Festive Talk

In this episode, our Communications Manager, Hayley Combaluzier, had the opportunity to sit down with Nick Masciantonio, Past President of the Ottawa Children's Festival following the spectacular opening night of the festival. They discussed the importance of volunteering and issues facing Ottawa's arts and culture industry.

OFN held an industry call for members on the topic of Unlocking Volunteerism, with keynote presentation by Nadine Snowling from Volunteer Ottawa and contributing panelists, Lisa Hollingshead from HOPE Volleyball Summerfest, and Sarah Marsaw Courtois from Canadian Tulip Festival.

We've got a cozy episode for you today, folks! Dive deep into the dynamic world of winter festivals as we bring you behind-the-scenes of Winterlude, one of Canada's most iconic celebrations. Join us as festival leads, Charles Cardinal and Melanie Brault take the mic to share their insights into the climate impacts that shaped last year's Winterlude and reveal the exciting innovations they have planned to make this year's festival even more spectacular.

Mackenzie Langdon joins us on a new episode of Festive Talk to chat all about her new show UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History. Mackenzie is a Toronto based emerging actor and composer and she's presenting her never before seen musical comedy at Ottawa's Fringe Festival, making this return to her hometown an exciting one. We chat all about her show and her journey to acting, music and comedy. Mackenzie has two remaining performance dates for her shows at Fringe Festival this Friday, June 23rd at 8pm and Saturday, June 24th at 5:30pm. You can head to ottawafestivals.ca/calendar for info on where to find tickets to her shows and more info.

Taib K.Boyce (Tay-eeb) (he/him) is a local Ottawa Anti-Racism Consultant, at TKB Consulting. As a consultant for the past 7 years, Taib has supported the development and implementation of online and in-person trainings on anti-racism and anti-oppression for senior leaders at the Department of Justice, Somerset West Community Health Centre, Oxfam and others. Taib earned a B.A. in Political Science and Law. He later received his Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Program Evaluations. Both from Carleton University. Taib’s advocacy focuses on issues relevant to black queer and trans communities in Ottawa. He is the co-founder and facilitator of Ottawa’s only discussion group for black gay men called Keepingit100. He also volunteers with Salaam Canada - a national 2LGBTI+ Muslim nonprofit - facilitating/organizing local events. OFN acknowledges the generosity of the Canada Council for the Arts for supporting this series. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

Taib K.Boyce (Tay-eeb) (he/him) is a local Ottawa Anti-Racism Consultant, at TKB Consulting. As a consultant for the past 7 years, Taib has supported the development and implementation of online and in-person trainings on anti-racism and anti-oppression for senior leaders at the Department of Justice, Somerset West Community Health Centre, Oxfam and others. Taib earned a B.A. in Political Science and Law. He later received his Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Program Evaluations. Both from Carleton University. Taib’s advocacy focuses on issues relevant to black queer and trans communities in Ottawa. He is the co-founder and facilitator of Ottawa’s only discussion group for black gay men called Keepingit100. He also volunteers with Salaam Canada - a national 2LGBTI+ Muslim nonprofit - facilitating/organizing local events. OFN acknowledges the generosity of the Canada Council for the Arts for supporting this series. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

Today we have Carissa Klawpoushak joining us from Ottawa Chamberfest. Carissa is a violinist based in Ottawa, Ontario, where she plays with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, various chamber projects including the Ironwood Quartet, and serves as the Artistic Director of Ottawa Chamberfest. Today she talks to us all about the 2023 Chamberfest lineup, any challenges or difficulties putting on a major festival and her hopes for what Chamberfest can do for the community. Ottawa’s internationally-acclaimed chamber music festival returns this summer from July 20th -August 3rd with highly-anticipated live performances from cherished locals, living legends, and up-and-coming Canadian and international stars alike. Tickets are on sale now, find them at chamberfest.com/tickets.

