Explore student-driven projects aimed at revitalizing Edmonton's vibrant arts scene. Discover innovative strategies and usable templates to strengthen community engagement and bolster support for local artists.
Empowering Edmonton's Arts
In a time when Edmonton's vibrant arts scene is challenged by rising costs, funding uncertainties, and audience hesitance, this initiative presents an opportunity for students to understand the intricacies of YEG’s cultural landscape. Students will conduct an analysis of Edmonton's current arts ecosystem, benchmark against successful models in other cities around the world, engage directly with the community, students will formulate actionable strategies to boost the YEG arts ecosystem. This initiative not only encourages creative problem-solving but also aims to create a digital portfolio for the students to showcases their work. Let’s empower the arts community—because a thriving cultural environment is essential for Edmonton's growth and sustainability!
Projects Must Contribute to Edmonton Arts Ecosystem KPIs
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Measure the number of participants in arts events (e.g. attendance numbers at festivals, workshops, and community events, concerts).
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Track the variety of programs offered (e.g., visual arts, performing arts, music, literary arts). Consider inclusivity and representation of all backgrounds within the arts community.
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Measure the number of local artists participating in programs and initiatives. (e.g. tracking new artist registrations).
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The number of community members actively engaging with art projects (e.g., volunteer involvement, community-led initiatives).
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The number and type of partnerships formed between arts organizations, local businesses, educational institutions, and community groups.
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The amount of funding secured for arts programs from government, grants, and private sponsorships.
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Public awareness and perception of the arts ecosystem (e.g. surveys or social media engagement indicators, such as views or likes).
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Usage rates of public spaces for arts-related activities (e.g. galleries, performance spaces, and community centers)
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Sales of art, attendance at events, and contributions to local business revenues
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Satisfaction among artists, participants, and attendees regarding arts programs and events (e.g. surveys)
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The number of educational programs implemented in schools or community centers and the demographics reached.
Community Partner: Harcourt House
Harcourt House Artist Run Centre is an Edmonton-based thought leader and direction-setting public visual arts institution and art education centre that boldly develops, presents, and interprets the art and design of our time. Our mandate is to enable transformative experiences by connecting art and design with local and global communities, and by providing affordable studio facilities to local artists.
STUDENT PROJECTS
STUDENT PROJECTS
Art and AI (PM33)
Art and AI are merging to create new forms of creativity. While AI offers innovative tools like generative art, it raises questions about capturing the human experience. Rather than replacing artists, AI enhances creativity and expands possibilities. The future is about collaboration, where humans and machines together redefine artistic expression.
Arts in Mental Health (PM33)
Arts in Mental health connects patients, artists, and healthcare professionals to enhance healing beyond traditional treatments. By integrating therapies like music, pottery for addiction recovery, and drawing for military personnel dealing with Post Traumatic Stress disorder(PTSD). Art therapy is an alternative to medications. This approach emphasizes the essential role of art in managing stress, anxiety, and the challenging health conditions like cancer and dementia as well.
Guest Judges
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Guest Judge
Rajpreet Kaur is a dynamic project management professional with over nine years of experience, recognized for her ability to blend strategic thinking with technical expertise. As a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Rajpreet has demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating complex projects across diverse sectors. Currently serving as the Director of Seminars at the Project Management Institute Northern Alberta Chapter, she excels at fostering collaboration and building strong relationships among stakeholders. Rajpreet is dedicated to creating impactful, community. Her commitment to inclusive and effective project execution positions her as a valuable judge for this competition.
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Guest Judge
Stuti Narula is a dynamic professional with a strong background in political science, marketing, and business development. A graduate of Political Science (Honors) and Alumni of Business Analysis & Professional communication at the School of Continuing Education, she also completed the Champions of Diversity and Equity (CODE) program at MacEwan University, refining her leadership skills in fostering inclusivity.
With over five years of experience she has showcased her versatility and strategic acumen across various industries. As a Coordinator at TRS Law Firms, she worked closely with the Australian High Commission India on impactful initiatives for gender empowerment. Currently, she excels as a Marketing and Business Development Coordinator at a leading immigration and recruitment firm, leveraging her expertise to drive growth, engagement, and meaningful connections.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Stuti is building her social platform, Road Closet, dedicated to empowering conversations and amplifying diverse voices she is a valuable contributor to Edmonton's expanding arts ecosystem, bringing leadership, creativity, and vision to the forefront. -
Hello! I'm Pallavi Sharma, an Executive Manager at TiE Vancouver, a dedicated talent management champion, and a lifelong learner with a passion for fostering creativity and innovation within the arts ecosystem. My journey in human resources intertwines with a robust educational foundation, including a Master’s in Business Administration focused on Human Resources and a background in Computer Science.
Over the past eight years, I've gained diverse experience across industries such as banking, insurance, technology, and retail, honing my skills in HR strategy, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. My professional journey has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the arts and culture, recognizing their indispensable role in enriching community dynamics.
As a guest judge, I am excited to contribute to the growth of the arts ecosystem in Edmonton. I believe that nurturing artistic talent not only enhances individual creativity but also serves as a catalyst for social change and community cohesion. I am committed to supporting emerging artists and fostering collaborations that elevate our vibrant artistic landscape.
I look forward to seeing innovative projects that challenge norms and inspire creative dialogues. Together, let’s empower the arts to thrive and make a lasting impact in Edmonton!
