Along with over 50 representatives of Arts Service Organizations from across the country, the CCF/FCMA attended the Emerging Trends in Canadian Arts: Partnering for Change conference in Ottawa, February 18th & 19th, 2016. A wide variety of arts disciplines were present, including three representatives from the craft sector, CCF/FCMA Director, Maegen Black, CCF/FCMA President, Gilles Latour, and Craft Ontario CEO, Emma Quin.

The conference began with a lengthy presentation from the Canada Council for the Arts’ Director and CEO, Simon Brault, who responded to a series of specific questions posed to the Council regarding their new funding model, and how it will affect Arts Service Organizations and the communities they represent.

As a member of the seven person conference steering committee, Maegen Black contributed to the development of these questions, and to the additional conference content, ensuring that the craft sector shone brightly on the Digital Technology for Community Engagement/Audience Development panel. Emma Quin, an invited guest speaker, introduced the audience to the national CitizensofCraft.ca project, sharing insight into the collaborative technology development that has brought the craft sector together through shared marketing and promotions.

With additional presentations regarding collaborative technology and practices, as well as breakout workshops exploring the difficulties faced by, and potential for collaboration with, various equity seeking groups (including Aboriginal/Indigenous, Women, Racialized Peoples, and Deaf & Disabled artists), the conference was an extraordinary opportunity to connect with leaders in a wide variety of cultural institutions and associations, leading to better understanding, recognition, and collaboration.

The CCF/FCMA was proud to represent craft throughout the conference, and will continue to bring the craft experience to national discussions on cultural viability and advancement in Canada.