUB to the next level of program presentations and community participation. • The merit of MEDIA/ARTS HUB linking seniors with youth was confirmed by the enthusiastic participants and the broader community audiences (250 attendees) who joined in the events and presentations that this project supported. Participants urged COMMFFEST to further expand MEDI/ARTS HUB’S opportunities for involvement and contributions. • As identified by our analysis of our current evaluation, necessary next steps to take MEDIA/ARTS HUB to the next level were identified as: -
establish the performance targets for its expanded role examine possible increased efficiencies, cost savings, delivery options expand knowledge about current best practices in program management investigate risk mitigation strategies to manage projected spending pressures and fiscal realities
SUMMARY COMMFFEST is committed to responding to the needs of a community based model of arts and culture. It is our hope that MEDIA/ARTS HUB 2017 will continue to build its programs to serve artists young and old.