I recently passed the one-year mark in my position as CEO of Confederation Centre of the Arts-- Canada’s National Memorial to the founding of the nation. I must say that I could not be more proud of this wonderful institution and the work we have accomplished in 12 short months together.
In a year, this bustling complex has welcomed more than 250,000 individuals, mostly in person, but also online, where visitors can enjoy our art gallery’s striking virtual exhibitions. These patrons have taken in a tremendous variety of experiences--from Japanese tour groups traveling tens of thousands of kilometres to see Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™; to our new Confederation Players troupe reenacting events of The 1864 Charlottetown Conference; to David Suzuki delivering the Symons Lecture on Confederation to a full house plus hundreds across the country online; to our Young Company earning standing ovations all summer long in the outdoor amphitheatre--this memorial building is thriving in all corners.
Next summer we will launch the world premiere of a brand new musical--Evangeline. Based on Longfellow’s poem, this sweeping love story recounts through song and dance the journey of Evangeline and Gabriel, a newlywed couple separated during the deportation of the Acadians from the Maritimes. Confederation Centre and the show’s creator, well-known Canadian playwright, Ted Dykstra (2 Pianos, 4 Hands), are delighted that this important chronicle will be debuted in the region where these events took place.
Evangeline’s epic journey demonstrates the irrepressible strength of the human spirit as we see the proud Acadian culture persevere in a new land. Dykstra’s musical also describes how First Nations people helped the Acadians survive and adapt to their new reality. One can appreciate how this generous spirit resonates today with our own desire to support new Canadians who settle in this nation.
In 2013, The Charlottetown Festival will also present the 49th consecutive year of our crown jewel, Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ and the Atlantic Canadian premiere of Dear Johnny Deere, a touching rural tale told through the country songs of Fred Eaglesmith. We could not be more delighted to stage these stories and continue the Centre’s long history of developing new, original works from Canada’s finest playwrights.
As we begin a new year, Confederation Centre is abuzz--the art gallery is overseeing a national competition for a major commemorative sculpture; our School of Performing Arts is growing and has recently raised the bar with an unforgettable run of Wizard of Oz; and our restaurant, Mavor’s, is enjoying record numbers since being rejuvenated with a stylish new look and a new executive chef.
As we continue to strive to both meet our mandate and maintain a thriving year-round calendar of activities, we will look to new sources for public funding and build on partnerships nationwide. We also face a need for capital improvements as this large complex approaches its 50th anniversary in 2014. Additionally, we must extend the reputation of Confederation Centre further than ever before, reminding Canadians that this national memorial remains one of the country’s greatest heritage and arts institutions and is more than worth a visit; be it from across the land or from up the street.
I welcome everyone to join us at Confederation Centre of the Arts - either virtually or in person - as we continue to present the finest in visual and performing arts, and arts education. I am excited to see what the future will bring as we prepare for our 50th birthday celebrations next year and also participate fully in the 150th anniversary of The Charlottetown Conference–-the first meeting of the Fathers of Confederation and the reason this memorial was visualized, constructed and then opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on October 6, 1964.
Sincerely,
Jessie Inman
Chief Executive Officer
About Jessie Inman
Born and raised in St. Catherines, Prince Edward Island, Jessie Inman began her career at Confederation Centre of the Arts in 1976 as an Administrative Assistant. In 1979, Jessie moved to Ottawa to work in project management, marketing and development at a number of federal government departments including External Affairs & International Trade, and Industry Canada. From 1994 to 2009 Jessie lived abroad working as a Canadian Investment Advisor facilitating the entry of numerous Canadian firms into the Indonesia marketplace. Additionally, Mrs. Inman held roles with KPMG, PT Palliser Indonesia and Cool Energy Limited in Australia.
While living abroad she completed her MBA with distinction from the Maastricht School of Management in The Netherlands. She holds a certificate in Strategic Alliance Structuring from the Canadian Professional Institute of Management and studied Commerce at the University of Ottawa. Mrs. Inman is a Member and Certified Director with the Institute of Company Directors (Canada), a Board Member of the Calgary YWCA and through her current consulting work to HTC Purenergy, is a Member of the Canadian Energy Research Institute and other related organizations.
Jessie's appreciation for the arts and her love of Prince Edward Island has carried with her throughout her career.
2011-2012 Annual Report
2011-2012 Annual Report (French)
