HACE™ Business of the Arts Workshops

Thursday-Sunday, November 12-15, 2009 at the Brampton Golf Club

Workshops at a Glance:
*All sessions are 75 minutes in length unless noted.

Click here for the workshops registration form

Workshop Presenters & Course Outlines
HACE™ Conference 2009

Workshop A
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Knowing Anything

Overview - Before 1978, Sharon Hampson, Lois Lilienstein and Bram Morrison were each doing folk music workshops and concerts in public schools through Mariposa in the Schools. Early in that year, the three of them got together with producer Bill Usher, also a Mariposa person, and recorded an LP they hoped would appeal to parents as well as children.  The recording “One Elephant, Deux Elephants”  “A Children’s Record for the Whole Family” was released in Autumn 1978, and Sharon, Lois and Bram continued along with their solo careers.  But not for long…  The response to that recording launched their unexpected career.
Sharon and Bram [Lois stopped active touring 10 years ago] will describe some of their adventures in learning the business of recording, touring, television, public service, and their pleasure at having been  able to earn their livings doing something they love.  There will be singing.

Since 1978, Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison have been pre-eminent in all aspects of family entertainment across North America as members of the trio Sharon, Lois & Bram, seen by millions on The Elephant Show and Skinnamarink TV. They are masters at leading audiences of all ages in joyful song and good fun.

Television History:

Skinnamarink TV: 52 episodes produced
Broadcast on TLC (The Learning Channel) in Canada and the U.S. and CBC from 1997 to 2003

The Elephant Show: 65 episodes produced
Broadcast throughout the U.S. on Nickelodeon TV from 1988 to the mid 90s.
Broadcast from 1984 to the mid 90s on CBC TV nationally, followed by regional stations such as TVO, Access Alberta, BCTV and others during the latter part of that period.

"The cheers are THUNDEROUS! The public loves them... They really are Canadian stars.”   - Toronto Star

"Endearing, lively, swingy  and jolly...makes you feel like a kid again."   - Montreal Gazette

"Contagious... makes music a family  affair."   - Variety

"Charming, irresistible"   - New York Times

"Absolutely dazzling"   - Boston Globe

"Fabulous"   - New York Daily News

“Childhood should always be so much fun!"   - Toronto Star

Workshop B
DIY PR - The essential tool kit for achieving publicity

Overview - A workshop about the basics of media relations and techniques for implementing a successful public relations campaign.

Susan Coates has run her home-based business, Resonance Communications Canada, for over 15 years. She specializes in media relations, event management, marketing and is proud to number among her clients such organizations as The City of Mississauga, The Region of Peel, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto and Region Conservation, The Running Room Canada and Sears Canada.
She also has had extensive professional experience in the not-for-profit service and arts sectors with groups like the Easter Seal Society (Ontario and Canada), Lupus (Ontario and Canada), Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario, Equity Showcase Theatre, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and Ontario Fabricare Association.

Her recent work includes projects with Gibson’s Cleaners, Woodbridge Agricultural Society, the Rotary Club of Woodbridge and the Tetra Society of North America and the Ministry of Finance. As a media relations professional based in southern Ontario, she has an excellent track record in securing publicity and developing successful promotions for her clients. In addition, Ms. Coates volunteers for various causes in her community including the Canadian National Exhibition and together with her husband are raising their two daughters.

back to top

Workshop C
Keeping Creativity Alive, Spirits in A Material World

Overview - So you write songs for a living? Must be nice eh? Most songwriters with careers over thirty years have learned hard lessons in survival and how to remain committed to their craft, to dance with the notion that creativity can be as much a curse as a talent.

IAN THOMAS - “Ian Thomas is simply one of the best songwriters this country has produced.” He first hit internationally in 1973 with "Painted Ladies". With a Juno award, three SOCAN classic awards, a UNICEF Danny Kaye Humanitarian award, 15 albums and as many top twenty records later, Ian has now added author to the mix with two novels, Bequest (Manor House 2006) and his latest The Lost Chord (Manor House 2008). Ian’s lyrics have been utilized in English textbooks while his songs have found international success with many artists such as Santana, America, Manfred Man, Chicago, Bette Midler and Ann Murray. He also records and tours the country regularly with good friends Murray McLauchlan, Marc Jordan, and Cindy Church in a band called Lunch At Allens. When you add twenty movies as a film composer, six seasons on the Red Green Show as character Dougie Franklin and over a thousand commercials voicing characters from Clive Firkin of Firkin Pubs to Snap the Rice Crispie, the credit list starts getting ridiculous. The first quarter of the year will be filled with personal appearances promoting his new book The Lost Chord while underscoring his brother Dave’s cartoon series The Animated Adventures of Bob And Doug McKenzie and recording a new Lunch At Allens CD, then heading west for a Lunch At Allens Concert Tour. With so many things to do, it is no wonder Ian thinks of life as “one big beautiful mess.” To hear him live is to spend time with a master songsmith and humorist. Ian lives with his wife of 38 years in the Niagara wine region of Ontario because he likes both wine and his wife.

