Chris Alexander speaks at Multicultural Marketing Conference

COMPANIES WHO IGNORING THE SUMMER CARNIVAL FESTIVAL ARE MISSING THE MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP BOAT

Canada's national Marketing Magazine held a Multicultural Marketing Conference in Toronto earlier this year and called upon one of the organizers of the Toronto's summer carnival festival (formerly called Scotiabank Caribana) to talk about multi-ethnic marketing.

Chris Alexander, the CFO of the carnival festival addressed a standing room only audience and told them that corporations and sponsors who ignore the city's multi-ethnic auidence are "missing the boat". He presented economic data about the impact of the summer festival to the approximately 200 attendees during his keynote speech.

Earlier in the conference people learned one in five Canadians are foreign-born, which is the highest proportion in the population since 1931. Chris Alexander told his audience that while the festival celebrates Caribbean culture (and attracts 1.2 million people in doing it), it is also attracting new immigrants from countries and cultures all over the world who come down to the parade to see what is going on!

Pictured above Chris Alexander, right, talks to two attendees of the Multicultural Marketing Conference, held in March at the Royal York hotel.

New Partnership for a Diverse Canada: Diversity Business Network and Centerplate Make It Official

Media Release
For Immediate Release

Contact: Stephen Weir stephen@stephenweir.com
416-801-3101
Diversity Business Network

New Partnership for a Diverse Canada: Diversity Business Network and Centerplate Make It Official

Toronto, Canada -- May 19, 2011 -- The Diversity Business Network (DBN), a Toronto based company leading the development of diversity in the supply chain in Canada, announced today that Centerplate, the largest hospitality partner to North America’s premier sports stadiums, convention centers and entertainment venues, has joined DBN as its hospitality consortium leader.

“This agreement has significant benefits for the Diversity Business Network and its member companies in the hospitality industry,” explained DBN president Courtney Betty. “Centerplate is already a world player in sports’ hospitality services; handling major events including the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the World Series and even the United States Presidential Inaugural Ball. This move signifies their commitment to diversifying their own menu of hospitality services.”

A Consortium Leader with DBN leads and mentors diverse suppliers and SMEs to unify and leverage their combined strength to respond to RFPs requiring capacity and scale. “Our approach demonstrates how diverse-owned businesses and corporate Canada can work together to achieve mutual success,” said Betty.

“This agreement today reflects Centerplate's commitment to diversity and working with Canadian suppliers from diverse communities, including the Aboriginal companies,” continued Mr. Betty. “For our part, this agreement provides mentorship for diversity-owned hospitality companies seeking to grow their business in both Canada and the United States.”

Centerplate partners with many of Canada’s foremost venues including the Vancouver Convention Center, B.C. Place, and the Allstream Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto and the newly opened Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara. This announcement follows other recent Centerplate service openings in the United States including the Cobo Convention Center in Detroit, Michigan, the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland and the Woodruff Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We are thrilled and honoured to formalize our close working relationship with DBN,” said Ashton Sequeira, Vice President, Eastern Canada for Centerplate. “I am confident that together we can open doors for Canadian companies who may not have had a chance to participate in the premier venues and events we serve in any other way.”

About Diversity Business Network

The Diversity Business Network has developed a unique approach to diversity in the supply chain in Canada. We provide our Consortium Partners and diversity owned businesses with the strategies and tools to create long term, mutually beneficial relationships. The end result is a win/win for these companies and the Canadian economy.

