Breathing Northwinds project focuses on developing the arts in Northern Ontario
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – APRIL 30th, 2009): The Breathing Northwinds project is continuing and NORDIK (Northern Ontario Research Development Ideas and Knowledge) a community-based research institute at Algoma University is now inviting artists, arts organizations, institutions and arts-related businesses to complete two surveys designed to gather information for the database and the regional strategic plan. The strategic plan will include recommendations of activities and events that will lead to the development of a sustainable network.
The Breathing Northwinds project focuses on developing the arts across the Northern Ontario region by increasing awareness, participation, education and employment opportunities. Launched in December of 2008, the project has three stages: building a database of artists, arts organizations, institutions and funding sources; conducting strategic planning sessions with communities; and finally, hosting a conference in late 2009. The project is overseen by the NORDIK Institute of Algoma University.
“Northern Ontario has a distinctive cultural identity and the potential for growing art-related businesses is great” said Zainab Amadahy, Executive Director of Community Arts Ontario, in a December 2008 media release. “Breathing Northwinds grew out of a province-wide gathering of community based artists in 2007, when we realized that Northern Ontario needs and deserves a chance to realize that potential”.
NORDIK will be conducting strategic planning sessions with the following communities:
Elliot Lake: April 30
First Nation communities surrounding the Sioux Lookout area: May 5
Sioux Lookout: May 6-7
Chapleau: May 14-15
Timmins: May 21-22
Temagami: July (date to be determined)
“It is very exciting to be working directly with a number of artists and arts organizations in different communities. They understand their own situations best because they are living and experiencing it”, states Jude Ortiz of NORDIK.
NORDIK has also received funding for a FedNor youth intern who will assist with this project. Sean Meades is fluently bilingual, a graduate of Dalhousie University and a lifelong resident of Northern Ontario. “We want to hear from as many people as possible” says Meades. “The survey only takes a few minutes to complete”. For more information on the project, email: sean.meades@algomau.ca
About Algoma University
Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in Psychology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Community Economic & Social Development, and Biology; Algoma U is committed to offering a personal education experience unlike any university in Ontario. As the Canadian home of the internationally recognised MSc CGT from the University of Abertay Dundee, Algoma University is at the forefront of computer games technology education. Algoma University also offers accelerated second degree programs in Business Administration and Computer Science on its Brampton campus. To learn more about Algoma University, visit www.algomau.ca.
Media Contact
Donna Woldanski
Divisional Directory of External Relations
Algoma University
705.949.2301 ext. 4120
donna.woldanski@algomau.ca