Changes are on the horizon for Calgary’s only artist relief society. After seven years and multiple hours of grunt work put in by its founders the folks behind Elephant Artist Relief (EAR) are looking for new recruits.
EAR — a local advocacy group and charitable organization that provides artists with financial assistance during times of medical and dental emergencies — has put out a call for action in an attempt to recruit fresh-faced members who are ready to stand at the helm of the charitable organization as new board members. Four board positions will be up for grabs as the organization’s founders prepare to step down and pass the proverbial torch.
“The founders have been on board for a while and they’re tired” says EAR administrator Sharon Stevens. “It’s time for an evolution and it’s time for the [arts] community to be more aware of how the organization runs.”
With the natural progression of the organization co-founder Leslie Sweder sees new potential. “It just feels right at this time to let it [EAR] go” Sweder says.
“We’ve done all the groundwork and now the new board members can create and build the organization from there. There’s a lot of exciting potential here” she says.
Those interested in obtaining a position on the board are encouraged to follow an application process which involves filling out a questionnaire and being interviewed by the current board. The new board members will be finalized in an election during the annual general meeting on June 18.
Another forthcoming change may also be in the works for EAR as the volunteer-run organization has been working with consultants to create a clear communications plan that will clarify the group’s intentions and goals. Part of this new communications plan will focus on rebranding EAR with a more transparent name.
