In anticipation of the Orchestras Canada National Orchestras Meetings in Winnipeg (June 21-23, with a pre-session on June 20), we’re embarking on two more pieces of research:

First of all, OC statistician C. Stephen Smith will soon be sending participating orchestras requests for summary, pre-audit financial and audience information on the 2009-10 season. As past attendees at the meetings can attest, this information provides valuable context for our discussions – and we urge you to respond to Steve’s request when it comes.

Secondly, OC staff has designed a short questionnaire about any performance- or education-oriented programs that your orchestra has done with first nations or Indigenous communities. We talked to a lot of people in the process of putting together the Collaborations with First Nations Communities session (scheduled for Monday, June 21), and there was general agreement that – in addition to being inspired by what we might do – it would be helpful to learn what is already being done by colleague orchestras across the country.

We’ve prepared a brief questionnaire asking you to tell us your story about any partnerships and collaborations you’ve created, be they current or in the not-too-distant past, with indigenous communities. You may find the questionnaire here.