Nova Scotia Art Hives Symposium, October 28­30th, 2015 From October 28­30th, almost a hundred community stakeholders gathered in Halifax, Nova Scotia to explore how the Art Hives concept connects to existing community arts sector initiatives in the region and how it can be used as a tool for connecting and advancing the work being done in this sector. Attendees represented rural and urban communities from French and English Atlantic Canada, Aboriginal, African Nova Scotian and newcomer communities. Municipal and provincial government staff, big business employees, artists, community activists, social entrepreneurs, not­for­profit directors, foundations directors, youth, students, educators, professors and other university representatives, and others attended the symposium. A host team made up of community artists, university staff and not­for­profits designed, facilitated and reported on the symposium. The event was offered in a public space and free of charge. The core team decided to offer it this way in order to reflect the ‘access to all community members’ aspect of Art Hives practice. The event was also designed in such a way that people with limited time or who were interested in a specific aspect could attend a part of the symposium, learn what they want and give what they could. Truly a stone soup event, the symposium happened thanks to the time, talents and treasures of many groups and individuals. Thanks to: Hosting Team: Ardra Cole ­ MSVU Ann Denny ­ Youth Art Connection Rachel Derrah ­ Brave Space Terrah Keener ­ MSVU Cat MacKeigan ­ Dalhousie University Stephanie Mason ­ NSCAD Krista Montelpare ­ MSVU Ryan Veltmeyer ­ Youth Art Connection Susan Walsh ­ MSVU Space: Halifax Public Libraries & Halifax Central Library Mount Saint Vincent University & Vinny’s Pub Financial Support: Mount Saint Vincent University Social Change Through Community Engaged Research Grant Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty of Education Concordia University ­ Art Hives

Attendance

Day Category Numbers

Wednesday October 28, 2015 Hosting Team 8

Registration 50

Research Partners 12

Other

Subtotal 70

Thursday October 29, 2015 Hosting Team 7

Registration 24

Other

Subtotal 31

Friday October 30, 2015 Hosting Team 6

Registration 26

Stakeholders 9

Other

Subtotal 41

TOTALS Hosting Team 8

Registration (across 3 days) 70

Research Partners 12

Stakeholders 9

Other

Grand Total Participants 99

Day 1 Theme/Goals: Introduction of concept and history of ‘Art Hives’, community­engaged arts work in Atlantic Canada, and social transformation. Explored existing examples of Art Hives and concept’s applicability in this region. Day 2 Theme/Goals: Gathered people from diverse communities and sectors to develop principles for ‘Art Hives’ activities in Atlantic Canada through creative, facilitated dialogue activities. Developed action plans and ideas to move forward specific or regional activities and change related to community engaged arts.

Day 3 Theme/Goals: Presented results of dialogue and working groups that met on Thursday to the public and to key stakeholders and funders. Hosted networking opportunity among all attendees and stakeholder/funders to progress action plans. Participants were invited to attend all three days, or participate at times vital to their specific connection to the concept. The hosting team worked to capture the contributions, ideas and concerns of participants throughout the symposium through graphic facilitation, group­led note taking and twitter. The results of the harvest from the various components of the symposium follow the summary and description of activities and results below. Summary of activities: Time/date: Weds, October 28 8:30am­12:00pm Location: O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library Description:

Welcome All Nations Drummers Janis Timm­Bottos shared key concepts about research that lead to Art Hives model, and ideas, strategies

and examples of scalability of concept. MSVU educators shared research and projects related to social transformation. Presenters were:

Catherine Martin, MSVU Nancy’s Chair Patty Williams, Canada Research Chair, Food Security and Policy Change and Sheila Bird,

Food ARC Community Partner Alex Khasnabish, Associate Professor Sociology and Anthropology, MSVU Meredith Ralston, Professor, Women’s Studies and Political Studies

Time/date: Weds, October 28 1:30­3:30pm Location: 2nd floor, Halifax Central Library Description:

Attendees participated in various dialogues, presentations, and engaged in art activities as a small ‘tour’ of local community­based arts groups. The key question they were asked to contemplate throughout the afternoon was “What is the value(if any) of using the Art Hives concept as a tool to connect and amplify community arts work in Nova Scotia?”

Local groups hosting activities, stories, demonstrations and dialogues were: iMove (Sobaz Benjamin, Charlene Gagnon) Halifax Public Libraries Arts Express (Sabine Fels) The Spot (Heather Macdonald, Ann Denny) DepARTment of Public Works NSCAD

Time/date: Thurs, October 29th, 9am­12pm Location: Vinny’s Pub, Mount Saint Vincent University Description:

Mingle Mingle wake­up and connecting activity Participant­lead dialogue: Attendees asked for a “What do we want to get out of the Symposium Dialogue.”

