By the end of 2009 Timeraiser programs across Canada will have directly invested $300,000 in the careers of Canadian artists.
We celebrated this achievement last Tuesday at the 1st ever Vancouver Kick Off Celebration. The goal of the night was to bring together Timeraiser artists, volunteers, community and corporate partners to highlight the investment in emerging artists from within our Timeraiser programming, an aspect that is often not as visible as others in the Timeraiser program.
Photography - imaging by marlis
The night afforded an excellent opportunity for the many people involved one way or another in planning the Timeraiser to meet and socialize before the big day on September 24th. With 22 of the 25 artists in the room, it was a treat to have the time to chat with them about their careers, the Vancouver art scene and hear the story behind the piece that will be in this year’s Timeraiser.
We heard feedback that the innovative contributions we and our corporate partners are making to the lives and careers of emerging artists is unique; the consensus being that indeed emerging artists are asked numerous times each year to donate artwork to charitable causes. But charitable tax receipts don’t pay the hydro bills or even help meet the costs associated with creating the work
Adding to the mix of attendees were some of Vancouver’s blogging elite! Thanks to @hummingbird604, @GusF, @cathybrowne, and @emmerogers for attending and helping to spread the word.
This diverse group mixed and mingled for a couple hours while admiring the artwork that was being dropped off and enjoying the fantastic hospitality of Subeez . Great food, great service, great ambiance! Thanks to Benny for his excitement about Timeraiser. Seriously, everyone should try the risotto & bocconcini dumplings – yum!
We left the celebration cradling the new artwork (start crafting your bidding strategies now, Timeraiser participants, because there will be competition for these pieces!) and are now even more excited for the 2nd Vancouver Timeraiser on Sept 24th. We’re hoping this will be an annual event; everyone left with a better sense of how Timeraiser contributes to the art community (this year we paid $15,000 to Vancouver artists!) and how all the many groups collaborate to make Timeraiser such a successful tool for civic engagement.
Looking forward to next Thursday when these amazing artists will help inspire over 250 young professionals pledge 5,000 volunteer hours to charitable groups.
Tickets and info at timeraiser.ca
