SPARK Arts and Disability Network

MANITOBA ARTS COUNCIL PEER ASSESSORS NEEDED

2012-01-03T12:07:00.003-06:00

peer assessment is the cornerstone of
MAC's granting process

The Manitoba Arts Council is updating its list of potential professional artists to sit on future peer assessment panels. We are building our assessor database from the ground up. Professional artists are now required to submit a Peer Assessor Registration Form to MAC if they wish to be considered as a MAC peer assessor.Privacy legislation guidelines prohibit the nomination of other artists as peer assessors.

click here >> peer assessor registration form

email to >> assessors@artscouncil.mb.ca

further information >> 204 945 2237 or toll free in MB 1 866 994 2787

l'évaluation par les pairs est la pierre angulaire du processus d'octroi des subventions du CAM

Le Conseil des arts du Manitoba veut mettre à jour sa liste d'artistes professionnels qui pourront faire partie de ses futurs comités d'évaluation par les pairs. Nous constituons notre base de données sur les évaluateurs à partir de zéro. Les artistes professionnels doivent désormais soumettre un formulaire d'information sur les pairs évaluateurs au Conseil des arts du Manitoba s'ils souhaitent être retenus à titre de pairs évaluateurs du Conseil. Les lignes directrices de la législation relative à la protection de la vie privée interdisent la mise en candidature d'autres artistes à un poste de pair évaluateur.

cliquez ici >> formulaire de mise en candidature pour l'évaluation par des pairs

transmettez un courriel à >> assessors@artscouncil.mb.ca

plus d'information >> 945 2237 ou 1 866 994 2787 (appels sans frais au MB)

WOMEN IN BLUES CD FUNDRAISER

2012-01-03T11:55:00.004-06:00

Hello faithful WIB fans! Happy New Year and may 2012 bring peace and prosperity!

I am sending a note to say thank you for your support over the past few years. Without you we couldn’t have received our first CD which is now to become a permanent fixture in the Manitoba Music Museum as the first of its kind! We couldn't have received global airplay, and local television and radio exposure, putting our Manitoba blues women on the map! We could not have had the pleasure of performing in front of an amazing blues-supporting audience such as you! We know you like to listen and this is what gives us opportunity and gives us the inspiration to give our best. Thank you for listening and supporting us, and we continue to evolve because of the opportunity!

Coming up Saturday March 24^th, once again at the Windsor Hotel, the second Women in Blues CD Release features Beausejour’s award winning harmonica and singer Tracy K and her Right Hand Band, Winnipeg’s blues vocalist Kathy Kennedy and her blues band, Interlake’s songbird Angel Calnek and Hillbilly Burlesque, and The Pas’ guitar woman Claire Bestland and her trio!

I am working hard to package the new CD up before our deadline and will have another small fundraiser. It will display live performances from October 2010 and some recent recordings as well! On January 28 at the Windsor, $10 will get you a variety of musicians and a great time! I hope you will be there to help make this dream a reality for us once again!

Tickets will be at the door only.

Please visit the new website at www.womeninblues.ca for all information, including;

Memberships

Volunteer info

History

Photos

Press

CD samples

Info to purchase the first WIB CD

WIB is also seeking board members to build a bigger and better show, and to support not only local musicians, but bring in national and international WIB headliners in the future! Positions for the board such as:

Graphic artist

Accounting

Marketing

Volunteer coordinators

Legal assistance

I would also like to see support for different causes in Winnipeg as we grow!

Experience of any kind is beneficial, and genuine interest to the evolution of these concerts is an asset!

Sincerely,

Kathy Kennedy

WIB MB Founder and Promoter

www.womeninblues.ca

womeninblues@hotmail.com

MANITOBA ARTS COUNCIL DEADLINE CHANGES

2011-12-26T12:54:00.004-06:00

deadline changes

The Manitoba Arts Council announces changes to grant deadlines beginning February 2012. Revisions to programs and deadlines reflect MAC's commitment to effective and efficient grant making while responding to the needs of Manitoba artists and communities. Prior to applying for any grants, please contact the appropriate program consultant.

programs moving to one deadline

Commission and Development Grants for Composers, March 5
Community Connections and Access Program, March 25
Artist in Community Residency Program, March 25
Writers Grants ABC, May 20
Playwrights Grants, September 15
Dance Creation/Production Grant, September 15
Creation / Production Grants in the Visual Arts ABC, September 20
Aboriginal Arts Creative Development, September 25
Aboriginal Arts Mentorship Training and Development, September 25
Film & Video Grants: Script Development, Project and Production, November 5

new deadline dates

Two Year Grant - Music (from March 15 to March 10)
Two Year Grant - Dance (from March 15 to March 10)
Touring Grants for Organizations - Dance, Music & Theatre (from March 15 to March 20)
Program Assistance in the Visual Arts (from April 15 to April 5)
Management and Governance Assistance Program (from April 1 to April 10)
Theatre Production Grant (from September 1 to September 15; maintaining March 1^stdeadline)

for more information

info@artscouncil.mb.ca I (204) 945-2237 I TOLL FREE IN MB: 1-866-994-2787

changement de dates limites

Le Conseil des arts du Manitoba annonce des modifications aux dates limites de soumission des demandes de subvention, qui entreront en vigueur en février 2012. La révision des programmes et des dates limites reflète l'engagement du Conseil des arts en faveur de l'efficience et de l'efficacité du processus d'octroi des subventions, tout en répondant aux besoins des collectivités et des artistes manitobains. Avant de soumettre une demande, veuillez communiquer avec la consultante ou le consultant de programme approprié.

programmes qui adoptent une seule date limite

Subventions destinées aux commandes d'oeuvres et au perfectionnement des compositeurs - 5 mars.
Subventions aux liaisons communautaires et à l'accès - 25 mars.
Programme d'artistes en résidence dans la communauté - 25 mars.
Subventions aux écrivains (A, B, C) - 20 mai.
Subventions aux dramaturges - 15 septembre.
Subventions destinées aux projets de création/production en danse - 15 septembre.
Subventions en création/production destinées aux arts visuels (A, B, C) - 20 septembre.
Subventions pour le développement créatif des arts autochtones - 25 septembre.
Arts autochtones - subvention pour stage avec mentor, formation et perfectionnement - 25 septembre.
Subventions aux cinéastes et aux vidéastes : subventions pour les scénarios de films et de vidéos, pour les projets de films et de vidéos et pour la production de films et de vidéos - 5 novembre.

programmes qui ont une nouvelle date limite

Subventions musique de deux ans - La date passe du 15 au 10 mars.
Subventions danse de deux ans - La date passe du 15 au 10 mars.
Subventions aux organismes en tournée (danse, musique et théâtre) - La date passe du 15 au 20 mars.
Subventions d'aide à la programmation en arts visuels - La date passe du 15 au 5 avril.
Programme d'aide à la gestion et à la gouvernance - La date passe du 1er au 10 avril.
Subvention destinée aux représentations théâtrales - La date passe du 1er au 15 septembre; maintien de la date limite du 1er mars.

pour de plus amples renseignements

info@artscouncil.mb.ca I (204) 945-2237 I SANS FRAIS AU MB : 1-866-994-2787

MANITOBA ARTS COUNCIL DEADLINES

2011-12-26T12:49:00.003-06:00

MAJOR ARTS GRANTS I SUBVENTIONS MAJEURES DESTINÉES AUX ARTS

January 15 15 janvier

The Major Arts Grant is available to support personal creative projects of six to ten months in duration. It allows artists whose work shows exceptional quality or accomplishment to concentrate on a specific project relating to their creative artistic work. The Major Arts Grant covers living expenses, project costs and travel expenses and is worth up to $25,000. Artists in all artistic disciplines are eligible to apply. A maximum of two Major Arts Grants may be held in five years. For further information please contact David Scott.

dscott@artscouncil.mb.ca (204) 945-0645 I TOLL FREE IN MB: 1-866-994-2787

La Subvention majeure destinée aux arts est accordée à un artiste pour l'aider à réaliser un projet de création d'une durée de six à dix mois. Elle permet aux artistes dont le travail est d'une qualité exceptionnelle de se concentrer sur un projet particulier dans le cadre de leur travail de création artistique. Le montant maximum de la subvention est de 25 000 $ incluant les indemnités de subsistance, les coûts du projet et les frais des déplacements. Les artistes de toutes les disciplines sont admissibles. Les artistes ne peuvent recevoir plus de deux subventions majeures destinées aux arts au cours d'une période de cinq ans. Pour plus d'information, veuillez contacter David Scott.

major arts grants guidelines ○○ click here

lignes directrices subventions majeures ○○ cliquez ici

REGISTERED DISABILITY SAVINGS PLAN PRESENTATION

2011-11-24T16:54:00.003-06:00

Click on the poster to enlarge.

News from DaDa - Disability and Deaf Arts

2011-11-02T17:08:00.005-05:00

Welcome!

Since our last newsletter, I attended the EU Cultural Conference in Brussels. I have a passion about doing more disability and deaf arts work with people in non-English speaking countries. It was a stimulating two days of talks, not always accessible to me for a variety of reasons, but I did glean some interesting things.

I was particularly struck by a presentation by Pier Luigi Sacco, a cultural lecturer from Milan. He is mapping out the impact of specific cultural activities on well-being – did you know that if you attend jazz, classic or rock concerts at least 5 times a year, it can add 10 years to your life, similarly theatre and performance can add around 8 years! He said that there is only one cultural activity that has the opposite effect – send your guesses in – and I will reveal all in the next newsletter.

Ruth Gould, Chief Executive Officer

DaDa - Disability and Deaf Arts

To read the latest newsletter, click on the above heading or copy and paste this URL into your browser window:

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d690a99461871dd1e10dcdddc&id=d8d026ae6d&e=0242ca672c

OUT OF MIND/INTO CREATIVITY SYMPOSIUM

2011-11-02T16:44:00.004-05:00

Registration is now open for the symposium Out of Mind-Into Creativity presented by WAG and Artbeat Studio Inc. Nov 24, 25, 2011. Registration forms available through the Artbeat Studio website (www.artbeatstudio.ca) or the WAG website.