For more information about The Diversity Business Network, visit www.diversitybusinessnetwork.com

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers “Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results” in 250 prominent sports, entertainment and convention venues across North America. Centerplate has provided services to 11 Super Bowls, 20 World Series, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Art Basel Miami Beach, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN: THE EXPERIENCE OF COLOUR OPENS AT THE McMICHAEL MAY 28th

MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN: THE EXPERIENCE OF COLOUR
May 28 to September 11, 2011
(press preview May 26)

Produced by the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
For Immediate Release

FIRST MAJOR MUSEUM EXHIBITION DEVOTED TO MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN SHOWCASES ARTIST’S JOURNEY TRANSCRIBING THE QUEBEC LANDSCAPE
INTO A NATIONAL ART

May 16, 2011 Kleinburg, ON—The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is pleased to announce the opening of the exhibition, Marc-Aurèle Fortin: The Experience of Colour, a truly colourful retreat to the land of la belle province. Produced by the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, the French-Canadian exhibition is on display at the McMichael from May 28 to September 11, 2011.

The bilingual exhibition is a tribute to the landscape artist Marc-Aurèle Fortin (1888-1970), who painted for four decades in the rising tide of Quebec and Canadian modernity. The 107 works testify to his prolific output, from the early paintings done in Chicago, in 1909 and 1910, to the Gaspé and Saguenay region landscapes captured in the late 1940s, before health problems forced him to stop working. While remaining faithful to figurative art as a painter, watercolourist, printmaker, and pastelist, he endlessly experimented with colour, the true focus of his inquiry. Fortin saw his art as “silent poetry”—his determination to make bright colours sing made him one of the most progressive painters of his generation in the 1920s.

Marc-Aurèle Fortin: The Experience of Colour, the first major museum exhibition devoted to the artist in more than 45 years, features Fortin’s paintings, prints, drawings, and watercolours produced between 1909 and 1949. Fortin indelibly marked the Quebec imagination with the compositions of stately elms and colourful rural scenes for which he is best known. The exhibition presents views of Sainte-Rose, Île d’Orléans and the Charlevoix, Gaspé, and Saguenay regions, depictions of the Quebec countryside of his day. It also includes a lesser-known but equally important aspect of his work: cityscapes. These urban views prove him a keen observer of the irreversible changes that modernity was bringing to Montreal in the 1920s and 30s.

Fortin’s career took off with the success of his views of Montreal and its harbour, and his depictions of large trees. These works earned him recognition in the art world, and this exhibition honours their outstanding quality, all illustrating steps on a remarkable artistic journey marked by experimentation and freedom.

The 300-page companion catalogue to Marc-Aurèle Fortin: The Experience of Colour sheds new light on the man, the artist, and his involvement in Quebec’s art community. Available in French and English versions, the catalogue is a co-edition of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and Éditions de l’Homme. The English version was specifically produced to accompany the McMichael’s exhibition and is available for purchase through the Gallery Shop. This major book reproduces more than 150 oils, watercolours, etchings, and pastels that proclaim the modernity of a virtuoso draftsman and colourist. Reflecting many years of research, the book probes the Fortin legend in different ways, placing the artist and his work in a broad historical context. Written by authorities in the art of this period—Richard Foisy, François-Marc Gagnon, Michèle Grandbois, Sarah Mainguy, and Esther Trépanier—it traces his biographical and aesthetic footsteps in detail and reveals the full import of his contribution to the history of Canadian art.

On Saturday, June 4, the McMichael will host an Art Encounter program titled, “The Paradox of Marc-Aurèle Fortin.” Dr. François-Marc Gagnon, professor emeritus at the Université de Montréal and director and chair of the Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky Institute for Studies in Canadian Art at Concordia University, will present this lecture focusing on an apparent discrepancy between the aesthetic traditionalism embraced by Fortin and his innovative treatment of forms. Dr. Gagnon will be introduced by Katerina Atanassova, the McMichael’s chief curator who will elaborate on the curatorial reasons for bringing this important exhibition to the McMichael. The lecture will take place from
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a book-signing event with Dr. François-Marc Gagnon, co-author of the companion catalogue.

ABOUT THE McMICHAEL

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,700 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations, and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.

