QAC 2023 Annual Report by Quinte Arts Council

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3

OUR VISION

An inclusive and equitable culture of diversity is at the core of our mandate at the QAC.

Since 1967, the Quinte Arts Council has been the community leader in advancing, cultivating, promoting and advocating for a vibrant and diverse arts community in the Quinte region, while supporting the new generation of artists, offering quality experiences and arts education. The QAC envisions an inclusive region where all artists and arts organizations are valued, supported and celebrated by the community. We empower artists and arts organizations to achieve creative success with viable, sustainable careers.

Our values:

Equity and Inclusion is how we unleash the power of diversity and creativity

Art and culture play an important role in our rural communities and contribute to a healthy local economy and lifestyle

Art and culture are valuable voices at the table with all levels of government

Varied perspectives cultivate creative ideas

Cultivating and sustaining partnerships builds a stronger arts community

Art by Daniel Fobert

Art by Bev Shepherd

MESSAGE FROM THE ED

Dear Members and Supporters of the Quinte Arts Council,

As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible achievements and milestones we have reached together a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of our community.

In 2023, I celebrated my fifth year as Executive Director. January marked a fresh start, and we were honoured to have David Maracle perform a smudging ceremony, welcoming the New Year with positive energy.

As you go through the beautiful pages of this annual report, you will see the fulfillment of our mission; advancing, cultivating, promoting and advocating for an inclusive, vibrant and diverse arts community of the Quinte region. The QAC invested over $42,000 in artist fees and commissions and another $13,000 in arts education funding.

Janet Jarrell by Christopher Gentile

I commend the Board of Directors, our incredible staff, artists in our community, volunteers and patrons of the arts for their unwavering support. Their contributions have fueled an incredible resurgence, innovation, and presence in the arts community. Our tireless work promotes arts, culture, and heritage essential for our overall health and well-being.

The QAC continues to support artist members, staff, and volunteers through networking, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts. Our commitment to professional development led us to attend the Arts Service Organizations Conference in Torontothank you to MassCulture for creating a space for ASOs to converge in person. We also gained valuable insights at the Ontario Nonprofit Network and Charity Village conferences.

As we look ahead, we engage our community to ensure our work remains relevant. We collaborate with municipal partners who recognize the importance of the arts to our cultural identity We extend heartfelt gratitude to our community, sponsors and funders for believing in our mission.

Thank you for your continued involvement, dedication and unwavering support to the Quinte Arts Council.

Sincerely, JJ

Thanks to funding from Canada Summer Jobs we were able to hire two summer students for June and July. In partnership with Loyalist College we brought on one intern.

Hannah McEwan

Anissa Neilsen Community Manager

Special Events Coordinator

Moyo Adeyinka

Loyalist College Intern

Board Updates

Over the past year the QAC Board of Directors has experienced some changes. Andrea Kerr has stepped down as the Chair and Brit Johnston is now the Chair of the QAC Board. Congratulations Brit!

We said goodbye to Taylor Pender who has gotten married and started a family Emebet Belete left the board and moved on to create the amazing Bridging Communities Project. A community connector bringing people together with the power of crochet!

Emebet Belete

Taylor Pender

Brit Johnston Chair

Art by Donna Bonin

Our Team

The QAC began 2023 with a smudging performed by David Maracle of Tyendinaga. This ceremony set a positive tone for the year, and we are grateful to experience this spiritual tradition. We welcomed many new volunteers and they were able to lend us a big hand in events and curating exhibitions. A big QAC thank you to our dedicated team of gallery attendants: Ron Smith, who was our lead when it came to hanging all the amazing exhibits, Hilary Dorricott, who helped lend an artistic eye with curating shows, Lorraine Huebner, a talented artist who was at every art opening connecting with you and of course Judy Bridle who staffs the hub every Friday and also used her Stage Managing talents to corral the performers at our ARA Gala! Thank you to our volunteers, we truly could not do it without you!

The team changed as Heather Christiansen moved on from the QAC, but we were excited to have Matilda Aide join our team as the new Program Director.

Thank you to our volunteers of 2023:

Carol Bauer, Carol Lennox, Judy Bridle, Sandra Randle, Daniel Fobert, Merv Patey, Hilary Dorricott, Lorraine Huebner, Ruth Hatton, Frank Gielen, Janet Cameron, Ron Smith, Clara Brown and Travis Kerr

KODIE TRAHAN-GUAY Communications & Media Director

MATILDA AIDE Program Director

ANDREWGRAY GraphicDesigner

KIMLIDSTONE Bookkeeper

FarewellHeather!

David Maracle performed a smudging ceremonty.

NOTABLES FOR 2023

Art by Mark Algar

The QAC paid out over $42, 000 in artists fees and commissions in 2023.