In this episode, our Advisor is Benjamin Miller, a staff lawyer on the Nonprofit Law Ontario project of Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) breaks down the different legal structures available to organizations. Each structure comes with its own set of characteristics and rules that you must consider and align with the goals of your organization. So whether you are establishing a brand new organization or looking to restructure your existing organization, this episode will equip you with useful information to make a smart decision. About Benjamin Benjamin Miller (he/him) is a staff lawyer on the Nonprofit Law Ontario project of Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) where he focuses on the legal needs of nonprofits and charities. Over the past 5 years at CLEO, Benjamin has answered over a thousand nonprofit law questions and developed an online interactive bylaw builder for the ONCA. Benjamin also works at the Ontario Nonprofit Network and has worked at the Canada Revenue Agency in the past. Benjamin holds a JD and MPP from the University of Toronto and an MA in political theory from the University of Ottawa. CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario / Éducation juridique communautaire Ontario) has developed clear, accurate, and practical legal rights education and information to help people understand and exercise their legal rights. ONN is the independent network for the 58,000 nonprofits in Ontario, focused on policy, advocacy, and services to strengthen Ontario’s nonprofit sector as a key pillar of our society and economy. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

Welcome back to a special National Volunteer Week episode of Festive Talk! Today we have Lisa Hollingshead joining us on our final day of National Volunteer Week celebrations. Lisa has spent many hours volunteering with HOPE Volleyball. They’re an incredible not for profit organization that raises funds for community based charities and has fun doing so! Today she talks all about her experience as a volunteer and why she believes volunteers are so important to our cities festivals.

Today we have Alex and Kaitlin from the band MoonFruits. They will be talking to us all about the inception of the group, what got them into music and about their performance at tonights Ottawa's Grassroots Festival opening. Make sure you listen until the end as we also had a special little guest make an appearance!

In this episode, we are joined by Amanda Mullins, Program Manager at the City of Ottawa’s Event Central Office. Amanda will be providing an overview of the importance of Emergency Planning and what resources and support services are available to festival organizers in their efforts to avoid, minimize and mitigate emergency risks at their events. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

The unpredictable nature of funding and revenue for festivals and events, coupled with the rising costs of inflation makes sustainable financial management a tricky task. On this episode, we break down the core considerations involved in financial risk management and some best practices festival organizations can implement to minimize, mitigate or eliminate different types of risk. About Victoria Victoria is a bilingual non-profit management consultant with 40 years’ experience in arts presenting, community engagement and advocacy. She works with clients and stakeholders to develop strategies, realize innovative projects, and mentor careers. Recent clients include Gladstone Theatre, Culture Outaouais, Ottawa Festival Network, Compassionate Ottawa, Respectful Workplaces in the Arts, PAL Ottawa, and Youth Infringement. She is a part-time cultural management professor and trained facilitator. Her management experience includes 19 years as Managing Director at the National Arts Centre, Executive Director of Arts Network Ottawa, and general manager of three theatre companies. She is currently Chair of Arts Consultants Canada and Treasurer of Cultural Human Resources Council. OFN acknowledges the generosity of the Canada Council for the Arts for supporting this series. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice: OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

Today on Festive Talk we have John Helmkay from Crackup Comedy Festival. For over a decade, John has been bringing the brightest comedic talents to the nation's capital, mixing advocacy work and comedy shows. Crackup Comedy Festival is a registered, Canadian not-for-profit run by passionate supporters of mental health — from all walks of life. Today he talks to us all about the upcoming festival, what audiences can expect and the ways these shows tackle mental health through comedy.

Volunteers are the lifeblood for the festival sector. As both event-day support staff and core organizing or leadership team members, volunteers are key to the success and longevity of a festival. In this episode, the Advisors, Gina Maddalena and Cynthia Allan are bringing you a lively discussion on the latest trends and challenges in volunteer management. We talk about some best practices for volunteer recruitment, performance management and the importance of implementing strong policies and procedures. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

Protecting your staff, BOD, volunteers and attendees, as well as your physical and intellectual property is the most important component for any festival organization. It can be complicated, expensive and dangerous if the risks involved in event planning and production are not thoughtfully considered and strategically mitigated or prevented. On this episode we are joined by Scott Hill and Chris Wilson who will present on issues related to security risk management and insurance planning and purchasing. This information will support festivals producers with the knowledge required to make informed decisions about protecting their people and safeguarding their assets. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

On today's Festive Talk episode, we talk to Anna Wood and Susan Sloan who have both spent over a decade in the festival industry speaking on the importance of volunteers. This episode touches on volunteer management, retention, and how to move forward with volunteers in a post-COVID world.