For further information or to receive images, contact:

Stephen Weir, Publicist
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
sweir@mcmichael.com

Michelle Kortinen, Communications Coordinator
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
905.893.1121 ext. 2210
mkortinen@mcmichael.com

media preview at the McMichael - new MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN exhibition

MEDIA PREVIEW MAY 26th 11am - 1pm
MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN: THE EXPERIENCE OF COLOUR
May 28 to September 11, 2011

Produced by the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

First Major Museum Exhibition Devoted to Marc-Aurèle Fortin Showcases Artist’s Journey Transcribing the Quebec Landscape into a National Art

When: Thursday, May 26, 2011, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg (just north of Major Mackenzie Drive and Islington Avenue intersection).

What: The first major museum exhibition devoted to the landscape artist Marc-Aurèle Fortin (1888-1970) in more than 45 years features 107 of Fortin’s paintings, prints, drawings, and watercolours produced between 1909 and 1949, before health problems forced him to stop working. Fortin is best known for his compositions of stately elms and colourful depictions of the Quebec countryside of his day. The exhibition also includes a lesser-known but equally important aspect of his work: cityscapes. These urban views prove him a keen observer of the irreversible changes that modernity was bringing to Montreal in the 1920s and 30s.

Why: Marc-Aurèle Fortin: The Experience of Colour is a bilingual exhibition that pays tribute to the artist who painted for four decades in the rising tide of Quebec and Canadian modernity. While remaining faithful to figurative art as a painter, watercolourist, printmaker, and pastelist, he endlessly experimented with colour, the true focus of his inquiry. Fortin saw his art as “silent poetry”—his determination to make bright colours sing made him one of the most progressive painters of his generation in the 1920s.

Related: On Saturday, June 4, the McMichael will host a lecture delivered by Dr. François-Marc Gagnon, professor emeritus at the Université de Montréal and director and chair of the Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky Institute for Studies in Canadian Art at Concordia University, focusing on Fortin’s innovative treatment of forms. The lecture will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a book-signing event with Dr. François-Marc Gagnon, who also co-authored the companion catalogue.

About the Gallery
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,700 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.

Please RSVP:
Stephen Weir,
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
sweir@mcmichael.com

Posted for a friend and great artist - 3-day show in historic J.E.H./Thoreau MacDonald House

COLOUR AT WORK
McMichael Canadian Art Collection educator, Elaine Hoffman opens new show May12th for 3-days only at J.E.H./Thoreau MacDonald House

Colour at Work will be taking place May 12-15, 2011, at the J.E.H./Thoreau MacDonald House, 121 Centre Street, Thornhill, ON.

Twenty-five paintings and drawing will be on display at the historic house once occupied by a member of the Group of Seven. Using abstract compositions, the works show Hoffman’s continuing exploration of the evocative quality of colour. Suggestion and inference are vital components in the paintings and drawings of Elaine Hoffman. Using visual language she creates vignettes that evoke emotions and sensations we all experience: frustration, anger, contentment and hope, to name a few.
Toronto artist, Elaine Hoffman says, “The process of creating paintings is very seductive for me. Using bold shapes and saturated colours, I feel a strong impulse to capture illusive emotions. Colour becomes an entry point for narrative.
Working in an art gallery created a tension in that I was always tempted to bolt up to my garret and dedicate my life to painting, but the reality of daily living interfered. Once my career path was established and home responsibilities lessened, I was able to process experiences and focus my creative energy.”
"Elaine's non-objective paintings are emotional and powerful. A bold juxtaposition of colours and shapes excite and move the viewer,” says Lila Lewis Irving, artist and instructor.
Hoffman studied visual art at York University and University of Guelph. She also studied Interior Design at Niagara College. Hoffman has taken numerous courses to enrich her art practice and is currently enrolled in, Visual & Creative Arts Diploma, at Fleming College. Since 1997, Hoffman has been involved in art education at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection where she currently is the Manager of Education.
MacDonald House is named after James Edward Hervey MacDonald, an original member of the Group of Seven painters and his son Thoreau. JEH MacDonald purchased the property in 1916 and it was here that he pained his famous canvas, “The Tangled Garden”, March 1916, which now hangs at the National Gallery in Ottawa.
Show hours: Thursday and Friday, 5:00- 9:00 pm, Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. For more information about the show contact Elaine Hoffman, elhof@sympatico.ca (416) 768-8438.

