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Touring - Taking your art beyond your region

Something new for Ontario Contact, an artist readiness workshop offered in Waterloo Region, supported by Ontario Contact, The Registry Theatre and the KW Community Foundation. A pilot project, we will be offering it again in 2012. Thanks to all who participated.

The panel was extremely supportive and knowledgeable and the information was truly priceless.  Each panelist went above and beyond in offering advice and insights that I would not have had otherwise.  As an musician it is truly inspirational to experience such support and encouragement.  Tim Louis

Recognizing the Best

in Our Sector

           

Ann Summers Dossena honoured January 9 in New York with NAPAMA Award

Ms. Summers Dossena is a familiar face to Ontario Contact attendees. She operates Ann Summers International in Toronto and Rome and in January 2012 was presented with the first Manager of the Year Award at the annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon of NAPAMA - the North American Association of Performing Arts Managers and Agents - and APAP - the Association of Performing Arts Presenters.

Ms. Summers Dossena was actually a founding member of NAPAMA in the late 1970s. She is also an honorary life member of ISPA, the International Society for the Performing Arts. A bio can be found at www.sumarts.com

Ontario Contact Award Program

To recognize and celebrate the contributions towards overall excellence in the field of live presentation and touring in the province of Ontario made by presenters, artists and managers. We congratulate the 2011 winners!

 

Presenter of the Year:

Deb Slade

Deb presents an extensive program of music, theatre, dance, comedy and family performances in St. Catharines-Niagara and has been recognized locally, provincially and nationally for her contributions. She has commissioned new dance works, designed the first annual Sneak Preview - a member recognition event announcing the season (first in its kind in Canada), has been president of CAPACOA, and has been awarded the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Arts & Culture and the 2010 Women in Business award in the Community Spirit category.

Emerging Agent of the Year:

Erin Sparks

In 2008, Erin was brought into Ontario Contact as part of the "Colleagues of Tomorrow" program. In 2009, with the assistance provided by CHRC's internship program, Erin was employed by Andrew Kwan Artists Management and has since excelled in her role an as artist representative. She cares deeply about her artists and is quick to identify ways to make touring and showcasing a positive experience for all.

 

Artist of the Year:

Chris McKhool & Sultans of String

Recently, the Sultans performed their new orchestral show with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. This extraordinary evening perfectly blended world, classical, jazz and pop, resulting in a standing ovation. Their touring schedule is staggering as a result of their engaging, creative and socially relevant music.

Award of Excellence:

Ted & Marion Outerbridge

Ted & Marion are artists truly committed to supporting every gig. They arrive days early to provide marketing support at no extra charge and are known for being the hardest-working touring artists in the country. They understand that building solid relationships is as important as delivering consistently high-quality performances.

 

Selection Process:

Selection Committee is composed of representatives from the sectors of presenters, artists and managers/agents. They will review nominations and make selections based on materials submitted. Not all awards will be awarded annually.

 

Qualifications:

  • Participated in or attended a recent Contact
  • Been actively operating in Ontario in the past year
  • Demonstrated levels of professionalism, commitment to sustaining the presenting community and support by their peers, clients and audiences
  • Some sense of legacy – impact has been over time, rather than just bursting on the scene

Presenter of the Year:

Colleen Clack (2011)

Agent of the Year:

Tammy Fox (2011)

Artist of the Year:

Motus O(2011)

Award of Excellence:

Lawrence McNaught (2011)