Alberta Human Resources Steering Committee
Update on Activities

INFORMATION UPDATE - APRIL 1, 1999
The Alberta Human Resources Steering Committee wishes to announce that a
major study is being undertaken by the partnership group to examine the
status and needs of the cultural labour market in Alberta.  With the
funding support of an LLMP grant from Alberta Advanced Education and Career
Development, the Committee has engaged Chapel Rock Consulting Services of
Edmonton to undertake a study which will focus on the human resource issues
for Alberta's cultural workers.  The Alberta Cultural Status Report will
then serve as a basis and foundation for initiatives and action towards the
development of effective labour market programs for the cultural sector.
The report will include statistical information, a bibliography of policy
and information documents on all aspects of the cultural community, a
summary of research by focus groups and interviews into the needs and
concerns of cultural workers, and information on the views of government,
funders and policy makers on the importance and impact of cultural
activity.  It will provide conclusions on the findings and suggestions for
future action and direction.  The work has begun and will be completed by
mid-1999. The report will be an important document for all cultural
organizations and individuals in this province as they endeavor to better
the situation for cultural workers, for example, in such areas as training
and re-training initiatives.
The Steering Committee who will manage the contract is comprised of
representatives of the partners: Chair, Susan Sax-Willock, Visual Arts
Alberta Association, Bobbi Westman, Alberta Dance Alliance, Don Stein,
Banff Centre for the Arts, Lois Irvine, Museums Alberta, Sheelagh Dunlap.
Alberta Community Development, Arts & Libraries Branch, Wayne Gill, Alberta
Advanced Education and Career Development.  Theatre Alberta is also a part
of the unincorporated group. Visual Arts Alberta Association as the legal
entity responsible handles the administration of the contract.
The Steering Committee evolved from several meetings of cultural
representatives held to discuss these issues and the feasibility of taking
concerted action.  The present partners committed financial and human
support in order to take the necessary further steps toward meeting the
sector's needs.  The report is intended to assist the Alberta cultural
sector in the identification and creation of strategies to meet those
needs.

Lois Irvine, Vice-chair
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Tel. & fax (403) 938-3190