A very dynamic session sharing aspirations and thoughts with the group helped set a great tone for the day. Book Cover Art­making Activity: Participants created ‘book covers’ about ‘A time when you remember being

creative with other people’ World Cafe Discussion based on themed sticky notes from Wednesday’s ‘Value of Art Hives’ Dialogue.

What principles should guide Art Hives activities in Atlantic Canada?

Time/date: Thurs, October 29th, 1­3:30pm Location: Vinny’s Pub, Mount Saint Vincent University Description:

Sharing Tree: a spontaneous activity resulting from a story earlier about an effective community organization and communication strategy called a ‘sharing tree,’ where information about activities, offers and needs are effectively shared among sectors in rural Nova Scotia.

Open Space: A participant­led dialogue about actions and burning questions participants think need to be addressed as next steps for action in the community­engaged arts sector and Art Hives in Nova Scotia

Time/Date: Friday, October 30th, 10am­12pm Location: O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library Description:

Presentation of graphic capture of Wednesday/Thursday activities by Rachel Derrah Presentation of principles and actions resulting from Thursday’s discussions and workshops Networking with community members and stakeholders/funders including:

TD Bank HRM NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage Mount Saint Vincent University Research Office Centre for Women in Business MSVU/SMU/Office of Social Innovation NSCAD Community Service Learning & Outreach Choices/IWK Common Good Solutions

Feedback and closing In addition to the learning, connections and plans made, and ideas shared throughout the symposium, the core team specifically aimed to develop principles and actions as tangible results from the symposium. The guiding principles for Atlantic Canadian arts engaged groups identifying as Art Hives coming out of the symposium were: Art Hives Atlantic Guiding Principles

high tolerance for weird approaching with abundance & share all artists, all skills, all strengths welcoming, open, honouring space social change as a consequence of collective expression, not a focus build each other’s capacity being comfortable with diversity, vulnerability & uncertainty listen to needs of community environment of curiosity, play & exploration

These principles resulted from several rounds of dialogue with approximately 40 people. They are a draft and meant to be added to and changed over time. They are something to build on, not something to constrain us. As the symposium host team and Janis Timm­Bottos emphasized in her talk, Art Hives is a concept and meant to be a helpful concept to unite the community­engaged arts sector, strengthen it with research and help us tell our story and explain our value to the rest of society. It is not a hierarchical movement lead by a head person or organization. Our core team gathered to make this symposium because we believed in the idea and wanted to help. All Atlantic Canadians are Art Hives leaders, can and should take action in the name of Art Hives, call gatherings, learning sessions, activities and symposiums. Use these principles as a jumping off point for action and activities and we will move forward as a collaborative, grassroots, creative and powerful sector.

The following actions were the initial result from the symposium. Carrying them out is up to individuals, groups and us as a community and collective. Action, growth, art and change result from us making them happen. These actions are a beginning or continuation, and should be added to by everyone who identifies with this movement. Art Hives Atlantic Action:

Symposium core team will collect data, stories and results from symposium and share them electronically. Symposium core team will stay open to updating report with information and ideas from attendees for

several months after the symposium is over, to ensure the report reflects those who attended as much as possible. Write ArtHivesNS@gmail.com

Symposium core team will create a listserv or email list and connect attendees to the Art Hives NS Facebook group to lay the foundation for communications amongst Art Hives in Atlantic Canada.

Art Happening proposes hosted conversations about Art Hives collective action while making art in their space in Halifax on Friday afternoons.

Continue important dialogue of including more diverse people, groups and communities in Art Hives movement.

Rural Art Hives projects aimed at supporting elders. #adoptanelder program. Discussions and exploration about setting this up as next steps.

Art Hives activities as intergenerational connection and mentorship opportunities. Explore and grow the relationships between academic research and community­engaged arts practice. Sell/Tell the story of Art Hives & community engaged arts sector to broader public Diversify and strengthen the sustaining/funding for Art Hives Senior­Canine project through Art Hives

Details about these conversations, including who had them, are below. These actions were generated by attendees and can be implemented by attendees and anyone. If you are interested in supporting or leading on above actions, please reach out through email and Facebook to identify others who can be on your ‘core team’ and we can support and collaborate with each other as a sector and a community. If you have any more questions about this report or the symposium, please write ArtHivesNS@gmail.com and one of our team will endeavour to reply. If you have general questions, ideas and actions for the Art Hives community, please tweet using the hashtag #arthivesns, use the Art Hives Nova Scotia Facebook group (link: https://goo.gl/EfAfYo), and/or email/listserv that will be sent to all registered pariticpants of the symposium. For more information about the Art Hives International movement, see www.arthives.org

A few photos from the symposium:

Graphic capture of Symposium by Rachel Derrah from Brave Space.

Notes resulting from ‘What is the value/opportunity of using Art Hives to connect and support community­engaged arts sector in Nova Scotia?’ question from day. These were used to guide development of Art Hives NS principles.