In October the Winnipeg Art Gallery opened the exhibition William Kurelek: The Messenger. This major undertaking marks the first major retrospective look at the life and artwork of one of Canada’s most important visual artists. The life of William Kurelek has been well documented, but of particular significance was his intense struggle with depression for which he was twice hospitalized in London, England. Kurelek ultimately went on to become one of the most successful Canadian artists of the twentieth century and an enduring excellent example of the power and hope provided by participation in the arts.

Artbeat Studio along with the Winnipeg Art Gallery believe that the realization of the Kurelek exhibition offers a critically relevant moment at which to offer a symposium that will shed light on the relationship between mental health, the arts, and social inclusion. This landmark symposium “Out of Mind/Into Creativity” is drawing international interest and participation and presents a very important move towards the engagement of the Winnipeg community regarding issues of mental health-- issues often unknown, ignored, or misunderstood in the general public. By highlighting the vibrant creative contributions of artists living with mental illness, the event will also act as a cultural celebration and hopefully stimulate the public to become involved in mental health awareness & advocacy in our community.

Historically speaking, we can point to many artists (visual, musical, literary) that have dealt with the debilitating effects of mental illness and yet mental illness within contemporary society remains a topic of deep-seated social ignorance. Mental health consumers still face rampant social stigma and marginalization. A symposium on mental health and the creative mind will explore the relationship between individual creativity and artists’ mental health, whilst stimulating public discussions, fostering the sharing of information and working to subvert the myths, stereotypes and stigma that continue to haunt discussions of mental illness today.

We hope that you will join us for this symposium. We look forward to seeing you there.

Lucille Bart

Executive Director

Artbeat Studio Inc.

4th Floor, 62 Albert St.

Winnipeg, MB R3B 1E9

t: (204)943-5194

f: (204)943-9973

www.artbeatstudio.ca

2011-10-31T11:28:00.005-05:00

ARTBEAT ANNUAL 6 BOOK LAUNCH

Artbeat Studio is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Communitas: Artbeat Annual Volume 6! Be sure to join us for our book launch event at McNally Robinson Booksellers Prairie Ink Restaurant, Winnipeg on Thursday November 3, 2011, at 8:00 pm!

The sixth installment profiles 15 diverse artists from the studio’s 11th and 12th biannual exhibitions.

Communitas features a beautiful collection of artworks including acrylics, fabric art, sculpture, and more. Guest speakers will include missive writers Anna Wiebe, Fran Schellenberg and Karen E. Toole. Be sure to arrive early- the Barthouse Band will perform energetic traditional fiddle tunes prior to and after the program.

DrawBraille touch-enabled cellphone for the visually impaired

2011-08-25T12:24:00.000-05:00

There is a quote which architects and designers use often, "Form (ever) follows function"-Louis Sullivan, 1896, American Architect. The design of the DrawBraille touch-enabled cellphone is a brilliant testament to the continued truism of Louis Sullivan's design ideals.

DrawBraille touch-enabled cellphone for the visually impaired

SPARK's first AGM!

2011-06-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

Please join us for the:
SPARK Arts and Disability Network Incorporated
1st Annual General Meeting

June 23rd, 2011
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES)
Boardroom
305-1200 Portage Avenue
Refreshments and dainties provided

Accessibility accommodations are available. Please let us know if you require an American Sign Language interpreter.

Parking available on Camden Place and Newman Street. 1200 Portage Avenue is an accessible building.

RSVP attendance only by June 20th: sparkmanitoba@gmail.com
Or
Ph: (204) 897-8423, Susan Gibson, Multiple Things Training

Universal Design, creating understanding through physical experience

2011-06-10T22:52:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBuilderBuzz?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/-yWgN_3ZCaA

As a person with an interior design degree I can tell you that universal design was a hot topic, even twenty years ago. During university there was good deal of discussion on accessible design. Unfortunately, in the real world where architectural firms worked with tight budgets, creating accessible spaces was focused in only a few areas-washrooms in public/commercial settings and health care of course. Sometimes door knows that were levers were considered, as they are easier to grasp and pull down on that trying to turn a smooth round doorknob if ones hands had little power to grasp the know.

Of course hallways were always designed with a minimum width and the turning area required for a wheelchair to turn within a small space such as a washroom was a regular part of any design.

It would be great if these were the only issues to be considered when designing an accessible space however, the details are nearly infinite.

Here is a video in which interior designer's created a suit that made joints stiff, hands were in bulking gloves, weights were put into pockets all in order to simulate the body of a 70 year. While I take some issue with the fact that disability or physical challenges are something for an older segment of society, I am happy to see a suit like this being used to create some degree of understanding to some of the day to day challenges that the most people would never even have to consider.

While examples like this do not always work in the long run (usually the experience is too short to appreciate that while the disability suit will eventually be taken off, the realities of disability are far different than than. However, the suits are still a worthwhile place to start.

What I would really like to see is for people to wear the suits for, perhaps a week or more- long enough to recognize that while wearing a disability suit for half an hour or even a day could help bring some understanding to the issues of dealing with a disability, but that in order to effectively connect the designer to disability, longer term wear could be considered- in order to realize the fatigue comes with an uncooperative body, the pain that develops from trying to do tasks that our bodies often struggle to manage. After a week I would hope that people may come away with an incredible new appreciation for thoughtful design. A person without a physical disability might begin to appreciate every cut-curb, every elevator, every parking space that is right in front of the entrance to a building, and every handicap washroom where the toilet is a little bit higher up, so that it is easier to get off of as opposed to the rest of the toilets in the other cubicles.

So, here is the video which aims to show through physical experience, how interior designers and hopefully architects as well, the reason why accessibility is a complex issue that amounts to far more than building a wheelchair ramp.

Arts and Services for Disabled, Inc.

2011-05-20T12:08:00.001-05:00

http://www.artsandservices.org/
This is an amazing organization in Long Beach, California. Wow!

I can only imagine how different my life would have been if I could have had the opportunity, understanding and resources to study fine arts when I was eighteen years old and starting university.

Instead, it took me another fifteen years before I was ready to experiment with art and then it took me almost four more years of painting and photography in the seclusion of my own home before I found an arts group to join and where I found out that I was, in fact an artist.

Thanks to Karina Cardona for providing SPARK with more invaluable information!

Mission Statement

The primary mission of Arts & Services for Disabled is to provide life-long learning, community service and career opportunities through the creative arts for people with disabilities in an environment of warmth, encouragement and respect.

We believe. . .

...all people, regardless of functional capability, have a right and responsibility to contribute to the well-being of their community and be gainfully employed in an occupation of their choosing;
. . . an informed and supportive community must play a vital role in removing the barriers to full involvement and inclusion;
. . .people should have access to the expressive arts in vocation, education, and leisure;
. . .people have the right to express and practice their cultural and artistic heritage;
. . .being treated with dignity and respect fosters personal growth, thus our philosophy:
love before learning.

Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc.

3962 Studebaker Rd Suite 206 Long Beach, CA 90808
Phone: (562) 982-0247 | Fax: (562) 982-0254
Department of Developmental Services
www.dds.ca.gov (916) 654.1987

Reaching Equality Employment Services AGM

2011-05-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

REES Annual General Meeting
Monday, June 20, 2011 at 5:00 pm

Refreshments and Great Door Prizes
American Sign Language Interpretation Provided.
If you require further accommodation please inform
the REES staff that you RSVP to.

Mediation Services
302-1200 Portage Ave.
RSVP:
832-REES (7337)
Use Manitoba Relay 1-800-855-0511
TTY: 947-3480 or VPAD rees1
or info@re-es.org
http://www.re-es.org/

The Arts Catalyst and Shape present Labyrinth of Living

2011-04-26T09:49:00.011-05:00

This isn't a Canadian event, however, I was intrigued by the subject of this exhibition of representation of disability in a medical context. I began my own work revolving around my disability and medical records in 2009. - Daphne

Location: Hunterian Museum, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London - Click for map

Labyrinth of Living Exhibits considers issues around the historical representation of disabled people within medical contexts.

Visitors will be invited to explore the Hunterian's collections and within the gallery will find four 'living exhibits'. These 'living exhibits' will be performances by disabled artists, commissioned expressly to respond to the museum's permanent collection of specimens and curiosities.
The artists are:
● Aaron Williamson
● Sinéad O'Donnell
● Brian Catling
● Katherine Araniello

Artists Aaron Williamson and Katherine Araniello will then join a panel discussion with Sam Alberti, Director of the Hunterian. The panel, chaired by the BBC's science correspondent Richard Hollingham, will discuss the historical representation of disability and contemporary approaches taken by the medical community. It will focus on how today's medical training views and engages with disabled people.
This is the first in the series of Specimens and Superhuman events curated by The Arts Catalyst and Shape.

12 May 2011 6:15 PM to 9 PM

Cinesanity #3.08

2011-04-20T12:39:00.000-05:00

You are invited to join the folks at Cinesanity for their next movie, “What Doesn’t Kill You”, this coming Monday, 25 April 2011.

From Stan Rossowski," We continue our examination of the nature and qualities of relationships in this true story of two young men growing up to become petty criminals, one of them addicted to drugs and alcohol. My work in the past few years has brought me into contact with many people whose lives have followed a similar trajectory and I was struck, on previewing “What Doesn’t Kill You”, by the realism of the story and the genuine quality of the characters in this movie. I would very much encourage any colleagues working in association with corrections and justice to join us for this exploration of life “on the street”.

On another note, Mental Health Week is coming up from May 1^st to the 7^th. For the first time in Cineasanity’s three years of existence we have an opportunity to contribute to the activities of the week with a special presentation of two beautiful and amazing films depicting “creative living with a bipolar disorder”. This special event will take place on the evening of Friday, May 6^th. Please mark your calendars."