back to top

Workshop D
Turn Your Talent Into a Business

Overview - This seminar will provide an overview of launching and operating a small business and will address the following questions:

• Is owning a business the right choice for me?
• Is this the right small business to start?
• What is a business plan and why do I need one?
• What licensing/permit and taxation issues are relevant?
• What steps do I take to get started?
• How do I finance my business?

This interactive seminar is designed to ensure participants' start up questions are answered either in the session or via the free package of resources provided

Jennifer Vivian, Business Advisor, has been with the City of Brampton for nine years, five of them at the Small Business Enterprise Centre. Jennifer comes from a family of entrepreneurs and continues to support the family business. In her five years at the Centre, she has assisted more than 40,000 clients with their start-up questions, conducted dozens of seminars, and worked one-on-one with hundreds of clients to develop their business concepts into real businesses, and stabilize operations of their established businesses. Jennifer has a business education and has recently complete her Certificate in Economic Development.

back to top

Workshop E
The Legal Inner Workings of the Modern Recording Agreement

Overview – Music lawyer Jason Klein will engage you in a discussion of the key points addressed in modern recording agreement negotiations. This will include a discussion of advances, royalty calculations, release commitments, controlled composition clauses, and the various non-record revenue streams and business areas labels are starting to participate in.

Jason Klein is a founding member of the Toronto entertainment and media law firm, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa (TMKO). Jason practices in the areas of music, entertainment, media, intellectual property and corporate/commercial law. Jason represents a diverse range of clients, ranging from recording artists, songwriters, managers and producers, to record labels, publishers, broadcasters and digital music service providers. TMKO’s artist roster includes Nelly Furtado, Sum 41, Three Days Grace, City and Colour, Bedouin Soundclash, Alexisonfire, Billy Talent, Lights and Drake. An accomplished pianist, Jason graduated from York University with Music degree in 1996. He gained industry experience working at The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) and Warner Music Canada, prior to completing his law degree at The University of Western Ontario in 1999. Jason teaches Entertainment Law at the University of Western Ontario Law School, is a co-author of the Music Law chapter of Entertainment Law in Canada (Butterworths Canada), and has written music business and legal articles for Canadian Musician magazine.

back to top

Workshop F
Is e-Business Right for your Arts Business?

Overview
* What is e-business?
* Is it right for my arts business?
* Am I ready to adopt e-business tools?
* What are the advantages of investing in e-business?
* How can I profit from e-business?

E-business is the use of Internet Technology to facilitate doing business. This session will demonstrate that not all e-business activities have to be complex or costly to achieve benefits. Arts businesses that are new to the world of e-business will find information and tools that will help them get started. A useful toolkit will help you to answer - What is e-business? Is e-business right for my business? And, am I ready to adopt e-business?

Jennifer Vivian, Business Advisor, has been with the City of Brampton for nine years, five of them at the Small Business Enterprise Centre. Jennifer comes from a family of entrepreneurs and continues to support the family business. In her five years at the Centre, she has assisted more than 40,000 clients with their start-up questions, conducted dozens of seminars, and worked one-on-one with hundreds of clients to develop their business concepts into real businesses, and stabilize operations of their established businesses. Jennifer has a business education and has recently complete her Certificate in Economic Development.

back to top

Workshop G
How to Prepare a Professional Portfolio

Overview - Submitting your portfolio to a commercial gallery can be a nerve wracking experience. In this seminar, Margaret will describe what a professional portfolio should look like and also help you understand the workings of a commercial gallery and what you should expect once your work has been selected for representation.

Margaret Kirwin attended Glendon College and the University of Toronto, graduating with a B.A. from the U of T. She spent many years in the non-arts related business world until finally seeing the light in 1997 when she joined the staff of Abbozzo Gallery. She is the gallery administrator there and is responsible for the day to day operations of the gallery. Although gallery director Ineke Zigrossi has the final say on artist selection, Margaret also reviews portfolio submissions.

back to top

Workshop H
Insight into the Business of Music

Overview – This session will include the following:

- A description of the background of a career path in the music business.
- Overview of major changes in the Canadian touring industry in the last 20 years and what to look forward to in the future.
- The importance of touring in an artist’s ability to make a living as a recording artist.
- Insight into how agencies choose artists and how to improve your chances of being chosen.