Space ­humanize space ­provide space to question so­called institutional thinking ­sharing facts, space + resource ­space ­ free inclusive community spaces ­space is important | informs practice ­experiment with spaces ­working artist space, spaces for community

Making a Living ­Justify why youth need to be paid ­Is there a tension between transformative engagement and tangible value for people to participate ­Monetizing the arts is difficult. ­If it is not valued culturally then it is not deemed possible. If not possible it is not valued. ­Arts as a life & a living ­politics of volunteering ­the challenge of asking marginalized communities ­paid internships | skill development (stepping stone to employability) ­change the way we value the arts | ­culturally ­wages/work ­the politics of working in environment for socially engaged research! ­pay people above minimum wage to show that we value their work ­non­profit does not mean no profit. Arts must be funded in order to provide services. ­sustainability beyond gov. funding ­time is valuable, training is important ­creative endeavours being valued as work that deserve compensation

Asking The Questions ­begin to question ­youth from problems… to problem solvers ­there was a need| I was asked | I took action ­asking the questions that provoke others to do the same in their own community

Materials as a starting place ­material as learning spaces ­materials have become important ­making meaning from materials ­materials in abundance direct art making ­paradoxical space ­ask for materials | everything has potential ­database ­ share knowledge about materials

How? ­Can an art hive build capacity? ­work FAR and work DEEP | How? ­What would it take? ­Database | Share knowledge about materials ­Can the idea of social enterprise transform socio­economic injustice? ­Need a leap of faith ­Make an ongoing effort to include diversity, include everyone ­Make clear that safety, respect + inclusion are practiced/preached

Engagement & Community Centered ­networks, grass roots ­How are you engaging with your environment + people? ­letting go of outcomes ­Society must contribute to the individual for the individual to contribute to society. ­ communities to self­organize ­We are complex complicated and diverse people; There are many reasons we do or do not engage! ­how to really engage communities, be community­based/centred. ­opportunities for engagement

What Happens When We Come Together In This Way? ­running w/ ideas ­ no idea too small ­opportunities for spontaneous artmaking ­Hives are where the honey happens! ­helps reduce loneliness ­humanizing the building ­beautiful space for children ­building design ­You are because you do. ­painter, writer etc. No external validation. ­cultural ‘translations’ in the community to be heard ­Art creates family ­sharing a passion for the arts ­mischief in the bones ­in multiple spaces and places ­integrating diverse communities ­people & orgs with spaces + groups & people organizing via internet, coffee shops, etc ­unleashed potential + provides a platform

Access ­People want to tell their stories ­Can’t always access traditional media to tell your story when in marginalized settings ­seniors arts opportunities ­safe spaces ­ zero tolerance on negative comments re race, gender etc. ­honouring self and honouring others ­recognizing different needs

Micro/Macrocosm ­intergeneration ­Where are the Indigenous people?­­place/space related ­Art Hives are microcosms of the society that surrounds them.

Art With A Purpose ­recognizing obstacles: childcare, physical structure, social barriers, fear, embracing fear ­getting participants in the door the first time ­finding a balance of tangible + intangible benefits to art making ­not just art for art’s sake ­What is social practice? ­community building ­iMove breaking the bubbles of the North Ends ­prep a manifesto (thinking) and plans (how to’s)

Art Hive Concept Is Too Broad ­Might the ‘Art Hive’ idea become too broad? ­limitations, funding? space? ­Is the Art Hive just another rebranding process?

Qualities ­eco­nature­discovery ­Approach it with abundance not scarcity ­How do we share our expertise & resources & build capacity? ­the role of beauty ­embracing vulnerability ­gentleness, curiosity ­need radical imagination

Challenging Institutional Thinking ­”Make a mess + clean it up” metaphor for life ­Need to go ‘under the radar’ ­reframing the hoard ­innovation vs regulation ­curriculum change ­nstitutional thinking ­non­prescriptive ­Recognize unique communities are reflected ­not aiming for uniformity ­Are Art Hives a band aid covering a wound? ­questioning rules / institutions having a critical voice. ­social/entrepreneurs! ­community partnerships ­research and community group projects need $ support

Open Space / Action Harvest

Subject: Rural Attendees: Janis, Mike, Lisamarie, Rita,Issy, Anne, Michelle, Karen Insights: ­No busses/transportation ­problem for seniors ­solutions could include mobile studios/art hives like art bikers, art­carts ­Art Hives could be based out of places people already go like post offices, grocery stores ­”form follows function”? ­community engagement Next Steps: ­starting the conversations & developing relationships (to realize these ideas) ­’Adopt­an­elder’ ROC? Tweets: #adopt­an­elder

Subject: Mentorship Attendees: Melody, Cat Insights: ­Can the mentoring relationship be valued (recognized as such)without a fee structure? Subsidizing? ­Critical: Pay + be seen to be paying the artist as a professional ­What about STABLE physical space? It’s a necessity. ­Value skills ­Value space Next Steps: Space & skills helping create value between youth, elders and others emerging.

