Much Ado About… Media?
No Audience
Quick introduction… My name is Justin Quinton, I have lived in the Hat almost 6 years, originally from Newfoundland (although my accent has all but been repressed) and I have been digging through this city since day one to find a ‘scene’. Any scene. Music, art, theatre… even a pretentious artsy group that won’t give me the time of day. This has led me to discover two things; Yes there is enormous amounts of talent here! And no, not a lot of people care.
I know within this blog I’m probably speaking directly to the people that do care. And you probably already believe that media deserves more recognition in southern Alberta. What I came up with over a year ago is a concept for an arts magazine. I spent a weekend brainstorming and planning and left it at that. About a week ago while surfing I stumbled upon Medicine Hat Media and seen that it was reflecting a lot of the ideas that I wanted to do with the magazine. Instantly my spark renewed and I wanted to put forth a concept for a magazine I call “No Audience”. It’s about art, music, and life here in Southern Alberta and to bring forward the best works of our local artists in a professional glossy magazine.
I myself am a musician, photographer and ‘graphic design dabbler’ here in the city. I don’t claim to be the best nor do I do any of those things for profit (I have another job, 3 kids and a mortgage). What would be really cool is if the right people see this, want to work on it, want to contribute, take it to where it needs to go, and be a showcase for all too see our local talents… to create a scene!
Thanks for your time. This is the cover I designed to spark interest in the project. The model is a local girl named Robyn Homans and I did the photography.
November 24th, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Vaughn says:
I know for sure there is at least a couple “scenes” going on, like the Ottoman Indie music scene (as I like to call it), then the downtown art scene which mostly consists of past or present visual communications teachers and students. There’s now three or more art galleries downtown (if you include the Esplanade) – so it is expanding a bit, it will just take some time I think.
November 24th, 2009 at 9:28 AM
Derek Gavey says:
I agree, there is a lost of scenes beginning, although I do like Justin’s idea of bringing them together. I’m not sure a magazine, or other print publication would be the best way to do it, but I’m a decidedly new media kind of guy.
It would be great to have a social online gathering place of events and artists to showcase our local talented artists. I look forward to seeing what this may turn into.
November 24th, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Vaughn says:
Saying that though… if this goes through, I would love to submit something every issue – some of my artwork, website showcases, design stuff, or whatever, enough for a couple pages. As long as I get a copy 🙂
This project kind of reminds me of Kelly Bryksa’s idea:
http://www.medicinehatmedia.com/2009/01/pen-ink/
Hopefully this one takes off though because it is less specific and easier to manage content.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Justin says:
Yes things are improving as far as the arts are concerned for sure. It’s getting more recognition and a person can keep busy attending regular events. I suppose deep down I would like to see the vibrant and appreciated arts community I left on the east coast. But that’s a matter shifting an entire culture to put the arts higher up the priority list. That isn’t going to happen over night…but in the mean time we as artists can at least give it 100%. I think as a whole when we are doing our jobs to the best of our ability, it will get noticed. The reputation of Medicine Hat can reach beyond the borders of Alberta, from coast to coast. Making a national impact!
Here’s hoping! I don’t plan on moving anywhere soon. lol
November 24th, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Justin says:
…and thanks for posting my ‘article’! I appreciate it!
November 27th, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Sean says:
I would be interested in submitting stuff as well, sounds like a blast.
December 4th, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Justin says:
I created a podcast to get the ball rolling on this idea. I’m hoping to keep on top of it and make some progress over the winter.
Link:
http://noaudience.podbean.com/