A core process for many festival and event organizations is grant writing. In this episode, expert Kyra Cole provides a run down on simple, yet effective methods to up your grant management processes and communicate a compelling story to funders. We cover the different types of grants available, what to look for when searching for grants, and how you can write and organize your applications to stay ahead of the competition. This episode also provides you with some concrete tools and resources you can consider integrating into your workflow. About Kyra Kyra Cole (she/her) is an economic development & tourism leader based in Ontario’s Southwest. She is the CEO of KLB Consulting, and co-owner and CEO of THREESEVEN, an Indigenous consulting firm dedicated to Indigenous economic development. Kyra is passionate about elevating the voices and businesses of marginalized peoples to make the economic landscape in Canada more equitable. She has her PAED (Professional Aboriginal Economic Development Certification), is CANDO certified, and is a trained Experience Development Coach. Named one of EDCOs Top 10 Economic Development Professionals in 2021 and one of Business Elite’s Top 40 Under 40 In Canada, Kyra has honed her skills over a decade working in Municipal and Indigenous Economic Development and believes that the way to an equitable economic landscape is centered around regenerative practices. She is an experienced grant writer and has been facilitating grant writing workshops since 2018. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

In this episode, Janet provides us with a fantastic run-through of the fundamental health and safety considerations festivals and events need to incorporate into their operations. She also speaks to what we’ve learned from the pandemic and how we can ensure proper health and safety protocols carry forward and continue to evolve. About Janet Janet Sellery (CRSP, CHSC) is one of Canada’s leading experts in health and safety and the arts, entertainment, and live events. Janet is a former theatre stage manager. She is the Board Chair for Event Safety Alliance Canada and a board member for Event Safety Alliance (U.S.). Her work as a Health & Safety Consultant, with Sellery Health + Safety,focuses on customizing programs, training, and resources to reflect the constantly evolving and unique demands of the events environment. Janet is committed to “setting the stage for people to create their best work. Contact Janet at janet@selleryhealthandsafety.com. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

Today we are joined by Ian Fraser, Executive Director of Run Ottawa and he’ll be speaking to the experiences he’s had and lessons he’s learned from working with sponsors to produce the Tamarak Ottawa Race Weekend and other Run Ottawa events. You will hear many of the strategies and tactics Jenny Mitchell outlined in our first episode are one’s that are applied by Ian and his team. Through his presentation you will be able to see how those best practices come to life in a practical sense with one of Ottawa’s largest special events. Ian will describe some of the sponsorship structures that worked well for their event, the importance of working with sponsors that align with your organization’s brand, and key tips that make their work effective and streamlined. About Ian Born and raised in Ottawa, Ian is a graduate from Carleton University. He is the former owner and partner at Somersault Events, Human Power Performance and Cyclelogik. A multi-dimensional entrepreneur with a long history of community engagement and advocacy, Ian has volunteered for the board of OCISO not for profit housing corporation, the Wellington West BIA, and is currently on the Board of Invest Ottawa. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca

In this inaugural episode, we will be discussing sponsorship development strategy for festivals and events. At this time we know many festivals and events are working to rebuild and revive. One of the most asked-about topics we have seen at Ottawa Festivals this year has been around sponsorship and building or rebuilding relationships with sponsors. And rightly so, since it’s not only a core source of funding for festival organizations, but also an important community linkage that can broaden your organization’s reach and impact in many ways. To break down the essential steps to identifying and approaching sponsorship opportunities, we are very grateful to be joined by Jenny Mitchell, founder and president of Chavender. Founder and president of Chavender, Jenny Mitchell (CFRE, DMA), works closely with not-for-profit leaders to change the world - one mission at a time. Chavender assists clients, across Canada and the U.S., to inspire their donors and achieve their fundraising goals through personalized fundraising coaching and training. Before completing her CFRE, Jenny trained as a classical musician and earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts. She brings her creative approach, her drive for excellence, and her passion for people to the world of not-for-profits. Land Acknowledgement Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. Disclaimer The Advisor is giving a general professional opinion on the subject matter at hand for educational purposes but in no way should this be considered legal advice as the specific circumstances of Viewers are unknown to the Advisor. Viewers are encouraged to use this advice at their own discretion and risk, and to pursue specific professional advice as they deem necessary. Responsibility for Advice OFN does not assume responsibility for the advice, coaching, support and any other information (the “Advice”) provided to Viewers through the Advisor-on-Call pilot project. If you have any feedback or questions about this podcast, send us an email at festforward@ottawafestivals.ca