Our Arts Education program issued over $13,000 bringing artists into local classrooms.

Jazz Masterclasses began in the Cultural Hub. Umbrella Magazine, produced quarterly, celebrated over 100 artists, employed 12 writers, 4 staff, a graphic designer and a dozen volunteers.

The largest Rise: Because We Are Equal to date! 22 artists submitted 40 pieces in a variety of mediums including film and statues!

Partnered with CNIB, had amazing attendance with 15 visually impaired guests at a special early opening. A total of over 100 visitors in the month experienced this touchable exhibition. over $40,000 raised at the ARA’s Gala!

The 2nd annual Docs, Dinner & Drinks.

8th annual Quinte En Plein Air Competition was held with an astounding $4000 in prizes given out to the winners.

We awarded $7000 worth of student bursaries.

Over $7600 in artists fees paid directly to the artists of Quinte for their work that hung at the QAC!

Won “Best of the Bay” award!

Advancing Cultivating Promoting Advocating OUR

Keeping Arts on the Table, the Quinte Arts Council uses four pillars that guide our operations and programming

ADVANCING

Technological Advancements: The QAC team has been hard at working making Umbrella magazine fully accessible. Using Issuu it is now Digital First which allows for more connection to artists. They’ve also soft launched the narrated Umbrella wherever podcasts are available!

In 2023 you voted us Best In The Bay as an exhibition space for emerging and under represented artists! The Cultural Hub has become so much more than a gallery with weekly classes - it’s a destination in downtown Belleville.

We held the 8th annual Quinte En Plein Air Festival which included a Plein Air workshop for beginners and a demonstration by Master Plein Air Painter

Andrew Hamilton. Participant Roderik Mayne said “The event has gone beautifully and the QAC team should be credited with the smoothness of the event!”

The QAC Cultural Hub and Exhibition Space has become a hit among artists. Valerie Kent said “What a fabulous arts organization. If you want to see and buy awe-inspiring art this is the place to go. It’s right on the main street and has been renovated. Every month a new artist is featured. This is also a great place to look for courses and classes. If there is anything you want to know about arts in this beautiful corner of Ontario, this is your go to place.”

Stephen Snider, whose painting of Paulo‘s Restaurant graces the cover of this year‘s annual report enjoyed his time in our cultural hub and said “Your venue is a great place to present and promote the arts in the Quinte region!”

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

GALLERY EXHIBITIONS

Arts Quinte West

Bay of Quinte Student Photography

RISE Women's Day

Duet with Bev Shepherd and Hugh Perry

Sarah Winn: Pet Portrait Project

Everyone Under the Rainbow 2SLGTBQIA+

Valerie Kent: Birches

Sarah Palmer

Valerie Todd Tactile

Scenes of Quinte

IN PERSON WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

2nd Annual Docs, Dinner & Drinks

8th Annual Quinte en Plein Air

Writer’s Workshop Series

Jazz Masterclasses

2nd Annual Belleville Jazz Festival

ARA Gala

ADVANCING

Quinte Arts Council (QAC) is committed to providing equitable, inclusive and accessible programs and services. In 2023 we held an exhibition with visually impaired artist Lynda Todd that was a tactile art show - art meant to be touched to be experienced so everyone could enjoy the work.

Thanks to meetings with Lynda Todd and our Loyalist College student Moyo Adeyinka, the team was able to envision a more accessible space physically and digitally. This led to the soft launch of our narrated Umbrella articles.

In programs, such as Umbrella Arts magazine, Arts Education, juried exhibitions and arts events, we prioritize opportunities for applicants from historically marginalized communities. In our operations, our team, Board of Directors, program participants, audiences, contractors and partners are expected to abide by a safer-spaces policy on our website.

This work ensures that Quinte’s expanding diversity is reflected in the artistic activities that are supported. We have embraced the 50 – 30 Challenge, which is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses and diversity organizations.

The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces, while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.

Diversity in Language

The QAC is working to promote the construction of the identity of the expression of pride in being Francophone by setting up conditions favorable to the creation of a Francophone space that takes into account the dynamism and pluralism of the Frenchspeaking community of Ontario. We have also translated select Umbrella articles into the french language.

Through arts education bursaries we worked with PassepART to promote the arts at École Secondaire Publique Marc-Garneau to 150 students and École Élémentaire Publique Cité-Jeunesse to 360 students.

Art by Sandra Lee Randle

CULTIVATING

In 2023 the QAC invested over $13,000 in financial support for successful 'Artist in the Classroom' projects as well as bursaries for graduating students.

Seven bursaries were awarded in 2023 to very deserving students who are pursuing the arts as part of their postsecondary education. From visual arts to dance and the performing arts these students are working towards their dreams.

