Snapshots: The Week of June 24

Snapshots is your overview of the past week in the Hamilton arts and entertainment community. From the people and moments that mattered- and opportunities that might- Snapshots is everything you need to know to stay connected to the Hamilton arts sector.

To add your announcement, call for submissions or news to Snapshots, please email contact [@] beyondjames.com

This Week’s Highlights

• June 21 marked National Indigenous People’s Day, a day to celebrate the culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples and organizations. 
• The Pearl Company, an arts space downtown, was approved this week for conversion into 15 affordable homes for Indigenous families by Sacajawea Nonprofit Housing.
• The former venue space occupied by Sous Bas at 145 Main Street East is now occupied by nthenyou, who promise to carry the torch of the eclectic space.
• The City of Hamilton has recently recognized a number of Waterdown properties as having Heritage designation. The City has also introduced a notice to designate 56 York Street as a Heritage property.
• The Burlington Performing Arts Centre recently announced this year’s inductees into their Hall of Fame. The 2022 Inductees include Gary DeGroote, who was recognized for his role in the building and opening of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre; and longtime Director of the Burlington Teen Tour Band and Burlington Concert Band Don Allan. Late conductor Boris Brott was also recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
• The Maple Blues Awards; Canada’s National Blues Awards program, were awarded last night. A number of artists from Waterdown’s Stony Plain Records took home awards, including David Gogo & Steve Marriner (Acoustic Act); Colin James (Electric Act & Male Vocalist) and Sue Foley (Entertainer & Guitar). Steve Marriner was also awarded in the categories of Harmonica, Songwriter, Recording/Producer. Hamilton artists Lowdown Dirty Mojos were also awarded as New Artist.
• The Hamilton Public Library announced an updated partnership this week, where HPL cardholders receive free access to city museums for the next two years.
• The City of Hamilton and HSR have partnered with the Arkells to offer free rides to and from this weekend’s rally from 3pm to midnight.
• Farside Hamiton is now accepting submissions for their DIY arts space. Visit their website to learn more about potential dates and submission guidelines.

Hamilton Happenings

• The NeuroArts Lab at McMaster is seeking musically-trained research participants for a paid neuroimaging study. Participants will listen to a series of musical and spoken sound clips while undergoing a brain scan. For more information, or to participate, please email [email protected] 
• Theatre Aquarius announces the appointment of Kelly Straughan to the position of Executive Director, effective July 2022. Straughan succeeds longtime Executive Director Lorna Zaremba, who retires after over twenty years with the theatre company.

Awards Season is Upon Us

• The 2022 Siminovtich Prize is accepting nominations to celebrate the transformative and influential work of directors working in English or French. The successful prize winner will receive national recognition as recipient of the prestigious award, $75,000 and the opportunity to support an emerging artist with mentorship and $25,000. Nominations may be submitted here until July 4, 2022.
• The Hamilton Literary Awards are now accepting submissions for their 29th edition. Works published within the 2021 calendar year are eligible. The deadline is July 17, 2022. For more information, please visit the Hamilton Arts Council’s website.

Here & There

• The Burlington Public Library is receiving submissions for their 2022 writing contest, open to those ages 10 and up. The deadline to submit is June 30.
• The Keddy Access Trail Street Art Project has seven opportunities for artists, collectives, or artist-led teams to create a mural. View the full call for artists here and apply by June 30, 2022.
• The Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail, a 1km trail linking the Art Gallery of Burlington, Spencer Smith Park and the Downtown Burlington BIA has a call for multiple sculptural artists. View the full call for artists here and apply by July 1, 2022. 
• The Art Gallery of Hamilton is producing an exhibition featuring works created by Hamilton artists between 1950 – 2000. Artwork will be accepted until July 7, 2022. For more information, please visit their site.
• The City of Burlington public art program invites artists, artist-led teams, community groups and organizations to submit their ideas to create art in public spaces celebrating Burlington’s diverse communities. The deadline to apply is July 15. This process is being managed through Cobalt Connects; please visit their site for more details.

Paid Opportunities

• The Hamilton Fringe Festival is hiring for Venue Captains and Bartenders. The deadline to apply for both roles is June 30, 2022.
• The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (St. Catharines) is seeking a Ticketing Services Manager. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2022.
• Telling Tales Festival is seeking a Development Manager. The deadline to apply is July 8, 2022.
• Red Betty Theatre is seeking a General Manager. The deadline to apply is July 8.
• The Art Gallery of Hamilton is seeking on-call Artist Instructors and Freelance Bartenders on an ongoing basis. For full job descriptions or to learn more, please visit their website.
• Arts for All is hiring Artist Educators on an ongoing basis.
• Theatre Ancaster is currently recruiting for a Marketing Coordinator (part-time, paid).
• Red Betty Theatre is seeking a Hamilton-based Stage Manager for an August 2022 production. The role pays $1006/week for 7 weeks. Please visit their website for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Dusk Dances Hamilton is looking for volunteers for the July 21 – 24 event.
• The Hamilton Fringe Festival is seeking billets for international and touring artists. For more information, or to apply, please fill out this form.
• The Hamilton Fringe Festival is seeking volunteers for a range of roles during the 2022 Festival. To volunteer, please fill out this form. 
• Open Heart Arts Theatre is looking to expand their Board of Directors. View their position information sheet for more information and instructions on how to apply.
• Hamilton Artists Inc. is looking for volunteers for a range of roles, including Installation Assistants and Gallery Assistants during Art Crawl and from 12-5pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays. Visit their website for more information.
• Theatre Ancaster is currently recruiting for Board Members (volunteer).