Spark: OSAC’s Youth Mentorship Program What is It and How Does it Work?
Spark is a program designed by OSAC to help Arts Councils mentor and develop the next generation of performing arts presenters in their communities. It was created in response to two issues consistently voiced by Arts Councils: youth engagement and succession planning. It aims to engage teens and young adults under age 29 as audiences, participants, and decision-makers in presenting performing arts. Through this mentorship experience, participants develop new skills, bring new ideas, and have the gratifying experience of presenting a show in their community.
How does it work?
Through Spark, one performance per season will be presented by the Spark Coordinator (the mentee) under the guidance of the Arts Council's Performing Arts Coordinator (the mentor). Any community or Arts Council member under 29 is eligible as a Spark Coordinator. This demographic is very diverse; they may be a high school student looking to build their skills and experience, or a working professional who wants to pursue a passion for the arts through volunteering.
Any Showcase or Price List artist may be presented through Spark. Arts Councils will have the option of including the Spark show in their season or market it as a stand-alone show.
Mentors working with youth under the age of 18 are required to submit a Criminal Record Check, which shall be satisfactory to OSAC in its sole discretion.
Grant
OSAC recognizes that for organizations that have operated a certain way for a very long time, such a change may be daunting for various reasons, not the least of which is financial. Through the Spark Grant, OSAC will relieve some of the risk that the Arts Councils may face for trying something new.
The Spark Grant covers $500-$1000 of the artist fee per Arts Council. If more applications than are budgeted for are approved, the grant amount will be pro-rated to make sure every Arts Council that applies and meets the requirements of the program will receive some funding. The artist fee is still eligible for the full PA Grant amount (or 5% grant if it is less than a three show season).
Timeline
| Stage 1: Recruitment & Artist Selection *takes places one year ahead of start of the following season | |
| September | Arts Councils recruit a SPARK Coordinator |
| October | SPARK Coordinator attends OSAC Showcase with their local Arts Council. Artist selections are made. |
| November | Artist selections are due. Arts Councils submit the SPARK Application. |
| December-May | Regular OSAC booking cycle continues. |
| Stage 2: Spark Show is promoted and presented | |
| September-May | Season performances take place, one of which is the Spark show. |
| The Spark Coordinator and Performing Arts Coordinator work together on all aspects of the presenting the show. | |
| Stage 3: Follow-Up | |
| Spark program evaluation is completed by the Spark Coordinator and Performing Arts Coordinator. | |
| Upon receiving the evaluation, OSAC disburses the Spark bursary to the Arts Council | |
More information: https://www.osac.ca/performing-arts/for-artscouncils/spark
Contact
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you wish to discuss the program further.
Skip Taylor, Performing Arts Coordinator
306 586 1253 or
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