The Artist in the Classroom projects included the Dan Douglas Trio introducing elementary students to instruments, Matt Smith teaching guitar to the students of Eastside Secondary School, Angela Wiggins and Cynthia Culp teaching indigenous art forms to the students of Trenton High School. Andy Forgie holding a live concert for the students of Queen Victoria in Belleville. Perry Poupore teaching pottery to student at Eastside SS who then sold their work at a the Belleville Farmer’s Market as a fundraiser.

Emebet Belete leading 80 students in a mixed media workshop at Stirling Public School. The students at École secondaire publique Marc-Garneau had Artshine give them hands on art experience.

The artists in the classroom program teaches so much more than art skills. Students are given a chance to interact with working artists instilling in them the knowledge that with hard work they can live their dreams.

Isaac Levy, Sophia Crawford- Kenney, Piper Orrick, Jake Harrison,, Lily Chapman, David Litke, and Chloe Burr

Students at Eastside SS

Students at St. Theresa Catholic SS

PROMOTING

2023 was a great year for events in the Quinte Region We promoted your events, and joined you for quite a few on our Field Trip Fridays! We celebrated the achievements of the arts in Quinte!

Our social media channels and events listing let you know everything going on in Quinte. Our 52 weekly What's ON newsletters kept you informed and shared all the opportunities and resources available.

We launched a digital-only version of Umbrella magazine which enabled you to connect directly with artists and businesses in the community. Our weekly column, Cultivating Creativity, was published in the Belleville Intelligencer.

BY THE NUMBERS

3,100 : Facebook followers

9,837: Combined followers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

144.9k: Total reach of our Facebook page (+239.5%)

52 : Cultivating Creativity columns published in the Belleville Intelligencer

Summer 2023:

Our first digital only magazine allowing you to click and connect directly with artists!

Roamin’ Theatre Roulant

Staying In Touch

Here are some of our Facebook posts that you engaged with the most.

2685 Reached, 127 likes, 12 comments, 11 shares!

1162 reached, 146 likes, 54 comments, 4 shares!

1338 Reached, 98 likes, 75 comments, 6 shares!

1187 Reached, 120 likes, 12 comments, 4 shares!

Staying In Touch

ARTS RECOGNITION AWARDS

Each year, the Quinte Arts Council recognizes individuals, artist groups or businesses for their artistic excellence, cultural leadership or contribution to the arts with our Arts Recognition Awards. In 2023 we celebrated with a black-tie gala!

The gala took place at The Grand and had lives performances by The Quinte Ballet School of Canada, an acrobatic dance display by The Quinte Youth Theatre, The Dan Douglas Trio started the evening off and The Impish Grins brought down the house and had us all dancing. The event was emceed by Dug Stevenson. There was a silent auction, amazing food, amazing music and amazing company!

2023 RECIPIENTS

Sarah Winn Dan Douglas Oeno Gallery

Randy Stewart

Michelle Hauser

Hannah Georgas

Christina Taylor

ADVOCATING

In 2023, the QAC continued our longstanding tradition of advocacy for the arts, championing an inclusive, vibrant, and diverse arts community in the Quinte region As a registered charitable umbrella organization, QAC has been a pivotal force in promoting artists and arts organizations across various disciplines, ensuring that arts and culture remain integral to the community’s identity and economy

Throughout the year, QAC’s advocacy efforts were multifaceted, focusing on public engagement, education, and political outreach. Our political advocacy ensured that the arts remained a topic of discussion and consideration among policymakers, influencing decisions that affect the cultural landscape of the region.

The QAC’s commitment to arts education was evident in our Artists in the Classroom program This program not only supported local artists but also enriched the educational experiences of students, helping them to achieve their academic and creative aspirations.

The QAC hosted Lynda Todd with her show “Migration: Land, Air and Sea” a tactile, accessible art show. In partnership with CNIB, there was amazing attendance with approximately 15 visually impaired guests at a special early opening. Show saw a total of over 100 visitors in the month and has led to further partnerships to improve QAC accessibility, including the soft launch of the audio based version of Umbrella Magazine.

QAC’s advocacy work in 2023 was a testament to our dedication to cultivating creativity and ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of the Quinte region’s identity Our efforts to keep arts on the table have been instrumental in creating a supportive environment where artists can thrive and where the community can collectively enjoy the benefits of a rich cultural life.

Our work has not only elevated the status of the arts within the region but has also laid a strong foundation for its continued growth and sustainability.

Art by Lynda Todd

O U R

S P O N S O R S

Your support ensures QAC programs continue for our current and future generations of artists. We thank you!