Richard Mills - Fueled by his keen interest in music and making a difference, Richard started his career in entertainment as a talent buyer while at university. Formerly the Director of Programming for the University of Manitoba and then a key figure with Paquin Entertainment, Richard joined the Feldman team as an agent for the launch of the Toronto office in September 1993. He became Director of Performing Arts Touring at SLFA in June 2004 and Vice President, Performing Arts, in January 2007.

Richard leads a seasoned unit of professionals servicing talent needs for theatres, festivals and special events throughout Canada and the United States as well as working closely with the entire SLFA team on over 125 SLFA roster artists with specialization for corporate events and projects. Innovation, accountability and trust are the cornerstones of his activites and have allowed him to develop a strong network of contacts across the industry.

Artist development has been a cornerstone in his career at SLFA from the beginning as he is the agent responsible for the touring strategies of a roster of artists of distinction including Leahy, Jesse Cook, Natalie MacMaster, Ron Sexsmith, The Celtic Tenors, Sophie Milman, Molly Johnson, Quartetto Gelato, Micheal Burgess, Jim Witter, Jorane, Lhasa, Jimmy Rankin, Stephan Moccio and Justin Hines. He has been committed to growing the international reach of the roster and has developed opportunities and key relationships in the US, UK, Ireland, France, Poland, Russia, the Persian Gulf, China and Japan.

Talent coordination and procurement for major projects has also been a prime responsibility for Richard, who has worked closely with the Federal Government on Ottawa Canada Day celebrations for 12 years, with Du Maurier ConcertStage's performing arts program for 7 years, and First Canadian Place's award-winning Arts and Events Series for 14 years. He has also lead the talent buying team for Ontario Lotteries and Gaming for the past 7 years. He planned and executed on the inaugural launch season and gala opening for the City of Brampton's $45 million dollar performing arts centre, The Rose Theatre.

Richard consults with all levels of government on entertainment matters ranging from state dinners to festival programs, and he also sources talent and produces events for corporations such as Investors Group, Magna International, Brookfield Properties, CIBC, RBC Dexia, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and General Motors. Many corporate and fundraising events engage Richard to look after their entertainment needs on an annual basis.

Richard travels regularly to conferences and events both across North America and overseas and belongs to several industry organizations; he has been a board member of CAPACOA, the Canadian Arts Presenters' Association for six years (member for 17 years) and has been nominated 8 times and twice honoured with the CCMA's Agent of the Year award.
Richard is committed to the success of the SLFA roster and the projects in which they participate. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two sons.

back to top

Workshop I
SOCAN

Overview - SOCAN, the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada is the copyright collective for music performed in a public setting. From radio and television, to concerts and nightclubs, and even music performed via cds in fitness facilities and in the offices of your doctor or dentist, SOCAN is there to ensure that the royalties as authorized by the Copyright Board of Canada are paid and passed along to the creators of that music.

The session will include:

- A brief history of SOCAN
- Who we represent
- How we collect and distribute the royalties, including the 2007 financial
- A background on licensing, and the various departments which serve both members and customers
- Question and Answer period

Craig Brockie – is the Industry Relations Executive, SOCAN, comes from an extensive sales background previously working for Xerox and then venturing into his own business. Craig joined SOCAN in November 2006 as a Business Development Representative. In July 2008, Craig was moved into the position as an Industry Relations Executive where his duties include building relations with key members of large organizations. Over the last couple of years Craig has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of music users and has gained a wealth of knowledge in music copyright.

Rodney Murphy is the Education and Outreach Manager for SOCAN - the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. He spends most of his time attending shows, seminars, and industry events providing member education and public speaking on behalf of SOCAN. He is based in Toronto, ON.

Prior to his current role at SOCAN, Rodney spent 5 years managing the catalogues and performance royalties of SOCAN’s highest earning Country, Rock and Pop members. In this role, Rodney ensured that all SOCAN revenue streams such as concert, radio, TV and foreign performances and earnings had been maximized and distributed.

Before joining SOCAN, Rodney worked for CKCU FM, Sony Music Canada and BBC Radio One in the UK. In 2005, Rodney completed his Master’s Degree in Communications and Media Studies, focusing on the meaning, identity and political economy of popular music culture. Rodney’s Master’s Thesis on “Britpop” continues to collect dust on his record shelf, wedged between his duplicate copy of Never Mind the Bollocks and Music from Big Pink.

back to top

Workshop J
Marketing your Art Work and Yourself Online

Overview - The internet presents a myriad of opportunities to bring awareness to your artwork. Social media, websites and email provide some of the most cost effective and convenient marketing tools available today. Learn how to navigate these possibilities to create an enduring and effective online marketing strategy on your own terms and in your own timeframe.

