Introducing the DIGITAL PATHS mentorship pilot program
by Marc Djokic, Nova Scotia Talent Trust,
Orchestre classique de Montréal and Ensembl’arts!
DIGITH PATHS: 2-Way Learning, Artistic Guidance for Digital Futures
A digital strategy project made possible by
Canada Council for the Arts
and the participating partners.
Marc Djokic - violinist, chamber musician, concertmaster and music director - leads this mentorship pilot program to link professional mentors with the 2021 scholarship recipients of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust. Over one year, ten thematic videos will be created and shared on the partner websites: https://orchestre.ca/, https://www.nstalenttrust.ca/, and https://artcrushshow.com/.
Marc is a former Talent Trust scholarship recipient and has partnered with the Talent Trust, a Nova Scotia arts organization that has helped propel many young artists to the world stage for 77 years.
Through the “2-Way Learning - Artist Guidance Using DIGITAL PATHS Project”, the 2021 scholarship cohort of Nova Scotia Talent Trust will have the unique opportunity to be paired with a professional artist mentor in their field of dance, music, and visual arts. They will be guided through a relevant range of digital literacy topics to help develop their professional career. The 2-way learning aspect of this program recognizes young artists as experts in their right in many areas of digital literacy, which will, in return, reinvigorate the knowledge range of their mentors.
The mentors are professional musicians and artists from the Orchestre classique de Montreal and Ensembl’arts (Art Crush). They will provide locally-focused advice on navigating digital platforms, setting strategies, sourcing local resources to advance projects, and building visibility with national presenters. Digital literacy case studies can be geared towards local realities and schedules, available local resources, relevant contact references, knowledge of local audition expectations, among other topics.
ALL youth who plan on pursuing an artistic career and are interested in applying for competitions, auditions and scholarships will benefit from the Digital Paths videos created throughout this program. The videos will be available for free viewing on the partner sites after the conclusion of the project. We are excited to begin this year-long journey!
"Marc Djokic has been the recipient of Talent Trust scholarships and special awards throughout his studies to become a professional violinist and musician. He has become a supporter of the NSTT and now a partner for our promising Nova Scotia artists. The 2021 scholarship recipients will have the unique opportunity to be paired with a professional artist mentor in their field to guide them through a range of digital literacy topics for their future success. We’re excited about this collaboration,” states Jacqueline Steudler, Executive Director NSTT
"The OCM has a strong mandate to nurture the young talents of tomorrow. The current pandemic has taught our industry that "digital literacy" is key to maintaining and expanding a professional musician's career." - Taras Kulish, Orchestre classique de Montréal
"Ensembl'arts introduces the public to multidisciplinary collaborations and presents unique performances in diverse venues throughout Canada. Today, this includes the virtual stage. We are especially excited that the dance, choreography and visual artist members of our ensemble will be able to share their experiences and expertise in new digital work realities." - Avery Zhao, Ensembl'arts Group (Art Crush concerts)
About Nova Scotia Talent Trust
Since 1944, the Talent Trust has provided more than $2 million to over 1,000 Nova Scotians, primarily young people, who have demonstrated talent and potential to become professional artists in theatre, dance, fine craft and design, music, circus arts, media, film, literary, and visual arts. There is no other comparable organization in the country. In 2019, the Talent Trust celebrated its 75th anniversary year featuring former scholarship recipients with a travelling art exhibition, pop-up events in theatre, music, dance, film screenings and more.
About Orchestre classique de Montréal
The Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM), previously known as the McGill Chamber Orchestra, was founded in 1939 by violinist, conductor, and composer Alexander Brott and his wife Lotte Brott. The OCM quickly became one of Canada’s most established chamber orchestras, touring to five continents, recording extensively, and appearing regularly on radio and television. Now led by Boris Brott, OC, OQ, one of Canada’s most internationally renowned conductors, the OCM is a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble consisting of the city’s best professional musicians. The OCM presents concerts throughout the year and is now in residence at the Salle Pierre-Mercure in downtown Montreal.
About Ensembl’arts Group
Founded in 2014, Ensembl’arts creates immersive concert experiences set in unexpected settings and spaces. Somewhere between a traditional concert and performance art, our innovative use of the stage - or non-stage formats - allows us to combine dance and visual arts with classical and contemporary music. In 2016 the ensemble travelled to the Atlantic provinces for performances and filming produced by Mécénat Musica Videoclips. The ensemble collaborates regularly with other groups and organizations, and has recently been a part of the festivals Music and Beyond and Festival Classica. Ensembl’arts is currently Artist in Residence at the Barachois Summer Music Festival 2021 and will be premiering a multidisciplinary creation for Tim Brady’s new composition, Trio Toccata.
