The Creative Rural Economy: From Theory to Practice

Traditional Heritage Assets:Case Study: Rosebud, Alberta

Welcome to Rosebud, Alberta

• 100 km NE of Calgary

• 40 km SW of Drumheller

• Population: 100

• No Gas Station, No ATM

• One 4-way stop

• A hamlet within Wheatland County

• Historical foundations: Agriculture Railway Coal Mining

Rosebud, Alberta

• Current foundations: Arts Tourism Agriculture Natural Gas

40,000 annual patrons $1.3 million ticket sales Resident company of artists

30 Post-Secondary Students Professional Theatre Arts training Mentorship/apprentice model

Dining Room (theatre patrons) Wild Horse Jack’s Bistro & Grill Rosebud Gift Shop Encana Conference Centre.

20 full time staff 50 – 100 part time staff $2.7 million budget 40 – 50 volunteers

• Granary: 1915 – 1945• Community Hall: 1945 – 1970• Theatre : 1984 – present• 220 seats• Expanded: 1991, Renovated: 2007 – 2008

Heritage Assets

Opera House

• Original Hotel located adjacent to railway• Acquired by Rosebud School: 1975• Serves as administration centre• Features Alberta Supernet and Wireless service• Designated Heritage Building

Heritage Assets

Hotel Rosebud

• Original Presbyterian Church– built 1915• Changed to United Church in 1953• Vacant by 1972• Converted to Art Gallery – 1983• Recording Studio added - 1998• Performance space renovated - 2005

Heritage Assets

AkokiniskiwayGallery

• Original General Store – built 1911• Included living quarters• Vacant by 1972• Acquired by Rosebud School in 1976• Multi-use facility: dorms, dining, classrooms• $5 million expansion 2009-2011.

Heritage Assets

Mercantile

Expansion Concept Design - 2003

Expansion Complete 2011

New/Old Features: “Bank” design + Livery Stable

Livery Stable (west view)

1. Passion

Ingredients to Success

2. Prepare

3. Partnerships

5. Patience

4. People

5 “P’s”

• Original Founder: 32 years

1. Passion

• Hospitality Director: 16 years

• Music Director: 22 years

• Production Manager: 18 years

• Education Director: 17 years

x Wages – below industry standard

x Facilities – less than ideal

√ Lifestyle: Pursuit of art and education: 24/7

• Research

2. Prepare

• “Elevator Speech”

• Patron Surveys

• External Consultants

• Preliminary Designs

• Local: church, hall, service clubs, businesses, residents

3. Partnerships

• Time-consuming. Communication is the key

• Government: Province and Federal – cash!

• Government: Municipal –infrastructure, by-laws

• Donors, patrons, supporters –cash, in-kind, volunteer hours

• Board: vision, capacity (finances and expertise), passion

4. People

• Key person(s). Who are they?

• Staff: skills, dedication, flexibility, problem-solvers

• Volunteers: available, willing. Do you know their strengths?

• Partners – get to know them –they are people first

• Mercantile: 10 year project

5. Patience

• Partners – change in elected officials, corporate decision-makers

• Theatre: Ups and Downs

• School: Summer camp … high school … 1 year apprenticeship … 4 year academic program

• Community – history, “baggage”

• Full-time staff: 20+

Results?

• Part-time employment: 50 – 100 –mainly youth!

• Economic impact 3 B & B’s Country Inn (20 rooms) Golf course RV park Museum expansion Café

• Supplemental income through rental suites: 20 rooms

More Results …

• New Fire Hall

• Government and public attention, interest and awareness

• Canadian Badlands Passion Play

Spin Off’s

• Badlands Summer School

• Chemainus Theatre – B.C.

• Rosebud on Radio

1. Passion

Summary

2. Prepare

3. Partnerships

5. Patience

4. People

5 “P’s”

Traditional Heritage Assets:Case Study: Rosebud, Alberta

Bob DavisExecutive Director

bobd@rosebudtheatre.comwww.rosebudtheatre.com

www.rosebudschoolofthearts.com