Kim McBrien - Formerly the Executive Director of Visual Arts Ontario, Kim has been an artist, arts educator and cultural manager for over 15 years. Through her own art practice, she has come to understand the challenges facing full-time artists today and will share what she has learned with you today.

back to top

Workshop K
Building Portfolios that Work for You

Overview - Your portfolio is your most important tool in communicating your artwork to the art world. This presentation looks at what should be included in a portfolio, formatting, and packaging it to get your work the attention it deserves.

Kim McBrien - Formerly the Executive Director of Visual Arts Ontario, Kim has been an artist, arts educator and cultural manager for over 15 years. Through her own art practice, she has come to understand the challenges facing full-time artists today and will share what she has learned with you today.

back to top

Workshop L
Selling from the Inside Out

Overview - Everyone sells something. It can be argued that people have been selling ever since Eve convinced Adam to eat the apple. In today’s economy, more than ever before, those people who have chosen sales as their profession are under immense pressure. Not only to succeed but to adapt to new technologies and interface with better informed customers in an environment that is filled with rejection and uncertainty.

The solution then is to go beyond the traditional approach to sales education and step back and ask the crucial question: what do I need to succeed in this profession of selling. Do I have the heart and soul of a sales person? These are not easy questions to ask and they are even tougher to answer.

Selling therefore is a process that starts from the inside and works its way out.

This workshop will start participants on the right road. They will be able to take charge of their selling career and learn how to overcome some of the major barriers: helplessness, persistence, reacting to opportunity, overcome obstacles, finding courage and perusing happiness.

During this workshop we will focus on one or two of these essential characteristics.

Barry Siskind is North America’s foremost trade and consumer show expert and President of International Training and Management Company.

Over the past twenty-five years he has traveled throughout the world working with thousands of clients in virtually all industry groups both in the private and public sectors helping them improve their results at trade and consumer shows.

Barry Siskind is the author of six best-selling business books including his latest book Powerful Exhibit Marketing. In addition he has written over 500 original trade articles and industry reports as well as several guru reports for the Centre for Exhibition Industry Research.

Each year, Barry delivers over 100 keynotes, workshops and seminars around the world. In 2008 Barry traveled across Canada several times from St John’s NL to Vancouver, BC, in the United States from Philadelphia to Las Vegas as well as Sao Paulo, Brazil, Lisbon, Portugal and Bangkok, Thailand.

He is an active member of the Canadian Association of Exposition Management, the Centre for Exhibition Industry Research, the Trade Show Exhibitors Association and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.

In 2006 Barry was the recipient of Canadian Exposition Industry Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of 20 years of outstanding achievements in furthering the professionalism of the Canadian Exposition industry

His energetic, motivational and informative presentation style has earned him a listing in Canada Who's Who.

back to top

Workshop M
Social Networking for Artists: What can Facebook do for you?

Overview - Facebook is one of many online social networking sites that you can use to promote yourself and your work. Its free business pages are quick and easy to set up and they show up in web search engines. In addition to networking with other artists, you can use Facebook to connect with your audience and take advantage of online word-of-mouth. This seminar will provide some ideas on how you can use Facebook and other social networking sites to build your web presence.

Erica Conly is an Information Services Librarian at the Brampton Library. She has a particular interest in the use of Web 2.0 and social media for professional/organizational promotion and community engagement. Erica also worked for a number of years at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina SK, and remains an active member of the arts community in the GTA.

back to top

Workshop N
Digital Imaging for Artists

Overview - This course will detail how to organize and manage digital images of your artwork for archiving and submissions. We will cover file types and their uses, resolutions and sizing for submissions. Colour management for artists; how to make sure your art is seen the way you intend it to. Also covering the basic tools you need to know in common image editing software (Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements) to prepare your images for submissions.

Jesse Boles is a Toronto based photographer. He was born in Mongolia Ontario in 1978, and lived throughout York Region before moving to Toronto in 1997. He began photographing while in Hong Kong in 1999. He completed his BFA in photography at Ryerson’s School of Image Arts in 2005. Previous to his studies in photography he completed a BA in Architectural Studies at the University of Toronto. His work has been shown in Canada and the US at public and private galleries. His work focuses on industrial landscapes, juxtaposing the subject matter with stylistic references to the traditions of 19th century landscape painters in large format colour prints. He is represented by the Edward Day Gallery in Toronto. He recently received grants from both the Canada and Ontario Arts Councils. For the past 4 years he has also operated Doppelganger Imaging a company specializing in photographic documentation and reproduction for artists.

back to top