Raise the Hammer

This is just a general post of frustration.

There seems to be a small group of people who have taken the tact the best way to promote their vision for our community is to personally defame me. The most painful part of this story for me is that its being done by a handful of people I've known since childhood.
People from whom I've purchased work, worked side-by-side with on numerous projects, shared programming with and on numerous occasions promoted and defended.

While I respect that they may have differing views on how to advance our industry I cannot understand why their process for voicing that opinion has to come in the form of insult, lies and disrespect. It truly pains me - from one individual in particular.

Nevertheless I will continue with the process I've started.

The work I do is for a non-profit organization. I don't own any of the buildings I've worked to develop, I hold no shares, I do not personally gain from the financial benefit our organization generates for the community through appreciated realestate values, etc. I have a modest salary that keeps me happy and I work hard to build a career.

To destroy some myths right now:

(1) our organization has not been fired from working with the good folks at the 270 Sherman complex - our relationship with them is actually better than ever and mutually beneficial.

(2) our organization has coordinated the Fringe festival for the past two years. during that time we've increased the number of artists involved, brought then sponsorship dollars they've never achieved before, increased their audience by over 70% last year, increased their volunteer engagement and reconnected them with the local theatre community. We've done this so well that they may not need us this year as they may strike a partnership with a larger theatre organization partner. From our view this is fantastic. When we started with them it was intented to be a stepping-stone partnership for them as they move towards independence and sustainability. I actually hope to bring a production to the Fringe this summer for the first time in a number of years.

(3) Our organization has been hired by the City to write reports and review programs. In every case this has been done through proper channels. RPF processes which we responded to publicly, or contracts we've been offered due to our connection to specific issues. All very public and completely above board.

(4) The ICCA received none of the $150,000 dedicated to the Catalyst project by Economic Development in November of 2008. These funds were used to hire a consulting team via a very public RFP process that was adjudicated by a team of City staff and ICCA representatives along with guideance from the Purchasing Dept.

A lot of the work noted above paid the ICCA funds which enable us to provide our building services for a very low cost. This is called "social enterprise", or running a non-profit organization responsibly. Instead of being completely reliant on grants we seek proejcts that keep the lights on and staff paid - grants supplement our work - enable us to try new things.

As I've done before I'm publishing my name and contact information with this post. If you or anyone you know want to become engaged in the process we've put in place for the Creative Catalyst I welcome your input - good, bad or ugly.

Hamilton artists and arts organizations have to stop eating each other alive. If our community is going to grow and succeed we have to start supporting each other - not kicking each other to the curb when we succeed or stumble.

Pull it together folks. Act like adults and the professionals we all claim to be.

Jeremy Freiburger
905-548-0111
jeremy@imperialcottoncentre.com