BC Regional Integrated Arts Network
Brief History
- At the Society of Disability Arts and Culture (S4DAC) AGM in 2006, questions came up about the 2010 Winter Olympics and funding that might flow from there. It was agreed that S4DAC would investigate and share information.
- The idea for a regional network arose from discussions with Al Etmanski.
- In Sept. 2006 S4DAC convened the first gathering to develop a plan for such a network, hosted by 2010 Legacies Now.
- Richard Marcuse was engaged to conduct a needs assessment and developed a document that was delivered in August, 2007. "A Plan for the Development of Integrated Arts and Culture in British Columbia" recommended that S4DAC be the organization that takes on the work of BRIAN. Download the comprehensive document (pdf format).
- At the Art of Engagement Conference in Vancouver (October, 2007) the steering committee, consisting of Geoff from S4DAC, Irwin from Gallery Gachet and Cathy from Theatre Terrific, formed a small discussion group around network structures.
- In January 2008 a third gathering was held at Gallery Gachet during a symposium and social event.
- In May 2008 the S4DAC Board of Directors conducted a Strategic Planning process facilitated by Sandra Thomson at which it was determined that S4DAC does not have the capacity to take on the leadership of BRIAN.
- With further support from 2010 Legacies Now, a meeting was convened on May 30, 2008 to determine the organizational structure for BRIAN, as well as create a five year vision and a one year action plan to work toward that vision. Download the meeting's notes (MS Word format).
- Thanks to the work of facilitator Sandra Thompson and the participants at the above-mentioned meeting, 2010 Legacies Now has contributed funds to hire a part-time community worker, to foster the further development of BRIAN.