Stan Rossowski

Programming Director

CINESANITY: Movies for Mental Wellness

1039 Main Street

Winnipeg, MB R2W 3R2

T: 204 772 1037

E: cinesanity@mts.net

Call for art e-cards

2011-04-20T10:25:00.000-05:00

From the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation:

The foundation is preparing to offer online Mother's Day e-cards. "We would love to have art for these cards contributed from our community members.

Remember the movie Mr. Deeds when Adam Sandler creates poems hoping to be published by Hallmark cards? Well, think of the Reeve Foundation website as your Hallmark!

If you are interested in contributing some of your artwork, please let us know!

Much, much thanks in advance!"

Janelle

Mick Ebeling: The invention that unlocked a locked-in artist | Video on TED.com

2011-04-20T10:20:00.002-05:00

Inspiring inspiration.

Maybe that isn't the best use of grammar, but the video link posted below is quite simply that. If you are or if you know anyone who is an artist who needs a way to make art with the use of eye movement only, this video will show you how. Even better the instructions for building the tool are free.

Mick Ebeling: The invention that unlocked a locked-in artist | Video on TED.com

CINESANITY offers...

2011-03-25T11:45:00.000-05:00

a FREE monthly movie on the Fourth Monday of each month,
at 7:00PM at Micah House, 1039 Main Street at Magnus Avenue. Screenings are
open to the general public. Persons concerned with mental illness or
addiction and in some way involved in the recovery process - persons with
lived experience, family members, service providers, and the community -
will find these events interesting. Free popcorn, snacks and drinks are
provided. A discussion follows the screening and there is an opportunity for
people to stay and visit if they wish.

We will continue our examination of the nature and qualities of
relationships in this true story of a man reuniting with his estranged
brother. In Laurens, Iowa in 1994 we meet Alvin Straight (Richard
Farnsworth), a 73-year-old man who walks using sticks, and lives with his
slow-witted (but not really) daughter Rose (Sissy Spacek). One night Alvin
gets a phone call from a hospital informing him that his 75-year-old
estranged brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) has suffered a stroke.

Determined to meet and patch things up with his brother before either one of
the dies, Alvin decides to visit him. The trouble is that Lyle lives over
300 miles away in Mount Zion, Wisconsin, and Alvin is legally unable to
drive a car due to his poor eyesight. Undaunted, Alvin hatches a plan: he
will drive his Rhoda lawn mower all the way.

Stan Rossowski
Programming Director
CINESANITY: Movies for Mental Wellness
1039 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB R2W 3R2

T: 204 772 1037
E: cinesanity@mts.net

"Do not look back and ask why; look forward and ask, why not."
- Herbert L. Becker

HILLBILLY BURLESQUE NEWS – March 2011

2011-03-24T12:40:00.001-05:00

This year Manitoba’s Hillbilly Burlesque celebrate their tenth anniversary making down home country blues together.

It’s a strange twist of fate that soon after the birth of the Billies back in 2001, lead vocalist Angel Calnek injured herself on the way to a gig. The injury started a chain of health complications that ultimately led to a very traumatic heart attack in May of 2009.

While It’s difficult to manage both a music career and serious health issues, the band continued to forge ahead musically (although at a subdued pace) creating their unique arrangements of classic country blues from the 20s, 30s and 40s and crafting originals influenced by blues, country, gospel and rock.

Numerous recording sessions over the years document the band’s growth to their current wholesome raunchiness that endears them to fans old and new. To celebrate this tenth year, they’ve compiled a collection of these recordings starting with their very first event as a band, a 2001 recording session at Private Ear Studios with Winnipeg engineer/producer Lloyd Peterson at the board.

Hillbilly Burlesque finally release these recordings as their debut CD called Crazy Life - a ten year retrospective!

The CD launch on March 26, 2011 at the Windsor Hotel and tickets are on sale now. Information can be found on the band’s website www.hillbillyburlesque.com.

The CD launch will be followed April 30^th with a three season Gypsy Tour across Ontario and Manitoba.

Band leaders and life partners Darrell Sandmoen and Angel Calnek take five months off their ‘crazy life’ and embark upon an exciting and rejuvenating gypsy tromp through the wilds of NW Ontario. The tour includes performances in acoustic duet format at house concerts and summer music festivals showcasing the entire five piece Hillbilly Burlesque band.

During the tour Sandmoen and Calnek will disappear into the wilderness on canoe trips for songwriting and trout fishing and resurface for gigs and visits with friends and family.

Most recently, the duo has added the Quetico Park Artist in Residency Program at Quetico Park in Ontario to their Gypsy Tour. The September residency includes use of all park facilities and artist studio for two weeks as the artists research the history and culture of the park, traversing its waterways and portages looking for inspiration to create four songs about their experiences. Hillbilly Burlesque diva Angel Calnek is also a glass artist with close to two decades of creative experience in the multi-faceted world of stained, fused, slumped and kiln-cast glass. As part of their residency she will design a sculpture to be cast in glass and donated to the Quetico Foundation who will auction it at their annual fundraising event in Toronto in October.

The entire Gypsy Tour will be recorded in HD video, digital audio, photography and journal for the 2012 release of a duet album, music video and book documenting the experience.

The Billies have recorded with other projects including Guess Who’s Home, Transistor 66’s 2005 compilation tribute to the Guess Who by local talent and Women in Blues Manitoba (WIB), Kat Blues Productions’ 2008 live recording of a women’s blues concert at the Windsor Hotel, Winnipeg’s Home of the Blues. The WIB CD is the first its kind in Manitoba and is a permanent fixture in John Einarson’s Manitoba Music Exhibition at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature.

Another recording project they participated in is Women in Blues Manitoba #2, a live recording of the second WIB concert held October 2010 again at the Windsor. This concert was sponsored by blues aficionado Dan Akroyd who has the original Women in Blues Manitoba CD in rotation on his blues radio show. WIB is also supported by Holgar Peterson of Stony Plain Records and played on Saturday Night Blues.

The time is now and Hillbilly Burlesque is ready to release the past and embark on many more years of happily ensconcing their fans in good times and good music!

Contact Hillbilly Burlesque:

Telephone: (204) 482-5165

Email: hillbillyburlesque@mts.net

Snail mail: 888 Pigeon Bluff Road, St. Andrews, Manitoba Canada R1A 4K1.

Kathy Kennedy, Blues Singer

2011-03-18T10:22:00.000-05:00

"Friends are supporting my surgery by putting together a fundraiser at the Windsor Hotel, Wednesday April 13th. Tickets will be $15 at the door. There will be many musicians in support. I hope to have some prizes available, so if you know anyone who would like to support me with a prize or sponsorship for my fundraiser, please email me at kitkatkennedy@hotmail.com with the word "Fundraiser" in the subject header. I am serious about improving the quality of my life and making a genuine effort at maintaining health as much as I can. I will not sit back and wait for Canada to implement this basic procedure as it has proven to get some people out of wheelchairs when they couldn't walk, has stopped pain, revived energy, abolished cognitive fog. So many other countless symptoms are relieved often permanently. IT IS THE BEST WE HAVE.

There will be some liberation patients present at my fundraiser, and they will be asked to speak for proof of the benefits.There are some who have not benefited and I believe that is because the demyelination has already progressed too far leaving permanent damage. However, it does not mean that there isn't a chance that the progression hasn't stopped for them. We need to realize the potential in this discovery and support it accordingly. This research may certainly advance to be the cure. The Liberation Treatment has proven to give the most results to date. I consider myself fortunate at this stage in my MS, to experience a possible solution or an aid in improving my quality of life.

Thank you for your time and support. I hope to regain my energy, concentration, strength, and improve my quality of life."

Sincerely and gratefully,

Kathy Kennedy
http://www.katblues.ca/liberation-treatment/

Wednesday April 13th
The Windsor Hotel
9pm -1am
tickets $15 (email kitkatkennedy@hotmail.com)
table reservations 1 table 4ppl/$100
raffles/door prizes/50-50
Seeking Prize donations
Great entertainment hosted by Claire Bestland
Open Stage. Bring your instruments!
Good times for a great cause
Petition Signing at the event

Art City is hiring!

2011-03-11T12:39:00.000-06:00

http://artcityinc.com/getinvolved/
to download the Community Artist Workshop form.

Community Artist Series Art City is hiring artists who live in Winnipeg’s inner city neighbourhoods to instruct art workshops for their 2011 Community Artist Series.

Haptica Braille Timepiece

2011-03-05T19:43:00.026-06:00

While surfing design sites tonight I found this elegant piece of industrial design. From what I can tell the creator, David Chavez, is still looking for funding to begin manufacturing this braille watch. I think it's one of the best ideas of form and function that I've seen in quite a while.

Haptica Braille Timepiece | Communication | National Design Triennial: Why Design Now | Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum

2011-03-03T13:07:00.000-06:00

Buhler Gallery: Open-Ended Narratives - Ted Howarth, Derek Breuckner & Bill Pura, January 28 - May 8, Opening Reception January 27

The Buhler Gallery of St. Boniface Hospital invites the public to its new exhibition

Open-Ended Narratives: Ted Howorth, Derek Breuckner & Bill Pura
which opens at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 28, 2011, and runs until Sunday, May 8, 2011.

The public is also invited to the Artists' Reception on
Thursday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Buhler Gallery

The Buhler Gallery is located in St. Boniface Hospital. Admission is free.

Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 12 noon - 4:00 p.m.

Closed on statutory holidays

http://www.galeriebuhlergallery.ca/exhibitUpcoming.html

Upcoming Exhibition with Kristin Neson

2011-02-25T12:42:00.001-06:00

My Life with Pamela Anderson and Other Work

Kristin Nelson at aceartinc.

Bicycling with Pamela | Pigment on bamboo paper | 22” x 15” | 2010 | Kristin Nelson

Opening March 3^rd, 7pm

music by DJ Fleur

Kristin Nelson is an inter-media artist residing in Winnipeg whose bodies of work focus on urban renewal, gender performance and identity. Speaking to the experience of a large number of artists whose practice spans many medium’s, Kristin’s eclectic output includes printmaking, textiles, painting and digital media. My Life with Pamela Anderson and Other Works will showcase a variety of different media with a focus on new work by the artist.

