In the spotlight

North Kildonan

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This article was published 12/04/2023 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If the whole world is a stage, Kara Joseph’s star is rising.

Joseph, a River East Collegiate and University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music alumna, is the first ever recipient of Prairie Theatre Exchange’s newly minted Cherry Prize for Arts Management. The prize, which will be awarded annually going forward, is for early-career or aspiring arts managers in Manitoba. According to PTE, the winner, chosen by a committee, “will receive $5,000 to support the advancement of their career, as well as professional support and encouragement to propel them forward on their journey through the arts.”

“This is really validating that the career choice I’m making is worthwhile and meaningful,” Joseph said of the award.

“It’s wonderful. It also means I’m able to continue my own education and strengthen my work as an arts manager. Because I’m new to the field, there are still skills I need to develop. I’ll be able to take some courses in financial management, business skills and leadership, to set myself up for success.”

A self-described “wearer of many hats,” Joseph credits early opportunities in REC’s band and choir programs, as well as a supportive and creative family, with instilling and encouraging her passion of performing arts.

“My journey started in that I loved performing,” Joseph said. “But I also wanted to do something I was passionate about, but could find that sustainability piece.”

In 2020, Joseph undertook a residency with One Trunk Theatre, where she was introduced to the arts management side of things.

“I really fell in love with the process, because it opened my eyes to everything that goes on when you’re putting a production on stage or putting on an exhibition,” she said.

“But it was also the idea that I could create and develop work that I was really passionate about, and help put people like me on stages and give voices to under-represented communities. That has been a huge driving force in the work I do now.”

Working for the past year and a half with Creative Manitoba, Joseph has had the opportunity to not only foster her own creative growth, but those of others, as well.

“(It) has been probably one of the best jobs I’ve ever had, as I get to meet so many creative and talented people, while working in arts management to help incredibly talented artists make their way up,” she said.

On top of that, Joseph also sits on the boards of The Village Conservatory for Music Theatre and Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC) – Manitoba, while still finding time to teach both music and acting classes. She is also involved in an upcoming production with her brothers (who run JHG Creative) of a pop-punk musical entitled Breaking Up With Me, and will be working behind the scenes as an assistant director this summer on Rainbow Stage’s upcoming production of RENT.

“There are so many opportunities available to artists and supports that really should be shared more widely within the community,” Joseph said. “There are a lot of talented people who deserve the spotlight. I hope this award allows me to give the spotlight to those people.”