Subject: Where are the points at which local academic research might intersect with grassroots organizations? And Aare there ways we can support each other? Attendees: Ardra, Stephanie, Sabine, Susan, Heather, Melissa, Kris, Danielle, Nora, Janis Insights: ­40 assets scale valid or not? ­ChicagoAFterSchool Matters ­lLooking aAt rResearch ­Wwhat is the definition of success? ­Is it numbers?What kind of outcomes? Definition and how to track that? ­rRegularly scheduled checkins to connect researchers and community volunteer pool (Centre for excellence in women’s health) ­how to use arts to communicate/express results ­Art, feminism research practices ­ to communicate with + engage community members ­­bBringing creating spaces to share research ­rResearch out in communities ­sSkills of artists might be sought ­help getting the word out there ­expertise could be used as a resource ­above activities/ideas can happen at different points in the process ­difference in writing a grant for programming and writing for research ­research grants can be problematic taking away from work at hand ­pre­research work at hives

Next Steps:

­openness to what emerges, how to include in assessment(need to translate findings to fit into funding parameters) ­communicate expertise + interests ­needs assessment for a given project ­articulating what our own ideas of success are ­sharing ideas of expressing success for formal applications ­feedback/evaluation from participants ­seek tools for measurement/assessment ­how to connect community arts with arts­based research (arts­informed program evaluation) ­could seek artistic collaborator ­looking at how students’ learning is impacted by space ­establish contact ­Google Hangouts (useful tool to connect) ­communities might come to a researcher to engage in dialogue about researcher expertise ­Model ­ The science shop (from Netherlands) ­how to engage communities in asking questions ­modelling

Subject: How to sell the idea of Art Hives Attendees: Jillian, Janis, Melody, Leo Insights: ­see yourself as an entrepreneur ­seeing yourself in the story/picture ­how does one enter? ­demonstrate commitment, believe it!! or show that ­success breeds success ­measure something ­identity indicators upfront ­marketing and use of media, social ­identify potential barriers in advance ­overcome fear ­80% ready Next Steps: ­come up with a package ­identify target population ­identify people who can help provide tools to actualize/activate

Subject: Old, new, borrowed, blue! Attendees: Anna, Kris, Melissa, Sabine Insights: ­reuse, rediscover, reimagine… not recycle ­even roadkill can be beautiful! ­create meaning ­ attach meaning to objects ­table of research, rest are open ­bringing object they love but can’t let go of ­conversations about things we can’t let go of… boarding... Next Steps: ­meet Friday afternoons (2­3:30pm) ­make art and talk about Art Hives ideas, the thing we can’t let go of

Subject: Inclusivity Attendees: Janis, Mike, Leo Insights: ­focus on an activity/goal with incremental refinement & success ­...that can be done collaboratively or by self ­need teachers/peers who inspire & provide benchmarks ­acceptance based on principles of the project Next Steps: ­more conversations

Subject: Fundraising, the role of social enterprise can play to stabilize funding Attendees: Heather, Melody, Patty, Janis, Ryan, Danielle Insights: ­grants are unreliable ­fundraising ­ novelty factor dries up ­sSocial eEnterprise ­ gives you a lot of control ­wariness to blend with non­profit due to potential of shifting mission ­need to plan for long term sustainability ­University potential partner that you could run some of your work through (Janis’ experience with Concordia) ­Mount’s commitment to social responsibility ­is there room to connect here, led by the president? ­partner with network of Art Hives(The Living Room) ­example of Ontario Art Hives skipping steps with Trillium Foundation through previous examples ­Livingroom ­ connection @ actors + fundraising and partnered with a university in Oshawa. ­rural needs ­ what university partners? ­lots of research on rural issues ­how to connect? ­City of Montreal ­ municipal grants for Art Hives? Next Steps: ­seeking university partnerships ­social enterprise to take pressure off (coffee shop, rental income, art sales, some programming that is paid) ­important to value it ­ approach societal aspects ­teaching/training for employers in art hives is an asset to a number of organizations ­learn more about university liaison office, MSVU

Subject: Senior ­ Canine Connection, Arts­Res project Attendees: Ardra, Karen, Sheila, Cat Insights: ­’Penelope Project’ ­Canine Friends ­Multiple ways of communicating depicts connection ­Seniors stories of human­animal bond depicted by others ­photo narratives of relationship ­needs to be able to transfer to other groups Next Steps: ­Continuing conversation to explore possibilities ­link public policy to pitch to Dal SPA ­explore funding options

Results from survey/evaluation from October 30th: