Artistic Adaptation and Innovation
Submitted by Amy Terrill
Adaptation and Innovation are an art form in and of themselves – and 2020/21 certainly has created much cause for this. We may all be tired of hearing the word “pivot” but those who have been able to, have fared better. Two of KLAC’s members have shared their stories about pivoting. Join the conversation and tell us how you’ve adapted.
BGC Kawarthas – Youth Music Makers
How have you adapted your practice or business to the ongoing pandemic?
Prior to the pandemic our music programming took place in-person and at the club. The lockdowns required a total about-face! We’ve been able to run multiple 10-week virtual programs via zoom, focusing on different areas of music creation.
What have you learned?
Engagement is king! Now that the program participants are in the comfort of their own homes, they have the ability to turn off their camera and mute themselves if they’re bored. This presents program creators and facilitators with the task of creating curriculums that center primarily on involvement and engagement. How can we make something that teaches while simultaneously involving participation? It makes us better!
Is there anything you’re doing now that you anticipate you’ll continue to do post-pandemic?
I believe we have learned what an asset virtual programming can be for some rural youth who wouldn’t otherwise be able to come to the club to participate. Now we know we have the option of running programs in-person AND virtually so we can reach a wider range of participants. If there’s interest, we can make it work!
Mariposa Woolen Mill & Farm Market
How have you adapted your practice or business to the ongoing pandemic?
We created a website link to allow for direct online and curbside pickup sales. More local food items were added to our farm market shop to support other local businesses to try to weather the storm together. We also started to offer our workshops online. This has allowed us to include participants from all over Canada as well as the USA, even as far as California!
In June 2020 we launched the Kawartha Box, a curated box of local goodies which can be picked up at our market or delivered. It features a variety of businesses and makers from Kawartha Lakes and areas, including items such as handmade soaps, pantry items, seasonal produce and fresh baking! 5% of sales is donated right back into our community.
What have you learned?
You never know what is going to work. You just need to have the start of a plan and begin, allowing yourself grace and opportunity to change directions when something else changes. The pandemic is forcing us to get creative and step outside our comfort zone.
Is there anything you’re doing now that you anticipate you’ll continue to do post-pandemic?
We will continue on with most of what we have started during the pandemic. The Kawartha Box will continue and our hope is to grow. Supporting the community during COVID is important however, continuing this support for the small businesses post pandemic is essential. It truly takes a village to make this all work.
As a busy mother of 4, I have come to appreciate curbside pick-up so I believe keeping this as an option is beneficial. Whatever makes life easier for people.
What have you done to adapt during the last 15 months? Share your stories with us on Facebook.