Kristin Nelson won the Canadian Dimension Magazine’s Artist Award on Saturday 13th November 2010.

aceartinc. proudly nominated Kristin in view of her excellent work addressing queer identities and urban development issues with projects such as Hey! From Friendly Manitoba, Drag King Trading Cards, and Parking/NoParking.

Artist Bio: Born in Ajax, Ontario, Kristin Nelson received her BFA in Visual Arts from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 2003. She is an inter-media artist inspired by questions of community, gender, politics and place. Kristin looks to challenge stereotypes of community through her artistic practice, valourizing those often made invisible. Her recent work includes an ongoing photographic drag king trading card project; a life size knitted hay bale; and etchings of Winnipeg parking lots. In 2008 Kristin completed a residency at the Banff Centre, Reverse Pedagogy, with artist Paul Butler. She currently works at the Manitoba Printmakers Association in Winnipeg and serves on the board of directors for the Manitoba Crafts Council. She has exhibited work at Centre A, Gallery Gachet and The Lowercase Gallery (Vancouver, B.C.), at the Lyndon Center (Austin, Texas), Gallery 803 (Winnipeg, MB) and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Note: Accessibility to the elevator to go to aceartinc on the second floor is at the side of the building. There are five steps up to the elevator.

Colour Restrained, Black and White Fine Art Show

2011-02-24T10:19:00.001-06:00

Come out to see the work of one of SPARK's members, as well as, former SPARK steering committee member, artist Laurie Green.

CINESANITY, Monday 28 2011 "Birdy"

2011-02-24T09:58:00.000-06:00

Welcome to CINESANITY #3.06. You are invited to join us for our next movie,

"Birdy", this coming Monday, 28 February 2011.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

CINESANITY offers a FREE monthly movie on the Fourth Monday of each month,

at 7:00PM at Micah House, 1039 Main Street at Magnus Avenue. Screenings are

open to the general public. Persons concerned with mental illness or

addiction and in some way involved in the recovery process - persons with

lived experience, family members, service providers, and the community -

will find these events interesting. Free popcorn, snacks and drinks are

provided. A discussion follows the screening and there is an opportunity for

people to stay and visit if they wish.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our selection this month, "Birdy", from the novel of the same name by

William Wharton, continues our examination of relationships and their role

in mental health recovery. Two friends, Birdy (Matthew Modine) and Al

(Nicolas Cage), become best friends in their teens and then serve in

Vietnam. Birdy already has an unusual fixation with birds and his Viet Nam

experiences have pushed him over the edge. When he returns from the war, he

is sent to a mental hospital for assessment. He spends his days in a near

catatonic state, not speaking and mostly huddled in bird-like poses. An

obnoxious Army psychiatrist, in an attempt to draw Birdy back, locates Al

and brings the two men together. Al too has been injured and traumatized,

but remains much more functional than his friend. Birdy remains unresponsive

and Al stays with him to try to reach him, fearing that if he is separated

from Birdy, he will be leaving him alone and lost inside his mind. The film

contains many flashback scenes of their life together as teenagers in 1960s

America and their developing friendship and views of life. This is a

fascinating look at how relationships are formed and how important they are

to our daily lives and even more so to the recovery of mental wellness. Both

characters are masterfully presented and offer us the opportunity to briefly

inhabit the life of a very unusual young man.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stan Rossowski

Programming Director

CINESANITY: Movies for Mental Wellness

1039 Main Street

Winnipeg, MB R2W 3R2

T: 204 772 1037

E: cinesanity@mts.net

"Imagination is more important than knowledge..."

-Albert Einstein

Sir Ken Robinson of TED speaks about the Arts and Ability

2011-01-29T16:28:00.000-06:00

Here is a video which discusses art and disability and how "disability art" is perhaps not an accurate way of framing these two subjects. Art is a "profession" while disability has been framed as a "pathology".

I hope that you enjoy Sir Robinson's lecture, he is always incredibly insightful and entertaining.

CM001 Sir Ken Robinson | Creative Momentum from Creative Momentum on Vimeo.

News and calls for submissions, applications and auditions.

2011-01-26T13:33:00.000-06:00

February is National Inclusive Education Month. Do something in your community to celebrate and promote inclusive education in February and make a difference. To find out more about inclusive education, visit Website: www.inclusiveeducation.ca

__________________________________________

The Ontario Human Rights Commission is collecting personal stories of lived experiences of discrimination. This call for stories includes people battling all sorts of challenges, including addiction, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, phobias, obsessive/compulsive or bipolar disorders, eating disorders or a dependency on alcohol, drugs or gambling. It also includes the friends and relatives who love them. This information will help the OHRC develop a policy on human rights and mental health. The OHRC feels hearing individual stories from people living with mental health disabilities and addictions and their advocates will help them understand "real-life" discrimination in employment, housing and services. The OHRC will use the stories to identify the themes and potential solutions that will make sure their work in this area meets people's needs. The survey is available at

Website: www.ohrc.on.ca/en/issues/mental_health

_________________________________________

The Shaw Media Internships for Students with Permanent Physical Disabilities are a series of internships designed to encourage and aid Canadian talent in establishing or furthering a career in the Canadian broadcast industry. These annual internships, valued at approximately $10,000 each, are offered to Canadian students with permanent physical disabilities. The recipients will receive a challenging opportunity to work in private television in pursuit of a career in broadcasting. The students will be placed in three to four month paid internships at one of our Global television stations, or our Specialty television facility. Applicants must have an interest in, and aptitude for, a career in the broadcast industry, be currently enrolled in, or have been accepted to, or returning to full-time studies at an accredited Canadian post secondary institution in the field of broadcasting or broadcast journalism and be a student with a permanent physical disability. Applications will be considered by a cross-Canada panel that includes representation from Shaw Media, the broadcast industry and Lights, Camera, Access! Finalists may be required to participate in a qualifying interview (telephone or in person) before an ultimate selection is made. Judging decisions are final. Submit your application and materials by March 4, 2011. Winners will be notified by phone and mail on April 8, 2011. For more information visit Website: http://shawmedia.ca/careers/internshipFAQs.asp or

Email: disabilityinternships@canwest.com

To download the application form visit

Website: www.shawmedia.ca/careers/PDFs/ApplicationForm.pdf

____________________________________________

CNIB is calling all Canadians with vision loss who are 16 years of age or older to unleash their inner rock star and audition for the 2011 iFactor competition. Now in its third year, iFactor is CNIB's premier musical competition for people with vision loss that offers a once-in-a-life time opportunity to hone and share their musical talents. To enter this year's competition, contestants must submit a video of their musical performance by June 9 on Website: www.theifactor.ca. After a rigorous selection process that includes public votes and validation by a panel of independent judges, the top 10 semi-finalists will be whisked away to CNIB Lake Joseph Centre in Muskoka, Ontario for a week of training that includes professional music coaching and stage presence training under the guidance of accomplished music industry professionals. Each hopeful will then battle it out during a live finale on August 20, 2011 for the title of iFactor winner and snag the opportunity to open for award-winning Juno nominee and singer songwriter, Terry Kelly. For further information and interviews, please contact: Melita Vega Manager, Marketing & Communications CNIB Phone: 416-486-2500, ext.7715

Email: melita.vega@cnib.ca

A Manitoba First for Rural Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

2011-01-26T12:26:00.000-06:00

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is pleased to announce that we are now featuring eSSENTIAL Accessibility™ on our website. Community Futures Manitoba(CFM) is the first Manitoba-based organization to feature this free accessible software application to assist Manitobans to access information about starting a business in rural Manitoba.

“We welcome CFM as the first Manitoba-based organization

to join this initiative. By demonstrating best practices for

outreach activities and raising awareness, they are setting

a progressive example in the communities they serve.”

- Simon Dermer, Managing Director, eSSENTIAL Accessibility™

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is provided in rural Manitoba by 16 Community Futures offices. The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program offers business services to anyone with a health condition or disability who is interested in starting or expanding a viable business.

One of the key steps to starting a business is doing research and gathering information. CFM's website has links to numerous organizations and government programs to support Entrepreneurs with Disabilities. Now that CFM is featuring eSSENTIAL Accessibility™, the business information and links are more accessible to people with physical disabilities.

eSSENTIAL Accessibility™ is the foundation of a Disability Community Involvement initiative sponsored by March of Dimes Canada. Any user can click on the eSSENTIAL Accessibility™ icon - a blue wheelchair and keyboard - to download the assistive technology. eSSENTIAL Accessibility™ includes an array of alternative keyboard and mouse replacement solutions as well as a web page-reader.

For more information please contact:

Susan Bater

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

edpinfo@mts.net

(204)943-2905 ext.4 www.cfmanitoba.ca

Ryan Slight

eSSENTIAL Accessibility

ryan@essentialaccessibility.com

(647)990-4967

www.essentialaccessibility.com

ACCA survey. Have your say, share you ideas!

2011-01-26T10:23:00.000-06:00

Arts Consultants Canada/Consultants canadiens en arts (ACCA) is entering its 5^th year as a professional association of arts consultants. This is an opportune time to seek consultant input into the effectiveness and relevance of the professional development program we have offered over the past years, and the PD programs that will be useful to you in the years ahead.

To that end, we have developed a VERY SHORT survey – really this will only take 5 minutes to complete! It is designed for those of you who are members, and those who are not. Please complete this survey by Thursday February 3, 2011.

Please go to this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LXGXM36

For further information about ACCA, don’t hesitate to contact me or to visit our bilingual website at www.artsconsultants.ca

Thank you for your time – your input is appreciated and valued.

Sincerely,

Jenny GInder

President, ACCA

Discussion Paper for Made in Manitoba Accessibility Legislation

2011-01-06T10:28:00.000-06:00

On November 2, 2010, the Honourable Jennifer Howard, Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities, and the Honourable Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors, released the Discussion Paper for Made-in-Manitoba Accessibility Legislation that outlines the Province’s vision of a barrier-free society. Please find a copy of the Discussion Paper attached.

