English-Language Arts Network

Created by Quebec's English-speaking artistic community following the Quebec Arts Summit in November 2004, the English Language Arts Network (ELAN) is a meeting place for English-speaking artists and cultural workers of all disciplines and from every region of Quebec. Through ELAN artists and cultural workers join together to sustain and enhance the cultural institutions which assist them to create and present their art. ELAN creates a place to share expertise and resources, build audiences and alliances, seek support, and make common cause with Francophone colleagues.

In its first year, ELAN registered 250 members and created a website featuring artists' bios, a showcase of their work and an Events Calendar, thanks to funding from Canadian Content Online. In its second year, ELAN launched its popular schmoozers: informal member get-togethers held in bars and restaurants around Montreal and occasionally in the regions. The monthly schmoozers attract 25 to 75 artists from all disciplines and provide a dynamic forum for networking and initiating collaborations. ELAN divides its resources between 'micro' activities - members' services, counseling for artists, networking, professional development - and 'macro' activities - policy development, visibility, advocacy and collaboration with key partners such as QCGN, the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network, the Quebec Writers' Federation and the Quebec Drama Federation. Membership reached 1,800 in 2009.