The Canadian Network for Arts and Learning (CNAL) plans to expand its Board of Directors to address current needs and succession planning goals. We invite applications to fill current and upcoming positions on the Board of Directors.
CNAL/RCAA envisions a world in which the arts and creativity are recognized as integral to the learning process, both at school and throughout life. By connecting Canada’s diverse arts and learning communities, we increase access to meaningful arts experiences for all Canadians, laying the foundation for social, economic, and cultural transformation.
Our mission is to unite local, regional, and national arts and learning communities in a network for exchange, research, and collaboration, cultivating a more creative, healthy, and prosperous Canada.
Our major accomplishments in recent years include:
- Canada’s interactive Map of Arts and Learning which currently features profiles on more than 9000 individuals and organizations,
- National/International Conference every 2 years,
- Regional networking Hubs (when permitted by public health regulations),
- Pan-Canadian digital roundtable series (3 series to date),
- Webinars to facilitate a transition to on-line learning in the arts,
- Digital (and non-digital) resources for artists and educators,
- Newsletters and e-blast postings to inform and engage the sector,
- Active social media communications,
- Pan-Canadian advocacy campaign in collaboration with several other key organizations.
We are looking for potential Board members who share our vision and are able to advance our mission. There are several ways in which a Board member can contribute to the further development of the Network. Like many not-for-profit organizations, CNAL has been operating on time-limited, project funding. As a result of this economic insecurity, there is a pressing need for one or more Board members who can provide leadership in financial advancement.
At the same time, we recognize an urgent need to better represent Canada’s pluralistic arts and learning sector. CNAL has a long history of embracing a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging in all our publications and events. This commitment must be clearly reflected in our decision-making processes. We are committed to reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples and seek to further engage with Indigenous cultural leaders. We aim to initiate greater collaboration with a diverse representation of Canadian society, including but not limited to such factors as gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, religion, language and geography.
When submitting an application, please include full contact information, a resumé, and a statement on how you would be able to advance the mission of the Network as a member of the Board.
Applications may be addressed to Larry O’Farrell (he/him), Board Chair and sent to info@eduarts.ca. We will accept applications up to and including Friday, August 20, 2021. We will reply to all applications as received and will proceed to fill two new positions as early as possible. A proposed full slate of officers will be prepared for our Annual General Meeting in October. Thank you for any assistance you can give us in the development of our Board of Directors.
Before submitting an application it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the CNAL website : eduarts.ca. From this you will learn of the History, Vision, Mission, Values, accomplishments and current activities of the Network, as well as the current Staff, Board, Advisory Council, National Champions, and Financial Supporters. An overview of Board member responsibilities follows (Appendix A).
The Canadian Network for Arts and Learning acknowledges the ancestral and unceded territories of all the Inuit, Métis and First Nations people on which we meet and work.
Appendix A
Responsibilities
Membership in a not-for-profit Board is a voluntary position. A member’s duties involve monthly virtual meetings and, when possible, at least one in-person meeting annually. As a working Board with a small staff complement, we estimate that a member would be expected to commit approximately 50 hours to Board activities per year. The term for each position is normally three years with the potential for re-election.
A Board member is expected to play an active role in the governance of CNAL and take part in the collective decision-making, planning and oversight of the Network and its future direction. This will include: establishing overall policies, reviewing, implementing, enhancing and evaluating the goals of the Network, and its rate of progress within the financial and human resources available
A Board member is required to provide: financial oversight; legal responsibility; continuity for good governance and sound management; support for the professional staff; assistance in revenue generation to assure the future viability of the Network; interpretation of the mission of CNAL and advocacy for increased recognition of the role and value of the arts as essential to the health and wellbeing of all Canadians.
In addition to the duties and commitment of time outlined above, a Board member will need to stay informed of issues and actions, threats and opportunities, that might impact on aspects of the arts and learning - and to share this information with the members of the board and staff on a regular basis.