In 2009, almost one-half of the formal complaints made to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission related to disability discrimination, with a steady increase over recent years. Accessibility concerns are reinforced by an aging population who face similar physical and communication barriers. The Province plans to address these barriers by working with the public and private sectors on long-term proactive solutions.

Until January 31, 2011, Manitobans are invited to provide their response to the Discussion Paper for Made-in-Manitoba Accessibility. Comments can be sent by response e-mail or by Canada Post to either of the following addresses:

Disabilities Issues Office

630 - 240 Graham Avenue

Winnipeg MB R3C 0J7

Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat

1610 - 155 Carlton Street

Winnipeg MB R3C 3H8

The document is also available on the Disabilities Issues Office(DIO) website at www.gov.mb.ca/dio, or the Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat website at www.gov.mb.ca/shas. Please contact the DIO for print or alternate formats.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this historic initiative and we look forward to your comments as we move forward.

Best regards,

Yutta Fricke, A/Executive Director

Disabilities Issues Office

Province of Manitoba

630 - 240 Graham Avenue

Winnipeg MB R3C 0J7

Phone: 945-8275 / Fax: 948-2896

Artbeat Studio Opening Reception

2011-01-06T09:42:00.000-06:00

Artbeat Studio Presents

Infinite Connections

12^th Biannual Exhibition

Opening Reception:

7 PM Friday January 21, 2011

Graeme Brown

Karolina Ciporski

Monica Curry

Katrina K.

Lee Pauls

Clint Roscoe

Robert St. Germain

Jaclyn Suttorp

Emily Wasyluk

Runs until Jan. 29

Hours: Noon to 5 PM

Closed Sun. and Mon.

Side entrance wheelchair access

Floor 4-62 Albert St

(204) 943-5194

www.artbeatstudio.ca

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season.

2010-12-24T10:48:00.000-06:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO OUR SPARKLERS!

The SPARK Arts and Disability Network continues to move forward and will soon apply for charitable status. This will allow SPARK to receive further financial support in it's work to provide artists with disabilities in Manitoba a stronger voice and more opportunities for an inclusive Arts and Cultural society.

Wishing each and every one of you a very happy new year!

SPARK Chair,

Daphne Enns

"Benny & Joon" at Cinesanity

2010-12-24T10:36:00.000-06:00

Greetings, friends and colleagues. Welcome to CINESANITY #3.04.

You are invited to take a break from the holidays and join us for our next
movie, "Benny & Joon", this coming Monday, 27 December 2010.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

CINESANITY offers a FREE monthly movie on the Fourth Monday of each month,
at 7:00PM at Micah House, 1039 Main Street at Magnus Avenue. Screenings are
open to the general public. Persons concerned with mental illness or
addiction and in some way involved in the recovery process - persons with
lived experience, family members, service providers, and the community -
will find these events interesting. Free popcorn, snacks and drinks are
provided. A discussion follows the screening and there is an opportunity for
people to stay and visit if they wish.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the holiday season almost upon us, I first want to wish each of you a
peaceful, happy, even joyous, holiday. Even as I write these words though I
recognize that not everyone will feel like celebrating. Many who struggle
with mental illnesses and addictions will be alone, possibly far from family
or friends. Others will be mourning the loss of a friend or loved one or
dealing with illness or losing their jobs or experiencing some other trial
or tribulation. Wherever we find ourselves in the coming days, whatever we
are doing, let's remember to find love and compassion for all those who are
struggling. This is a season for peace and love. It is for us to make it
manifest.

We continue to examine the nature of relationships with our next
presentation of "Benny & Joon", a 1993 romantic comedy about how two
eccentric individuals, Sam (Johnny Depp) and Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson),
find each other and fall in love. The film is perhaps best known for Depp's
humorous physical comedy routines (which are based on silent film comics
Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin) and for popularizing the song "I'm Gonna
Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers. The film was shot entirely on location
in Spokane, Washington.

In a small town, an auto mechanic named Benny is devoted to taking care of
his mentally ill sister, Joon, a talented artist who nevertheless can barely
function alone in the real world due to the schizophrenia she lives with.
This relatively stable situation is shaken up when Benny is obliged in a
poker game with some unusual stakes to welcome another player's relative,
Sam, to his home for a few days. When Sam arrives, he quickly makes an
impression with his quietly eccentric ways. Sam and Joon find themselves
drawn to each other. When Benny finds out, a rift is created between the
siblings as they struggle to accept that their relationship is profoundly
changing with the presence of this odd newcomer.

Whenever I mention this film in conversation, someone is bound to say
something like, "Oh, that's my favourite movie!" or "That's a wonderful
film." In selecting a movie to screen during the holidays, I hoped to find
something both profound and light-hearted. "Benny and Joon" fits the bill.
The movie offers a fairly accurate portrait of a life with schizophrenia
(Masterson is masterful.) as well as a look at the nature of care-giving
relationships. It also shows the transformative and healing power of
positive and accepting relationships, often through individuals who come
into our lives by a seeming fluke. The movie does leave us with the
impression that love can conquer all, even schizophrenia; an unrealistic if
romantic idea. Still, though it may not cure the illness, it certainly
serves to greatly improve one's quality of life. On a cold winter day, this
film will make you feel warm inside.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your support is greatly appreciated. If you have the opportunity and the
place, please print the poster and put it where those who might be
interested will see it. All are welcome. If you are able, please join us
this coming Monday. We do not get sick alone and we do not walk the road to
recovery alone. Join us on this road to wellness.

None of this would happen without the help of others. Thanks go to our
sponsors and supporters: Micah House, the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society,
the Canadian Mental Health Association, Manitoba Division, the Mood
Disorders Association of Manitoba, the WRHA North End/Point Douglas Chronic
Diseases Prevention Initiative, to the volunteers who help to set up events,
and to those who have expressed support and have been promoting this
program. Thank you also to my friend Henry Peters for the Cinesanity masks
logo that appears on the poster.

Wishing you peace and love for the holiday season and throughout the coming
year.

Stan

Stan Rossowski
Programming Director
CINESANITY: Movies for Mental Wellness
1039 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB R2W 3R2

T: 204 772 1037
E: cinesanity@mts.net

"Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps
the ability to see beauty never grows old." -Franz Kafka

Excerpts from Abilities Bulletin:

2010-12-21T10:13:00.000-06:00

You can sign up for the Abilities Bulletin at:
http://abilities.ca

Calls for Submissions

York University's Critical Disability Studies Student Association (CDSSA) will be holding its 7th annual graduate student conference on April 2nd, 2011, at York University in Toronto. The conference is meant to showcase graduate students across Canada and their work relating to themes and issues within the scope of Critical Disability Studies. The conference organizers are calling for papers submissions as well as arts submissions by February 14th, 2011.
Detailed information is outlined on the CDSSA Website,
Call for Papers submission:http://cdssa.wordpress.com/conference-2/call-for-papers/
Call for Arts submission:http://cdssa.wordpress.com/conference-2/call-for-art/

Further questions about the conference are to be directed to the conference organizers Email: cds_grad@yorku.cahttp://www.abilities.ca/

Subscribe to Abilities Magazine

Become a subscriber to Abilities Magazine or send a subscription as a gift this holiday season. Abilities-Canada's lifestyle magazine for people with disabilities-offers articles on a wide range of topics. The winter issue, which is hot off the press, features articles on: B-boy Luca "Lazylegz" Patuelli, former NHL defenseman Jim Kyte, accessible travel, a holiday gift guide and much more.
To purchase a subscription, visit our Website: www.abilities.ca/subscriptions

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) is a national association promoting workplace inclusion for Canadians with disabilities.

CASE 16th Annual Supported Employment Conference
"Shifting the Balance"

June 7-9, 2011 Westin Nova Scotian Hotel Halifax, NS

The conference will feature interactive learning and networking on the tools and practices of our country's supported employment leaders.

For more information visit Website: www.supportedemployment.ca

___________________________________________________________________________________
http://abilities.ca

Disability author and former managing editor of Abilities magazine Lisa Bendall recently started a new Yahoo group for people with disabilities and their family members living in and around the Toronto area. The group is called Freewheels and is for anyone interested in posting or reading messages that are specifically about gently used disability-related equipment and devices. People who subscribe to the free listserv can swap, donate, buy, sell or make a request for free (or very modestly priced) used disability-related stuff that's no longer needed.
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freewheels/

____________________________________________________________________________________

You are invited to host a Waddie Welcome and the Beloved Community (WWBC) World Cafe Conversation. WWBC tells the story of friendships that transcended divisions of disability, race, and income and created powerful new possibilities in a whole community. Last year, Anne Mitchell and her friends discovered this book written by Tom Kohler and Susan Earl. The book (which can be read in about 45 minutes) forms the foundation for a World Cafe Conversation. Become part of the 5,000 readings of WWBC worldwide, which began on September 1, 2010, and will culminate on January 17, 2011, with a web-based telling of the story by the authors. Host an event in your community with friends, family, neighbours, congregation members, community members, classrooms, and anyone who wants to come! For ideas about hosting a reading, visit www.waddiewelcome.com. To learn more and get involved contact Email: anne500@me.com

_________________________________________________________________________________

http://www.tyze.com

A new and improved version of the two year old Tyze website was recently launched. Tyze is the brainchild of Vickie Cammack and Al Etmanski, founders of Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) and the PLAN Institute. A Tyze Network is an online personal network that supports people experiencing life challenges. Tyze Networks are created around a specific person and a specific situation. For example a network could centre around a senior who has suffered a stroke so that his caregivers and larger circle of friends can be invited to support his desire for greater independence. A few of the new features now available include a "Contribute" page, which allows members to create goals and tasks, making it even easier for people to lend a hand. There is also an improved "Stories and Photos" page which allows users to upload "YouTube" videos. The new "Vault" page allows members to upload and secure private documents, which can be shared only with members who have been given permission.

