edition 18

May 2006

The Volunteer Issue

An Introduction by Claire Hopkinson, Executive Director

Volunteers are critical to the health of many arts organizations, whether as board members, ushers, or in executing special fundraising events. When I was working with Creative Trust (well, volunteering, actually), we always maintained that “casting” for the board of directors was as crucial as casting the actors for a performance. There is no standard formula. One has to know and communicate exactly what role the volunteer needs to play. One needs to be assured that the volunteer can buy into the artistic vision of the organization and there needs to be honesty and respect on both sides. Running an arts organization is a difficult, creative balancing act.

Volunteering works both ways. As there is not a great deal of opportunity for professional development for people working in the arts, volunteering helps to build skills, increase knowledge, gain confidence, and make new friends. The majority of my own professional development has occurred through volunteer opportunities with committees and boards. While there never seems to be just enough time to do all the things one needs to in a day, I would have to say that the time spent volunteering has been an essential part of learning, and in enjoying my career.

Claire Hopkinson
Executive Director
Toronto Arts Council
Toronto Arts Council Foundation

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ON THE PASSING OF JANE JACOBS

On behalf of the city’s artists and dreamers, the Toronto Arts Council adds its voice to the collective dismay at the death of Jane Jacobs. Toronto has so benefited from Jane’s inspiration, leadership and vitality for the past half century – it seems greedy to have wanted more of her time. Without her presence and her determination, we know this city would be poorer – poorer in vision, in beauty and in hope. Jane gave Torontonians courage to believe that it is possible to make change and proved that it was worth it. She taught us that the real soul and life of a city are found at street-level, and that the stories neighbours tell each other every day are as vital as the streetcar tracks that connect one area to another. Today, it behooves us all to live up to her legacy and insist on the value of neighbourhoods, communities and beauty in our city.

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