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Guest Judge
Sumita Sharma is an Associate Business Analyst and Education Advisor based in Edmonton, Alberta, with a passion for enhancing the arts ecosystem. With a diverse background in teaching, administration, and business analysis, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as a judge for capstone projects aimed at boosting the local arts community.
Sumita’s journey began as a secondary school educator, where she instilled a love for learning in her students. Transitioning to administration within an immigration agency, she honed her organizational and problem-solving skills. She holds a Professional Certificate in Business Analysis from MacEwan University, where she developed a keen understanding of stakeholder engagement and effective communication, particularly within diverse and inclusive frameworks.
As a judge, Sumita is excited to contribute her expertise in business analysis and her passion for the arts to support innovative projects that can enrich Edmonton's cultural landscape.
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Guest Judge
Harneet Kaur is an emerging talent in business, currently applying her skills to enhance the arts landscape in Edmonton. With a recently completed certificate in Business Analysis and Professional Communication from Grant MacEwan University, Harneet brings a strong foundation in managerial principles and human resources. Her background includes several years in critical government assistance work, allowing her to develop exceptional interpersonal, time management, and communication skills. As a dedicated team player and self-motivated individual, Harneet is passionate about fostering creativity and innovation within the arts community. She looks forward to evaluating projects that aim to expand the reach and impact of the arts in Edmonton.
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Guest Judge
Armando Ayala Duran is a seasoned Business Analyst specializing in Power BI, bringing a rich background in finance, sales, and supply chain management. With a proven track record of driving data-driven insights and enhancing business efficiencies, Armando's analytical expertise aligns perfectly with Edmonton's growing arts community. His commitment to leveraging technology for impactful decision-making will provide invaluable perspectives as a judge in this capstone competition aimed at expanding the arts in Edmonton.
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Guest Judge
JD Torres is a skilled Business Analyst based in Edmonton, Alberta, with a comprehensive background in financial and business management spanning over 12 years across diverse cultural settings. Recently, she completed her Business Analysis certificate at MacEwan University and was awarded the first recipient of the 'Founding Dean's Award,' showcasing her commitment to continuous professional development while giving back to the community by imparting her skills, such as being part of the initiative to enhance Edmonton's arts ecosystem.
Her expertise includes analytical thinking, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration, making her an invaluable asset in assessing innovative projects aimed at expanding the arts in Edmonton. As a dedicated member of the IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis), JD brings a wealth of experience in delivering impactful solutions and fostering community growth through the arts.
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Guest Judge
Shreyash Kale is a multi-talented IT professional and full stack web developer based in Edmonton, Alberta. With expertise in project management and software development, he holds postgraduate degrees in Full Stack Development and Project Management from MacEwan University. Shreyash has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, implementing innovative solutions, and enhancing user experiences through technical support and website development.
Shreyash is actively involved in projects that bridge technology with creativity. His analytical skills, combined with a strategic approach to problem-solving, make him an ideal judge for the capstone competition aimed at nurturing Edmonton's arts landscape.
Judges BACCM™ Scoring Sheet
Using the Business Analysis Core Concept Model™ to score the projects will allow:
Holistic view of the project’s impact, effective analysis requires awareness of the broader environment.
Stakeholder focused, which is key.
Alignment with project management and business analysis principles.
Applying a scoring system to the BACCM makes it quantifiable.
Allows for prioritization to select the winner!
What the students said.
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This initiative has been a transformative learning experience, blending the principles of Business Analysis and Professional communication with real-world problem-solving.
- Monika
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This project was more than just an assignment—it was a journey of growth, learning, and connection. We started as a group of individuals and ended as a unified team with memories, lessons, and skills that will stay with us for a lifetime.
- Yogesh
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The program over the past couple of months has been such an amazing experience, learning and eventually getting to work on a project that enabled us to bring to life some of the Business Analysis concepts and skills we have learnt so far.
- Omale
"Effective teamwork turned our disagreements into victories, teaching us that collaboration fuels innovation."
"Effective teamwork turned our disagreements into victories, teaching us that collaboration fuels innovation."
"Every deadline taught us not just to manage our time, but to respect each other's commitments and drive towards a common goal."
"Every deadline taught us not just to manage our time, but to respect each other's commitments and drive towards a common goal."
"Communicating openly turned potential conflicts into opportunities, proving that empathy and patience are the true keys to team success."
"Communicating openly turned potential conflicts into opportunities, proving that empathy and patience are the true keys to team success."
"Data-driven decisions illuminate the path to success; understanding the local arts ecosystem helped us identify gaps and elevate our project."
"Data-driven decisions illuminate the path to success; understanding the local arts ecosystem helped us identify gaps and elevate our project."
"Adapting under pressure has transformed us; we are no longer just a group of students, but a unified team ready to tackle future challenges."
"Adapting under pressure has transformed us; we are no longer just a group of students, but a unified team ready to tackle future challenges."
Land Acknowledgement
ninisitawêyihtênân ôma askiy kâ-tâkiskâtamâhk, nikotwâsik kihci-asotamâtowin kâ-itamihk ôta ê-kî- otaskanêsicik mihcêt iyiniwak, ôta kî-mâwacihitowak. kihcêyihtowin êkwa kistêyimowin nimiyânânak otâcimowiniwâwa, opîkiskwêwiniwâwa, osihcikêwiniwâwa êkwa isihtâwiniwâw ôki kahkiyaw iyîniwak.