________________________________________________________________________________

Check out this online publication about the successful Self Advocates Seeding Innovation (SASI) Projects. This past year self advocates from across British Columbia led ground-breaking projects in their home communities. Coordinated by the BC Association for Community Living and sponsored by the Community Living BC Innovations Committee, SASI funded 25 exciting new projects, bringing new ideas to life in British Columbia. This book demonstrates how self advocates across the province were successful in organizing training, taking action and giving back to the community as well as bringing people together for support and to share ideas.Website: http://www.bcacl.org/sites/default/files/uploads/SASI_booklet_for_web.pdfhttp://www.abilities.ca/http://www.abilities.ca/

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Want to know more? The fall 2010 issue of Abilities Magazine featured an article about Waddie Welcome and the Beloved Community. You can check it out here: http://www.abilities.ca/belonging/2010/09/13/waddie_welcome_beloved_community/

Offer your skills as an artist with a disability in the MAC jury process!

2010-12-08T09:44:00.001-06:00

Are you interested in sitting on a MAC assessment panel or jury? Or do you know someone who would be a good juror or assessor? NEW ONLINE FORM!

For everyone who is an artist with a disability, add your name to the list of potential jurors to sit on a Manitoba Arts Council assessment panel. The panels determine who grants are rewarded to and as such require a broad knowledge base; including all forms of minorities, cultural, linguistic, GLBT, Deaf and those with disabilities. As artists with disabilities we can offer a perspective that is not always understood by other artists or by supporters of the Arts.

Get involved and have your say!

Arts Consultants Canada, Robert Hunter Presentation Live Transmission

2010-10-24T19:19:00.000-05:00

Trends and Issues in the not-for-profit Arts

FREE

Join us for a live webcasted audio transmission of a
presentation by Robert Hunter, Director General, Department
of Canadian Heritage being made at ACCA’s professional
development seminar, Trends & Issues in the

Not-for-Profit Arts .
Ask questions live!
FRIDAY, October 29, 2010
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. EST

Go to: www.artsconsultants.ca/events/live

Robert Hunter’s presentation will outline the findings from a recent review
of the Department’s programs, explore observed trends and discuss how
programs at the Department have evolved to ensure their continued
relevance.

Arts Consultants Canada/Consultants canadiens en arts (ACCA) is a peer vetted

This live audio transmission is a pilot project by ACCA offered at no cost.

Cinesanity #3.02 - "MARION BRIDGE" this Monday, October 25

2010-10-24T19:01:00.000-05:00

CINESANITY offers a FREE monthly movie on the Fourth Monday of each month,
at 7:00PM at Micah House, 1039 Main Street at Magnus Avenue. Screenings are
open to the general public. Persons concerned with mental illness or
addiction and in some way involved in the recovery process - persons with
lived experience, family members, service providers, and the community -
will find these events interesting. Free popcorn, snacks and drinks are
provided. A discussion follows the screening and there is an opportunity for
people to stay and visit if they wish.

This month’s selection looks at sibling and parental relationships and
clearly shows us the potential of healing and recovery. "Marion Bridge" is a
2002 Canadian film directed by Wiebke von Carolsfeld and based on a play by
Daniel MacIvor who wrote and directed "Wilby Wonderful", the film that
closed our last season. It was selected as the Best Canadian First Feature
Film at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival and won the Outstanding
Writer Award at the 2002 Atlantic Film Festival.

Stan Rossowski
Programming Director
CINESANITY: Movies for Mental Wellness
1039 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB R2W 3R2

T: 204 772 1037
E: cinesanity@mts.net

SPARK Arts and Disability News!

2010-10-15T17:54:00.000-05:00

As we bid adieu to summer and welcome the colourful days of fall, we on the Steering Committee thought it would be a good idea to put together a brief update of what the SPARK Arts and Disability Network is “ igniting” as of late.

On September 20th, we had our first Steering Committee meeting since June. As always, the time flew by and many things were discussed. We reviewed how we might effectively work with the Canada Council for the Arts Equity Program officers following their visit last spring. Their interest in creating more opportunities for artists with disabilities is very encouraging. The Manitoba Arts Council has also contacted us in regards to their next roundtable discussions and have assured us an opportunity to speak about the contributions Manitoba’s artists with disabilities can make to the contemporary art scene with proper accommodation built into the granting process. We are making excellent progress on the writing of SPARK's by-laws. Completion of these will be followed by incorporation and designation as a not for profit organization. Questions for a survey have been completed and will be sent out very soon. We are looking forward to our first Annual General Meeting in the near future - watch for the date! We look forward to creating a board of directors to support an organizaiton that is dynamic and committed to SPARK accessiblity and inclusiveness in all aspects of Manitoba's art scene!

Showing Up, Speaking Out.

2010-09-19T21:26:00.000-05:00

Get involved!

A Winnipeg-wide project involving collaborative art making and participatory actions in public spaces. Get involved – it's free! On now until October 5!

Showing Up, Speaking Out continues to resist violence against Aboriginal women and seeks to address the issue of accessibility.

Kristin Nelson (Winnipeg) will work with community members on the subject of accessibility at two different locations. On Sunday, September 19 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., the collaborative art making session will take place at aceartinc. The following three sessions — Monday, September 20 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m, and Wednesday, September 22 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., — will take place at Video Pool Media Art Centre (3rd Floor, 300 Arthur St.). Video Pool Media Arts Centre is fully accessible.
Participation is free and all are welcome – please join us.

Meetings and activities have been planned, particularly in relation to the artists and community groups that have already expressed interest in working together. Events will be open to additional participants, so if you’re intersted, all you have to do is show up at the location noted. For the most part, gatherings will take place at aceartinc. (2nd Floor, 290 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg), but there might be some exceptions from time to time.
If you would specifically like more information about Stop Violence Against Aboriginal Women Action Group, please click here: http://www.showingupspeakingout.ca/get-involved/svaawag/

ARTS FOR ALL - The River Barge Festival

2010-08-26T13:12:00.000-05:00

ARTS FOR ALL: The River Barge Festival - August 25-29th

The River Barge Festival

Free for All!

August 25 - 29th, 2010

The Forks

The first ever River Barge Festival kicks off tomorrow! This five day performing arts festival is being presented by the Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010 program free of charge, as a gathering for all of Winnipeg.

Located at the historic port at The Forks, the floating stage will host a diverse array of acts including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Theatre Centre, other local and national favourites, such as Luke Doucet, Greg MacPherson, Christine Fellows, D.Rangers, The Digging Roots, The Romi Mayes Band, Trio Brembe, Fred Penner, and many more! This is an all-encompassing celebration that embraces popular culture, diversity and the performing arts.

For more information, including a full festival line-up and schedule, please visit the Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010 website at http://www.artsforall.ca .

Click on the link above to view the site map indicating disability access to the festival.

AXIS Dance Company

2010-06-19T10:19:00.000-05:00

AXIS Dance Company
@ Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Sat. June 26, Shows at 1, 1:50 & 2:40 pm
Yerba Buena Gardens, SF, CA
http://www.ybgf.org

Enjoy a new outdoor AXIS piece choreographed by AXIS Associate Director/Dancer Sonsheree Giles including 35 dancers with and without disabilities from the local community. A spectacular show not to be missed. Performances will be followed by a Meet & Greet with AXIS performers/staff/board at Jillians at 3:30pm (no host bar, opportunity to meet and socialize with the company). Jillians is located in the Metreon adjacent to Yerba Buena Gardens.

Prepare to leave all your preconceptions at the door...

AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, will change the way you think about dance and the possibilities of the human body forever. Founded in 1987, AXIS has become a jewel of contemporary dance and disability culture. AXIS has paved the way for a powerful contemporary dance form - physically integrated dance- performing in over sixty cities nationwide, as well as in Europe and Siberia. Visit us at http://www.axisdance.org and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/AXISDanceComp

Call for Entry, Juried exhibit for Drum Art

2010-03-17T16:29:00.000-05:00

For artists with disabilities

ArtBeat for Humanity National

A project by Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc. and Remo Drums Inc.

National Juried exhibit of Drum Art (see Call for details)

Open to all artists with disabilities

NO ENTRY FEE

Jury prizes up to $2500

Submission deadline: April 5th, 2010

honorrobiedunn@artsandservices.com

Exhibit dates:

July 31, 2010 – August 15, 2010

@ Barnsdall Art Park, Junior Art Center

4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

15 Minutes of Fame at the WAG

2009-10-03T10:38:00.000-05:00

Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG): 15 Minutes Salon Evening, Starts October 1

WAG CREATING SALON EVENINGS FOR LOCAL ARTISTS

Artist Andy Warhol once said that everyone would, sooner or later, have their own 15 minutes of fame and that’s what the Winnipeg Art Gallery is offering to city artists through their new program 15 Minutes. This free, ongoing series of artist salon evenings takes place the first Thursday of every month, beginning October 1. Admission to 15 Minutes is free.

“This is an opportunity for artists to get their work out there; to present, discuss and get feedback about their practice in an informal and friendly atmosphere,” says Anna Wiebe, Associate Art Educator. “We are inviting artists to bring in some examples of their artwork to discuss with other artists in the community. This will be an opportunity to “show and tell” us what they are up to, and to see what others are doing.”

“You don’t have to be a practicing artist to enjoy 15 Minutes,” adds Michael Boss, Head of Studio Programs. “We invite anyone with an interest in art to come out, join the discussion, and see what Winnipeg artists are creating.”

Submission details. Please email art-educator@wag.ca with the following information. If you do not have access to email, please call 789.0516. 15 Minutes is limited to four artist presentations per evening, so submit early.

Name and phone number

All presenters must submit three images in advance (digital or hardcopies) of the artwork they wish to present. Images may be emailed to the above email address. Hardcopies/photographs must be dropped off at the front desk in an envelope addressed to 15 Minutes.

Detail any audio-visual requirements needed to show your work (i.e. PowerPoint, projector screen, slide projector, easel, DVD player)

For more information, visit http://www.wag.mb.ca

Disability Health and Wellness Conference

2009-04-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Disability Health and Wellness Conference, May 11 and 12, 2009 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg.

