According to this episode’s accomplished guest speaker, Trudy Schroeder, becoming a leader starts as soon as you take on your first job, not when you are given an executive title. Whether you are starting out in your career or are aiming to secure a leadership position this year, listen to this episode to learn what it takes to be a leader. This discussion focuses on what it means to take on a leadership role for a performing arts organization, yet the advice that Trudy kindly shares is relevant for any arts and cultural worker.

Topics explored in this episode include:

• Leadership skills
• Leadership responsibilities
• Pivoting during the pandemic
• Succession planning
• Onboarding
• Opportunities and challenges
• Working for an orchestra

Trudy Schroeder, OM

Trudy Schroeder believes in the importance of a vibrant arts community to create the kinds of communities in which people can live and flourish. Her career has taken her from arts policy and program development for the City of Ottawa to roles as the executive director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. She has been a life-long learner and an active volunteer on many boards and project groups. In July 2019, Trudy was honoured to be inducted into the Order of Manitoba for her contribution to the cultural life of the province.

If you are looking for additional resources to help you along your journey in the cultural sector - visit WorkInCulture.ca to access the #1 job board for artists, creatives and cultural workers in Ontario and more!

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) appeals to many looking for work in the arts and culture sector. Aside from getting invites to social events and celebrations and post-festival wrap up parties, TIFF is committed to “ fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential.” It’s no wonder they were selected as Greater Toronto Area’s Top Employers 2020. In this episode of Success Stories, we spoke with TIFF’s Talent Acquisition Specialist, Melina Sevilla to find out how their hiring process has changed during the pandemic and how candidates can prepare for an interview at TIFF.

Melina Sevilla is a cultural worker and visual artist, with a background in arts education and community outreach. She is currently part of the Toronto International Film Festival's People and Culture department, specializing in Talent Acquisition, after 5 years of experience working in volunteer management. In her current role, Melina is focusing on building and delivering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for job seekers of all backgrounds and abilities. Melina holds a BA in Art and Art History from the University of Toronto, and a post-graduate certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management from Humber College.

If you are looking for additional resources to help you along your journey in the cultural sector - visit WorkInCulture.ca to access the #1 job board for artists, creatives and cultural workers in Ontario and more!

The pandemic has inspired so many of us to step back and think outside-the-box. It is apparent that we are more resilient and skilled than we thought. In this episode of WorkInCulture Success Stories, Ivy Pan, Program Coordinator from the York Region Arts Council discusses how she found work during the pandemic, the importance of being an artist entrepreneur, and our desire for completing DIY projects during the pandemic from baking bread to building furniture. 

Ivy Pan is passionate about creating community through the arts and arts education. A graduate from the University of Toronto’s music program, she experiences first-hand what it means to be an artist trained and working within the York Region along with its struggles. Ivy has been involved in creating music programs for the City of Markham, Sistema Toronto, Music Mondays and Infiniti Strings. She is particularly interested in the entrepreneurial aspect of being an artist in today’s changing landscape. In supporting local artists, she believes this is the key to a more socially and culturally aware society further leading to community development. Ivy wishes to continue her work to help facilitate and develop new initiatives for artists to grow and prosper within the industry.

If you are looking for additional resources to help you along your journey in the cultural sector - visit WorkInCulture.ca to access the #1 job board for artists, creatives and cultural workers in Ontario and more!