Since 2013, The Canadian Network for Arts and Learning (CNAL) has presented our Eduarts Hubs, with the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, to arts and learning communities across Ontario. On Thursday, March 2nd, we were thrilled to partner with the Winspear Centre in Edmonton to offer our first ever Eduarts Hub outside of Ontario. The Hub, entitled Arts and Learning Connections in Edmonton featured presentations by the Edmonton Arts Council and by Annemarie Petrov, Executive Director of the Winspear Centre. There was also time for networking and a presentation by CNAL’s Executive Director Angela Elster on our online map, which is set to be launched in the next month.
We are also pleased to offer another national Eduarts Hub on March 14th in Regina, in partnership with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, as well as the University of Regina and the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance. The Hub, entitled Artful Practices in Storytelling, will begin with concurrent workshops on storytelling through dance, music and visual arts under the direction of Assistant Professor Kathryn Ricketts. After a light dinner, the Hub will continue with a presentation of the Seoul Agenda and focus groups to address re-engaging the world in arts and learning, and increasing access to arts education for all. The feedback provided by participants will assist CNAL researchers in writing a white paper for UNESCO on re-energizing the Seoul Agenda.
These two national Eduarts Hubs are an important first step in helping CNAL reach arts and learning communities outside of Ontario to nationally build connections and strengthen the sector across the country. The Ontario Eduarts Hub Series continues this month with events scheduled in London and Windsor.