Contact Society for Manitobans With Disabilities for more information about the Conference.

http://www.smd.mb.ca/news/674/disability_health_wellness_conference_coming_to_winnipeg_may_11_12.aspx

2009-03-SPARK Arts and Disability Newsletter

2009-03-22T12:14:00.000-05:00

SPARK Member’s Work on Display at MAWA

SPARK Arts and Disability Network member Daphne Enns is the featured artist for March 2009 on the WAM Wall at Mentoring Art for Womens Art (MAWA), 611 Main Street in Winnipeg.

Daphne’s piece, Shot Silk 45 (24"x 48"), a large acrylic painting will be gracing the WAM Wall until the end of March 2009.

Daphne photographed her work and digitally altered the photograph creating the header you see on the top of this page.

Awesome, isn’t it? Visit MAWA before the end of March and see Daphne’s original painting.

Canada Council of the Arts Pays Attention to Disability and Deaf Art
By Susan P. Gibson

Canada Council of the Arts is paying attention regarding access for artists with disabilities and those whose art practice can be described as Disability or Deaf Art. At least that is how it appeared to me last week at the Disability and Deaf Arts Focus Group when I, along with others were invited by Sheila James Equity Officer to discuss the topic and respond to a soon to be released report. The report commissioned by Canada Council was written by Rose Jacbson and Geoff McMurchy, the founder of B.C.’s Society for Disability Arts and Culture (S4DAC).

In Ottawa last week I was surrounded by knowledgeable and insightful artists from theatre, dance, performance, visual and digital media arts as well as a wide multi discipline selection of Canada Council Arts Program Managers, who listened with interest while the artists described their individual creative practices and collective experiences. On the twelfth floor surrounded by amazing Canada Council Art Bank acquisitions, these cultural producers who use wheelchairs, canes, audio and visual devices, technical and personal supports in their art and life shared accounts of their creative production, organizations and funding of arts practices and organizations.

Having ASL interpretation throughout meant we heard from a cartoonist, dancer and actor(s) who helped everyone better understand Deaf Culture and communication challenges in a hearing dominant society. Our group compared and contrasted (as was known), international art and Disability Art groups, policy, activities and legislation.

Everyone there would agree that while each artist’s story became a filled in piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle titled, Disability Art Impact on Canadian Culture, there is more missing in the picture than is represented. My understanding is that a similar process is anticipated for Aboriginal and Francophone cultural producers. As I reminded all at the meeting there are those with disabilities in every culture, language, age, gender and sexual identification.

While an important first document, this report (still under review) when released should be read as a past due beginning to further discussion, research, policy and practice that ensures the arts are accessible, relevant and reflective of all Canadians. Only just catching up to the work they have done with and for Aboriginal, visual minority and Francophone artists, Canada Council in action can demonstrate leadership among arts and culture funders in serving this under-represented group of artists and art consumers. My fear is that the meeting serve only as a check mark on an organizational strategic plan however, having looked into the eyes of Canada Council staff and heard how the experience impacted them, I am hopeful for positive change from a meeting that to many, myself included, felt historic.

If you know of current language defining “disability”, “accommodation” or other relevant terminology please send them to me at multiple@mts.net so I can forward it on to Council researchers.

Cinesanity #7 is coming up this Monday March 23, 2009!

Cinesanity is a FREE monthly movie event held on the fourth Monday of each month from September 2008 through June 2009.
It is open to all.

A variety of films – documentaries, dramatizations of actual events, and feature length dramas - illustrating the experiences of people living with mental illness and addictions will be shown. Each film is chosen to offer
insight into a life with mental illness and/or addiction, to demonstrate the effects of mental illness and/or addiction on the consumer/survivor and on family and social relationships, and to offer hope by presenting positive outcomes. We try to have a bit of discussion after the screening and to leave some time for people to stay and visit if they wish. You are all invited to participate.

Aside from the three criteria above, each film needs to be a quality film, a work of art. Because there is only the opportunity to show ten films in this series, I’ve tried to focus on a different type of illness or addiction with each of the selections.

This month’s selection, “Passion Fish”, is, at least in my opinion, a great film by a great director. John Sayles received an Academy Award nomination for the script of his first feature, “The Return of the Secaucus Seven” (1980), which is considered a precursor to the later “The Big Chill”. Each of his subsequent films has explored the human
condition from a new perspective. He has a way of presenting his subjects without judgment. The result is very real characters, multifaceted, with strengths and flaws just like real people.

“Passion Fish” is the story of a New York based soap opera star who loses the use of her legs, moves to her childhood home in rural
Louisiana, becomes depressed and develops an addiction to alcohol. The young nurse who eventually arrives and stays – because she really needs the job, as she puts it – is just out of rehab for cocaine addiction and has lost her
child. Together, they begin to figure out how to move forward. Like the rest of us, these are real human characters learning to live with what they’ve got and how to make a life worth living.

Last month I sent a scan of an article that appeared in the University of Winnipeg student paper, “The Uniter”. For those of you who have not seen the story and in case you want to pass this along, here is a link to the story on the Uniter website: http://uniter.ca/view/392/.

There are only three more sessions after this one and I am beginning to plan what to do next. I would love to continue the program and even move to a weekly schedule. I will keep you posted on further developments.

Once again this reaches you a little close to the actual event. I am sorry for this late notice, and just hope that you’ve already marked the fourth
Monday on your calendar for us. Please bear with me for now. This is a learning experience for me as well and mistakes and problems encountered now will be addressed in future plans.

As has been said before, we do not get sick alone and we do not walk the road to wellness alone. None of this would happen without the help of others. Thanks to our sponsors, Micah House and the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, to those who help to set up our events, and to those who have expressed support and have been promoting this program.

If you are able, please come and join us this coming Monday.

Stan Rossowski
for CINESANITY

Providing Service to Customers with Disabilities

On March 19 the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre at 250 - 240 Graham Ave.
Winnipeg, Manitoba presented speaker Cecile Bergen, Training Coordinator for the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities. Here is a description of her presentation:

How accessible is your business? Responding to the needs of the growing number of customers with disabilities will set your business as a leader in customer service and care. In this workshop you will learn how to interact with people with disabilities, create accessible spaces and procedures, and develop strategies to accommodate various types of disability.

Contact the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre if you are interested in future workshops dealing with this topic.

Phone: 984.2272 or 1.800.665.2019
Fax: 983.3852
Email: manitoba@canadabusiness.ca

Attention Emerging Canadian Painters!
2009 RBC Canadian Painting Competition
Call for entries

Together with RBC, the Canadian Art Foundation announces the call for entries for the 11th annual Canadian Painting Competition! Submit your entries by May 3, 2009.

Winners will be announced in October with the national winner receiving $25,000, and two honourable mentions each receiving $15,000.
All 15 semi-finalists in the competition will see their work displayed at the Musée d'art contemporain in Montreal, the Power Plant in Toronto and featured in Canadian Art magazine. For submission guidelines and more information, click
www.canadianart.ca/foundation/programs/rbc/

OPENING STAGES - A Quarterly Newsletter for People with Disabilities Pursuing Careers in the Performing Arts

http://www.kennedy-center.org/text/accessibility/opening_stages

"Opening Stages is a newsletter produced by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts at http://www.kennedy-center.org." The producer is Betty Siegel, editor is Paul Kahn, and the editorial board is: George Ashiotis, John Dillon, Martin English, Sharon Jensen, Rod Lathim, Joy Mincey Powell, Janet Salmons, Ike Schambelan, Betty Siegel, Mimi Kenney Smith, Elena Widder, and Gail Williamson.

News from The Enablelinker
Publisher: Canadian Abilities Foundation

Tel.: 416-923-1885
Fax: 416-923-9829
Visit us online at: http://www.abilities.ca
or e-mail: mailto:able@abilities.ca

** Two People with Disabilities Work on "Disability Should Not Be a Poverty Life Sentence." Campaign **

Susan McMurdo and Ken MacLeod receive Ontario Disability Support payments and both live in oppressive poverty. For the past 16 months the two residents of Houselink, a supportive housing agency, have poured their energy into a campaign called "Disability Should Not Be a Poverty Life Sentence." They hope to convince Premier Dalton McGuinty to raise disability support payments by 20 per cent. The province has recently announced a poverty reduction plan. Unfortunately for Susan and Ken it is targeted at children not adults with disabilities. To read the article by Carol Goar or to comment on this story visit http://www.abilities.ca/social_policy/2009/03/06/odsp_torstar/

** Get Your Disability News, Add Your Perspective and Join the Conversation **

Keep a pulse on the disability community and find out what’s happening. Bookmark http://www.abilities.ca for your daily dose of disability news, events and articles. The site is updated regularly with news stories and press releases added almost every day. Bloggers are sharing their points of view on various topics and want to hear from you. Join the conversation and add your voice to a blog or comment on one of the many stories of relevance to Canadians with disabilities. Create your account today, we want to hear from you.

**1st Annual Trek for Tourette**

March 29, Communities across Canada
Whether it's rain, snow or shine, outdoor treks will take place in communities across Canada in recognition of Tourette Syndrome, a neurological disorder that affects as many as one in 100 children. And you're invited! March, a wintry month, was chosen so that the trek would be "as challenging as the lives of people affected by TS, with weather as unpredictable as the disorder itself." The Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada hopes that the trek will raise awareness and encourage tolerance for this common but poorly understood disorder, along with its many associated disorders such as OCD and ADHD. For more information visit http://www.tourette.ca/events_trek_2009.php

**MS WALK**

April 2009, Communities across Canada
After 18 wonderful years, the Super Cities WALK for MS has a brand new name. Starting right now, the Super Cities WALK will go by the new name of MS WALK. Walks are happening throughout April so check the website http://www.mswalks.ca to find out about a walk in your community. Register now and join the movement to end MS! The MS Society of Canada is a regular contributor to the Abilities forum to read the most recent article visit http://www.abilities.ca/organizations/2009/02/20/ms_forum_issue77/

**CNIB Resources**

CNIB’s consultants can provide you with the tools and information you need to make your business more inclusive, whether you are looking to:
~Design or redesign your website to reach a wider audience;
~Document Accessibility Conversion;
~Desktop and Application Consulting;
~Accessibility training or awareness seminar;
~Accessibility/Usability product testing by a demographic range of consumers;
Visit our website for more information http://www.cnib.ca/accessibilities

**FOR RENT**

A fully equipped, accessible cottage in Combermere, Ontario (3.5 hours from Toronto) is available. Wheelchair access to lake, many amenities. Contact Joan at 416-533-9875 or e-mail mailto:joansinclair@bellnet.ca .