“Paul Dinkel”Art by Elizabeth Dinkel

O U R S U P P O R T E R S

Premier Arts Benefactors

The John M. & Bernice Parrott Foundation

The City of Belleville

McDougall Insurance & Financial Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board

Ontario Trillium Foundation

Loyalist College

Ontario Arts Council

Ralph Johnston

Premier Supporters

Ann Cunningham

Audrey Williams

Belleville Downtown District

Loyalist Decorative Painting Guild

Richard Haeberlin & Elaine A

Small Ross McDougall

Shawn Newman

Partners

Eric Lindenberg

Gary Magarrell & Barry Brown

Janet Jarrell

Jenny Woods

Kerry Munson

Kita Beauty Lounge

Lola Reid Allin

Mary O'Flynn

Mary-Lynne Morgan

MaribethDeSnoo

Roland & Linda Tipper

Rian McLaughlin

Spenser Lee

Benefactors

Bob House

Chisholm Lumber

Douglas and Mary Wilson

Don Degenova

Hans and Lenneke Buré

Hal & Olive Wilson

Jennifer Chanter

Jen Keilty-Friesen

Judith Niedermayr

Kim & Glenn Lidstone

Leo and Mary Jo Fortin

Linda and Garry Gray

Linda Mazur-Jack

Lyle and Sharon Vanclief

Manfred and Diana Koechlin

Rick and Elizabeth Rolston

Ron and Betty MacDonald

Ren Duinker

Ray McCoy

Susan Nurse

Susan Walsh

Stormy’s Auto Sales

Sam and Ann-Marie Brady

Patrons

Alan Langabeer

Beck Dyck

Bonnie Coldham

Bob and Cathy McCallum

Belleville Concert Band

Catherine Joyce

Charlotte Dafoe

Christina Ann Taylor

Claire Grant

David Alexander

Donald Desaulniers

Patrons Con’t

Emebet Belete

Elizabeth Mitchell

Geoff Webb

Jackson Marilyn

Jeanette Arsenault

Johanna & Peter Hoekstra

Judy Bridle

Janice Brant

Julie Brown Hale

Jana Busse

Judith McKnight

Joyce Pond

Kendra Butcher

Linda Mustard

Lynn Trahan

Matilda Aide

Melissa Fraser

Melissa D’agostino

Ross Barnett

Sarah Palmer

Shirley A. French

Suzanne Lowther

Susan Moyshynshki

Tara Wilkinson

Business members

Alchemy Artists Residency

Advanced Electrolysis LASER

Art Gallery of Bancroft

Andara Gallery

Acapella Quinte

Baxter Art Centre

Belleville Chamber of Commerce

Belleville Concert Band

Belleville Art Association

Belleville Downtown Doc Fest

Belleville Public Library

Belleville Weavers and Spinners

Brady Clark Advisory Group -

CIBC Wood Gundy - Quinte

Branch

Campbell's Orchards

Cavan Art Gallery

Chisholm Lumber

Christopher the Twistopher

Comedy Country

Command Performance Choir

CJLF FM Loyalist Radio

The Eddy Hotel & Farm

Empire Theatre

Special Thanks:

Business members con't

First Tuesday Muse

The Glanmore National Historic

Site

Hastings County Historical Society

Lions Club of Belleville

Malcolm Brothers Ltd

Michelle Hutchinson Art

Mr Print

Night Kitchen Too

Peggy deWitt Photography

Prince Edward County Chamber

Music Fest

PEC Jazz Festival

Quinn's of Tweed Fine Art Gallery

Quinte Broadcasting Co. Ltd

Quinte Ballet School of Canada

Quinte Fibre Artists

Quinte Film Alternative

Quinte Humane Society

Quinte Home Gardens

Quinte West Chamber of Commerce

Paulo's Italian Trattoria & Dinkel's Restaurant and Funk & Gruven A-Z

Business members con't

Quinte Symphony

RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.

Red Ball Radio Ltd

Rednersville RD Art Tour

River & Main Theatre Company

Shatterbox Theatre

Shout Sister Choir

Stirling Festival Theatre Inc.

Stirling Musical Instrument

Lending Library

Tim McKinney ReMax Quinte

Tipper Financial Services

Trenton Citizens Band

Tweed Arts Council

Tweed and Company Theatre

Funders

The City of Belleville

Ontario Arts Council

Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board

Canadian Heritage

PassepART

Canada Summer Jobs

Career Edge

Art by Lorraine Mackie

G O V E R N A N C E

The QAC is governed by a volunteer board of directors and relies on volunteers to assist the team with programs and special events. Our revenues come from government at the municipal and provincial level, sponsorships, foundations, memberships and donations.

The Quinte Arts Council is a registered charitable umbrella organization (#107869448RR0001) dedicated to promoting artists and arts organizations in all disciplines and to further appreciation of arts and culture in the Quinte region. The geographic region we serve is from the southern-most tip of Prince Edward County, north to Bancroft and east and west from Napanee to Brighton.