Canadian Arts Presenting Association

Canadian Arts Presenting Association
Name	Canadian Arts Presenting Association
Abbreviation	CAPAC
Formation	1984
Type	Non-profit organization
Headquarters	Ottawa, Ontario
Region served	Canada
Language	English, French

Canadian Arts Presenting Association

The Canadian Arts Presenting Association supports performing arts presenters and presenters' networks across Canada, connecting venues, producers, and touring circuits with artists, companies, and festivals. Rooted in collaborations that involve institutions like the National Arts Centre, Stratford Festival, and Cirque du Soleil, the association interfaces with cultural policymakers including the Canada Council for the Arts, provincial arts councils such as Ontario Arts Council, and municipal entities like the City of Toronto. It operates within a landscape populated by organizations such as Canada's Walk of Fame, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Canadian Museum of History, and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

History

Founded in the 1980s, the association emerged alongside national developments like the expansion of the Canada Council for the Arts and policy shifts influenced by figures associated with Pierre Trudeau and programs linked to the Multiculturalism policy (Canada). Early collaborators included presenters from Vancouver Playhouse, Centaur Theatre, Place des Arts, and presenters working with artists from Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and companies like Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. The organization grew through regional networks such as Western Canada Theatre, Atlantic Presenters Association, and partnerships with festivals like Toronto International Film Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, and Edmonton International Fringe Festival. Over decades it navigated initiatives tied to the Canada Summer Games, funding instruments similar to those administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage, and cultural dialogues involving institutions like the National Film Board of Canada and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Mission and Activities

The association's mission emphasizes strengthening presenting practices among venues such as Citadel Theatre, Massey Hall, and Centennial Concert Hall, and supporting touring by ensembles like Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and companies like Soulpepper Theatre Company. Activities include advocacy with agencies like Heritage Canada and partnerships with agencies similar to Canadian Heritage, collaborative research with universities such as University of Toronto, McGill University, and University of British Columbia, and professional development modeled on residencies at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and training programs connected to Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The association liaises with presenters for major events including Winterlude, Calgary Stampede, and Pride Toronto.

Programs and Services

Services include national conference programming comparable to gatherings at Canadian Conference of the Arts, regional workshops in cities like Halifax, Winnipeg, and Victoria, and artistic matchmaking akin to showcases at Theatre Ontario and marketplaces similar to APAP (Association of Performing Arts Presenters). The association administers mentorships linked to curators from Royal Conservatory of Music, grant navigation like those for Canada Council for the Arts programs, and touring supports used by artists such as Glen Hansard, Feist, and dance companies including Ballet Jörgen Canada. It offers resources on accessibility practices referencing models from Canadian National Institute for the Blind collaborations, audience development strategies inspired by Canadian Opera Company, and digital presentation guidance reflecting initiatives at CBC/Radio-Canada and streaming projects from NFB.

Membership and Governance

Membership spans municipal presenters, university theatres like Hart House Theatre, professional companies including The National Ballet of Canada, and presenters at Indigenous organizations such as "Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre". Governance employs a board structure with directors representing regions similar to Atlantic Canada, Prairies, Quebec, and British Columbia, and advisory committees that echo formats used by Canada Council for the Arts peer assessment panels. Leadership roles have engaged professionals who previously worked with institutions such as Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and national festivals including Just for Laughs.

Funding and Partnerships

Funding models combine project support from agencies like Canada Council for the Arts and provincial bodies such as Arts Nova Scotia, sponsorships with corporations akin to Bell Canada and Rogers Communications, and partnerships with cultural institutions including Art Gallery of Ontario and Royal Ontario Museum. The association collaborates with national networks such as Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals, touring organizations like TOURing Arts Network, and international counterparts such as British Council, Australia Council for the Arts, and European Festivals Association. Special initiatives have been funded through programs related to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada priorities and philanthropic foundations similar to The Kahanoff Foundation and J.W. McConnell Family Foundation.

Impact and Advocacy

The association advocates on behalf of presenters in policy processes involving federal ministers and parliamentary committees overseeing cultural policy, engaging with stakeholders such as Heritage Minister of Canada offices, provincial ministries like Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and municipal cultural offices across Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa. Its impact is reflected in strengthened touring networks that benefit artists like Sarah McLachlan, The Tragically Hip, and companies such as Cirque Éloize, improved venue accessibility inspired by collaborations with Easter Seals, and professional development outcomes paralleling programs at Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra. The association's advocacy contributes to dialogues around cultural infrastructure exemplified by projects at National Arts Centre, policy frameworks akin to the Cultural Policy Framework (Canada), and sector resilience during crises comparable to responses by Canadian Red Cross and emergency relief models.

Category:Arts organizations based in Canada