"The EnableLinker", Copyright (c) 2009
Canadian Abilities Foundation, http://www.abilities.ca
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The SPARK Arts and Disability Network is a group of artists with disabilities and stakeholders with an interest in advancing accessible arts in Manitoba. The Network is being developed by a steering committee of dedicated visual, performing and literary artists at varying levels of professionalism, arts administrators and other professionals.

Currently, membership in the Network is free. Members receive regular information e-newsletters, notice of exhibition calls, artistic opportunities, educational workshops, conferences, networking events, information on artists with disabilities, funding programs and the disability arts and culture sector around the globe.

Please email sparkmanitoba@gmail.com or contact Angel Calnek at (204) 792-5283 if you would like to become a member of the SPARK Arts and Disability Network or be involved with our steering committee or future initiatives.

SPARK Arts & Disability Network Newsletter

2008-12-17T10:14:00.000-06:00

If you have information about or for artists with disabilities or disability arts and culture that you would like posted to this site, whether it is an event, a link to your organization or blog, a news release, exhibition, etc. please send the information to sparkmanitoba@gmail.com.

REES AWARDS - CELEBRATING THE STARS EVENT - NOMINATIONS

Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES) is planning for its second annual REES Awards - Celebrating the Stars Event to be held on February 19, 2009 at the Norwood Hotel.

As it is REES's 20th Anniversary in 2009, we are especially excited to host the event. This year it will be a Gala Dinner starting at 6:00 pm. Tickets for this fundraiser are available for purchase.

The evening will feature Laurie Mustard of the Winnipeg Sun as our MC, and entertainment by the Kathy Kennedy Blues Band. We are assembling a fabulous Rainbow Auction with two trips already among our many prizes. We will also have a silent auction with beautiful art pieces just waiting for your bid.

Most importantly, REES will be proud that evening to present awards to four Stars - two individuals and two employers who, each in their own way, have contributed to the employment of people with disabilities.

There are four awards for which we are inviting nominations:
- Small/medium employers who have hired people with disabilities
- Large employers who have hired people with disabilities
- Individuals who have achieved personal success in their own employment journey
- Individuals who are nominated in memory of Debbie Bean, REES's first Executive Director, and who have contributed to the employment of people with disabilities.

Details regarding the nomination criteria are enclosed and further information may be found on our website, www.re-es.org

We look forward to your nominations and hope you can attend the REES Awards - Celebrating the Stars, 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner. For more information, contact:

Inga Johnson Mychasiw
Acting Executive Director
Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES)
947-1609, ext 233
imychasiw@re-es.org
www.re-es.org

ADAPTIVE FITNESS FOR ADULTS

Recently we sent you some information on this project.
The River East Transcona School Division's Continuing Education program
"EdVentures"

is heading a pilot project - adaptive fitness for adults with developmental
disabilities - in collaboration with one of our fitness instructors - Tessa Blaikie.

We've extended our registration deadline to January 3, 2009.

Registration: EXTENDED to JANUARY 3, 2009

Scheduled start: January 16, 2009

If you'd like further information on this program, please feel free to
contact me:

Gail Bobowski
Program Coordinator - Continuing Education
River East Transcona School Division
McLeod Education Centre
530 McLeod Avenue R2K 0B5
Phone: 667-6193
Cell: 612-7589

STRANGER HERO: EPISODE 2

STRANGER HERO: EPISODE 2- THE STALKERS ON YOUTUBE NOW!!!! TV
actor and disability activist Mat Fraser has shown his support
for a ground-breaking project featuring the world's first kung
fu action hero with Down's Syndrome by donating his time and
talent to the short film, produced by digital media production
company Shoot Your Mouth Off. Mat, 48, is one of the UK's
best-known disabled actors, having appeared in Every Time You
Look at Me, for BBC2, Heaven and Earth Show, also for the BBC,
and a number of Channel 4 productions, including Born Freak. So
enthused was Mat by the first episode of the internet=based
serial, Stranger Hero, he requested to appear as a leading
character in subsequent episodes. Shoot Your Mouth Off, who are
based in Hartlepool, in the North-East of England, have been
making films with disabled actors for eight years and the
film-makers firmly believe there is an audience for quality work
featuring actors who would otherwise find it difficult to break
into film and television. Stranger Hero's creator,
writer/director Steve Carolan, has combined a lifelong passion
for martial arts and a commitment to the positive representation
of disabled people to bring Stranger Hero to life . Played by
Redcar actor Ged Watts. Stranger Hero is unlike any other
production which features learning disabled actors. SYMO's
producer and founder, Karen Sheader, said of Stranger Hero,
`Usually characters with learning disabilities are reduced to
being comic, `lovable' cuddly stereotypes, with a narrow range
of emotions and experiences. Stranger Hero dares to explore the
full range of human behaviour exhibited by people with Down's
Syndrome, including fear, frustration and aggression. Uniquely,
Stranger Hero offers a fantasy escapist release from their
everyday lives, which are often constraining and infantilizing.
' Production Credits Stranger Hero stars Ged Watts and Mat
Fraser. Camera and music by Derek Mathews, written and directed
by Steve Carolan, produced by Karen Sheader, all of Shoot Your
Mouth Off. Running time: 6 mins 40 secs, contains scenes of mild
horror and martial arts violence. Further information from Karen
Sheader on 07960 532554. Click below to view Stranger Hero:
Episode 2: Ths Stalkers.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfOdQUUeFkk

ON-LINE SHOPPING FOR THE CANADIAN ABILITIES FOUNDATION
This year, people are thinking carefully about how they handle their holiday shopping. Thanks to our relationship with We-Care.com, you can now shop on-line at more than 700 merchants, save money with coupons and special offers, and have a percentage of what you spend support the Canadian Abilities Foundation — at no extra cost to you. That's certainly worth thinking about.

All you need to do is click through our We-Care.com marketplace (http://getresponse.com/click.html?x=a62a&lc=XVbr&mc=f&s=iYroC&y=V& and then shop from the merchants you use every day —directly from their websites. A percentage of what you spend is automatically donated. It's effortless giving. Better yet, We-Care.com works hard to get you coupons and money-saving deals, so by shopping through our marketplace, you save gas and money!

We-Care.com even offers a free reminder plug-in — a safe browser extension that ensures your donations count even if you forget to visit our marketplace.

Make every gift you give this holiday season a gift for the Canadian Disabilities Foundation as well! Please visit our new marketplace at http://getresponse.com/click.html?x=a62a&lc=XVbJ&mc=f&s=iYroC&y=f&

Lauro Monteiro
Director of Operations
The Canadian Abilities Foundation
401-340 College St.
Toronto, Ontario
M5T 3A9
Canada

THE MAN TO MAN PROJECT

The Man to Man Project works to promote the often ignored issues of depression and mental health in men, and the damaging effects these issue can have in our workplaces and communities. The project provides community outreach programming, free of charge, to workplaces and to community organizations in Winnipeg through interactive presentations designed to facilitate dialogue and a greater understanding of these challenging topics. Presentations can be tailored to specific audiences, such as employers, employees, men, and women, and for duration. The Man to Man project also provides helpful referrals to community services that work with men to learn to manage depression or recognize and support others living with depression.

For more information, or to book a free presentation, please contact:
Curt Sparkes
Project Coordinator, Man to Man Project
Klinic Community Health Centre b
870 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0P1
204 784 4015
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"The SPARK Arts & Disability Network does not test, research, endorse or guarantee products, services or events listed in this newsletter. Please verify information of interest with the organizations specified within each listing."

Kat Kennedy invites you to the fundraiser "The REES Awards "Celebrating the Stars" 20th Anniversary"

2008-12-10T13:20:00.000-06:00

On Feb. 19th the Kathy Kennedy Blues Band will be playing at a fundraiser for Reaching Equality Employment Services, a great organization that assists in finding suitable employment for those with disabilities in our community.

Kathy is a dynamic performer with a dynamite voice and is backed up by some of the finest blues performers in Winnipeg. Save the date, you don't want to miss this one!

Event: The REES Awards "Celebrating the Stars" 20th Anniversary
What: Fundraiser
Host: Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES)
Start Time: Thursday, February 19 at 6:00pm
End Time: Thursday, February 19 at 10:00pm
Where: The Norwood Hotel - Promenade Ballroom

The Late Lunch Show and Bannock & Tea Tuesday

2008-12-10T08:31:00.000-06:00

TIME AND SPACE: SANITY MANAGEMENT FOR THE ARTS
Presented by: ACI's and Bannock and Tea Tuesdays

Hear a panel of professionals speak about time management techniques and how to set up a cool and functional workspace. Guest panelists include:

Kevin Hnatiuk - New Media Manitoba
Lisa Meeches - Eagle Vision Inc., Meeches Video Productions, Century Street Distribution
Craig Medwyduk - Guppy Graphic Design
Destiny Swiderski - Cohlmeyer Architects Limited

Friday, December 12, 2008 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
5th Floor, 62 Albert Street
$7 for ACI members $12 for non-members

Call (204) 927-2787 to register or email admin@creativemanitoba.ca

This event will be followed directly by the Made in Man itoba ACI Manitoba Holiday Open House! Everyone is welcome! Snacks and refreshments from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. 5th floor, 62 Albert Street.