Are You A Vancouver Island Artist?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hundreds of local artists signing up to hear Terry O’Reilly live online
Ladysmith BC – The offer of a free conversation with Canada’s marketing master Terry O’Reilly is proving to be extremely popular amongst Island and coastal artists. The much-loved host of Under The Influence on CBC will be the keynote speaker at an online workshop on August 8 at 6pm, sponsored by the Ladysmith Arts Council and funded by the Canada Council for the Arts.
“We’re thrilled by the level of interest. Over 400 artists have already registered, and our goal is 1000,” explains arts council Executive Director Kathy Holmes. “Regardless of the final number, we know for certain this will be the largest gathering of Island artists ever held.”
The online format allows artists from all corners of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Discover Islands and coastal areas to join in – from their couch, desk or campsite. All that’s needed is a decent internet connection.
“Terry will be talking about how artists can promote themselves and their art with storytelling, and taking questions from the live audience,” continues Holmes. “It’s a ‘not-to-be-missed’ event – especially because it won’t be available for viewing afterwards. It is a ‘live only’ event.”
The August 8 workshop will also feature a presentation about how artists can engage with existing and emerging technologies, including a new geolocation art app called artfinds.me being piloted on the Island.
Last week, a different kind of record-setting conversation took place. The Ladysmith Arts Council convened an online meeting of about 60 Indigenous and non-indigenous arts organizations, tourism and economic development associations and regional government arts and culture departments.
“We brought a variety of stakeholders together to explore our potential as an arts and cultural powerhouse,” says Jenny Farkas, project coordinator. “The response was highly enthusiastic and the group plans to keep the talking – with the goal of submitting a proposal for phase two funding from the Canada Council this September.” “There’s an energy brewing about what’s possible here in our Island/coastal area thanks to our creative density and digital technology,” adds Farkas.
To join the Island artist digital skill building workshop featuring Terry O’Reilly, go to crowdcast.io/e/terry.
These events are a collaborative effort between the Ladysmith Arts Council, the Cowichan Valley Arts Council, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District, as well as two local social enterprises: artfinds.me and streamofconsciousness.ca
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For more information contact Kathy Holmes at admin@ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com or 250-245-1252. Or Jenny Farkas atjfarkas@telus.net or 250-896-6446.
