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!

Transitioning into a new career or even sector is top of mind for many people coping with the circumstances caused by the pandemic. Fundraising specialist, Ruth Cumberbatch, discusses how she used her skills to successfully transition from one career to the next and how she’s now embraced becoming an entrepreneur during the pandemic. This episode covers tips on fundraising and entrepreneurship, and how to adapt and persevere when faced with challenges.

Ruth has worked in the nonprofit sector for 20 years at professional arts, community arts and food security organizations, including the Royal Conservatory of Music, Arts Etobicoke and FoodShare Toronto. Specializing in fundraising, Ruth has directed major gift, corporate, foundation, direct response and planned giving programs.

Ruth started fundraise[dot]calm to help build strong, calm work environments where fundraising teams can do their best work. Services include developing annual and multi-year plans and customized coaching and training. Ruth also offers hands-on support in everything from prospect research to donor meetings, proposal development to impact reporting. Learn more at calmfundraising.ca.

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!

Tim Walker, Manager of School Visits Programs for Harbourfront Centre discusses the challenges and silver linings that arts organizations are faced with during the pandemic - and how to pivot with the times.

Tim Walker completed his Bachelor of Arts Honours degree at the University of Toronto in Geography and Sociology. He went on to complete his Bachelor of Education at Trent University, and completed his Masters of Education at York University. When he is not managing the School Visits team, he serves on the Board of Directors for PAONE (Professional Arts Organization Network for Education) and Small Print Toronto. Tim is passionate about the arts and the role arts education can play in helping to build a more beautiful and empathetic world. As a geographer, he loves to see students out exploring the city they live in and all the diverse cultures Toronto has.

Harbourfront Centre, on Toronto's waterfront, is an innovative not-for-profit cultural organization that creates events and activities of excellence that enliven, educate and entertain a diverse public.

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

Though remote work may be challenging to some, it is becoming the new norm now that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to stay home. In this episode you'll learn from Kimberly Gibson, Vice President of Client Services at Reason One, on ways to better cope with your current work environment at home.

Kimberly Gibson brings over 19 years of digital strategy experience helping organizations navigate the complexities of implementing digital platforms and tools that solve business needs and meet user expectations. Her background includes development and strategic guidance to a myriad of verticals in both the for-profit and nonprofit space. She is passionate about ensuring every user’s interaction is enjoyable and results in their desired end goal with ease. She lives and breathes user experience and believes that building in user experience and accessibility best practices into the framework of an organization are integral to their success.

Reason One is a full-service digital agency to leaders, dreamers, and go-getters. Our one reason is to help those who do good, do better. Our team is truly passionate about the potential of digital to make the world around us a better place, and nothing gets us more excited than the opportunity to partner with mission-driven organizations that have similar values and goals, and to help them fulfill their mandates. 

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

Looking for work is always a challenge, let alone looking for work in a new city with little to no contacts. It's also challenging for an employer to review mounds of applications and interview candidates. Hear from a creative newcomer from NYC, Danny Shelton, and from TO Live's Education & Engagement Manager, Rachel Robbins as they discuss the hiring process from both perspectives. 

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

Switching careers is never easy. Listen to filmmaker and branding specialist, Amen Jafri, who was brought up by an immigrant family, as she talks about quitting a secure position as a civil servant and taking on the challenges and excitement that come with working in the arts.

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