Media inquiries:

Bobbi Greenberg 905 780 8191
Amy Trachter 416 970 8438

GraceKennedy accepts 2010 Sponsor of the Year Award

Scotiabank Caribana and Grace Kennedy Foods were tops in 2010

GraceKennedy Foods working with Scotiabank Caribana was recognized earlier this year as Ontario’s 2010 Sponsor of the Year. This Achievement Award is presented annually by Festival Events Ontario. www.festivalandeventsontario.ca
GraceKennedy Foods, the makers of Caribbean style foods and juices, sponsored Scotiabank Caribana's first Tropical Rhythms. Tropical Rhythms is an all-day event filled with an exciting combination of Caribbean delicacies, live music, beautiful costumes and a Marketplace. It was held on August 1st at Ontario Place during the annual Caribana festival. The prize announcement was made in early March at a Festival Events Ontario Conference held in Markham.
Grace Food’s presented the 1st annual "Tropical Rhythms” Caribbean Food Festival as part of the 2010 Scotiabank Caribana Festival on August 1, 2010 at the Island Lime inside Ontario Place.
Working with GraceKennedy, the festival provided a dazzling array of fun activities, entertainment and excitement for the entire family. Thousands enjoyed exotic cuisine prepared by gourmet Caribbean chefs. Jamaican style Jerk Chicken, Roti from Trinidad and Tobago and Grace coconut water were some of the most popular items at Tropical Rhythms.

Cut line: Pictured above On April 19th festival marketing director Petronilla Marchan presents the award to GraceKennedy's president Lucky Lankage at the company's Richmond Hill headquarters.

Reporters billboard while students recite poetry in Toronto commercial logo-free theatre contest

FIND THE COMMERCIAL LOGO IN THIS POST!
(HINT: CHECK FOR RINGS AROUND THE COLLAR)

Nowadays-even members of the media have become walking billboards. So it is refreshing to attend a media event where the organizers have shied away from decorating the stage, the walls and the furniture with the logos of commercial sponsors.
At a recently held first-ever Poetry In Voice/Les voix de la poésie recitation contest here in Toronto, I noticed that the event was refreshingly commercial logo-free. As seen in the photograph above the dozen high school students who competed for $10,000 in prize money, stood in front of a backdrop that showed only the name of the event. No banks, pizza companies or newspaper tags appear behind the students.
I had on my photographer's toque that night and decided that in the spirit of this no-promo evening that I would try to take only logo-free shots. When you have a room full of photographers, publicists and journalists, it is hard to not capture glimpses of some sort of logo, be it on clothing, or books or even writing instruments. This is a group of people whose daily wardrobe is very dependent on corporate largess.
I took the above photo of one of the event's organizers - poet and journalist Damien Rogers - being interviewed by a TV reporter. I approached the pair from the back mildly blurring the background (of any potential corporate symbol).
Upon posting the pictures on my Flickr account I realized even from the back it is indeed a Herculean task to avoid billboarding. Pictured below: I zoomed in on the camera totting videographer. Horrors. I spied that the cameraman's jacket sported a discrete but obvious CTV logo. Talk about rings around the collar.
Pictured at top are the high school students who competed in the Poetry In Voice competed. With his back to the camera is Albert Schultz, the evening's MC. The contest is the brainchild of Scott Griffin, the founder of the world's richest annual poetry prize - the Griffin Poetry Prize.

The grand winner was Grade 12 student Jonathan Welstead (5th from the left). The winning Toronto student attends Upper Canada College. He received $5,000 and his school's library will get $2,500 of which $500 is earmarked for the purchase of poetry books.
Second and Third place winners - North York's Anna Jiang and Sudbury's Spencer Slaney - and their schools' libraries shared in $2,500 prize money.