International Arts Initiatives

The art of ideas

Moving from the role of a traditional arts presenter, International Arts Initiatives has become a broad based instigator of progressive ideas to stimulate and develop the growth of the arts in British Columbia and the Coast Salish Nations.

We have remapped our operations in a way to be more effective to the future development of the current Vancouver arts sector. We are now focusing on arts infrastructure development and alternative presenting models.

From years of hands-on presenting in Vancouver we perceived a need to explore initiatives to strengthen the basic tool kit for arts presentation, developing new pathways for the benefit of the whole arts community including a broad need for audience development initiatives to achieve this goal.

In spring 2006 we registered International Arts Initiatives Association as a not-for-profit arts society operating in British Columbia.

Vancouver arts organizations are growing faster than the infrastructure currently available to support them. Recognizing this basic situation, IAI advocates for initiatives to create sustainable solutions. Using a hands–on approach we aim to develop solutions that strengthen and empower the community’s arts ecology.

Ongoing long-term initiatives include consultation on arts infrastructure development, examining the viability of artspace usage within the city and advising on capacity and organizational development.

As always we continue to develop initiatives for further international artist visits and projects in partnership with Vancouver arts organizations and international partners over the coming years.

Mission Statement

International Arts Initiatives Association creates pathways for cultural advancement through arts presentation, arts advocacy, arts education and arts infrastructure development.

Objectives

To develop performing arts projects and events for the advancement of cultural, educational and humanitarian initiatives.

To encourage appreciation and exploration of the value of diversity within the arts and society.

To act as an arts incubator stimulating cultural advancement through advocacy for the arts and local arts infrastructure development.

To develop new models of arts curation, event architecture and strategic partnership building

To present models of excellence in theatre, dance, literature, music and intra-arts presentation.

To present traditional performing arts forms and to encourage the development of emerging new directions.

To support the emergence of new forms of artistic expression based on multicultural intra-arts exploration.

To challenge cultural and socio-economic divides within communities through opportunities inherent in the arts.

To create opportunities for cultural advancement through international networking, workshops, educational programs and extended performance projects.

To create and support projects and events that strengthen international understanding, trust and cooperation.

A brief history

International Arts Initiatives is a not-for-profit Vancouver based arts organization, founded in late 2000 in the Northeastern United States by arts presenter/producer Paul Armstrong and relocated to British Columbia in 2003.

Concert at New Haven Green

With a strong belief in fostering creative partnerships that further the arts and enrich the quality of life of the community IAI’s central mandate has always remained broad and progressive.

From 2006-2010 International Arts Initiatives was consultant producer for Ballet British Columbia’s visiting international artists season, including long range planning and guest company programming for future BBC seasons in Vancouver including Moscow Classical Ballet and Alvin Ailey.

During the 2005/06 season projects included Philip Glass Ensemble Western Canada tour with live screenings of Koyaanisqatsi and solo piano concerts, Eve Ensler in The Good Body at the Centre in Vancouver and a northern Cascadia tour with the David Grisman Quintet.

Live at the Chan Centre

IAI created the Live at The Chan series in partnership with LIVE Biennial of Performance Art, featuring internationally renowned arts innovators Astrid Hadad, Meredith Monk, Terry Riley and Michael McClure.

Philip Glass

Between 2004 and 2005 IAI presented artists Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ulali, and The Be Good Tanyas, creating a strong co-presenting partnership with the Chan Centre at UBC.

In these seasons IAI developed and expanded Talking Stick - the highly successful Aboriginal intra-arts festival, over a period of two years with Full Circle: First Nations Performance. As a result IAI continues its work to realize the enormous potential of emerging Aboriginal arts in Vancouver as a central focus of its mandate.

Talking Stick Festival 2004, Vancouver

In 2001 and 2002 IAI was commissioned by the City of New Haven and Yale University to produce a series of free summer concert events as part of an initiative to revitalize downtown New Haven.

Ray Charles

Drawing audiences of up to 20,000 per event, IAI presented artists over two summers including Ray Charles, Harry Belafonte, Little Feat, Dar Williams, The Roots, Dianne Reeves, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Keb’ Mo and Ruben Blades in the 2001 Jazz Festival and the 2002 Blues and Roots Festival.