Open Call for Board Members
Following a joyful and transformative festival in 2023, New Forms Media Society is looking for community members who share an interest in shaping the future of New Forms as a member of our board of directors.
Since 2000, New Forms has played a critical role in supporting forward-thinking events and spaces dedicated to underground electronic music and art on the unceded and ancestral territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. As part of our mandate to unite creative communities, push artistic and conceptual boundaries, and explore digital media as an art form, New Forms has delivered 20 editions of the New Forms Festival, New Forms Digital, and more.
Our current board members represent a diverse cross-section of the New Forms community. The only requirement is sharing our passion for underground electronic music, art, and culture.
Our board has made it a priority to ensure that we are welcoming to new board members by making participation as inclusive and low-barrier as possible.
New Forms is committed to ongoing learning about how to support our communities in their efforts to bring about positive social change. We work internally and with the support of external consultants to ensure that our policies foster events and spaces that prioritize inclusivity and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities.
You could be a great addition to the New Forms board if you...
- want to participate in the governance of a non-profit society
- take part in building sustainable organizations that can support the local community while fostering connections with international movements
- have a keen interest in electronic music and digital media
- are interested in creating visibility and opportunities for emerging music and art practices in your local community and internationally
- want to see more Indigenous, Black, and other POC representation in arts and music events
- want to be involved in the evolving music and arts scene in Vancouver, along with the spaces that allow these events to take place and thrive.
Why be a New Forms Board Member?
Being on the board of a not-for-profit organization is a great way to learn skills in management and governance that can be applied to other organizations and groups. It's also a way to meet like-minded folks working and volunteering in other professions and disciplines and to stay in touch with what’s happening in music and arts communities.Can anyone become a board member?
Yes! Anyone interested in supporting, growing, and developing the festival and other New Forms activities is eligible to be on our board. As a governing body, our board aims to be informed by the interests and views of the artists and professionals in our community alongside people who attend, volunteer at and otherwise support the festival and other events in our city.Who is currently on the board of directors?
Our current board of directors is composed of:Debbie Lee
Greg McMullen
Gabriella Roestandy
Ivy Astrix
Kit Brayaebrooke
Megan Turner
What are the responsibilities of a New Forms Board Member?
Be prepared to share some of your time. Board Members are expected to participate in 6-8 board meetings per year. Meetings are usually held every two months, in the evening. We recognize that Board Members have a wide range of schedules and time commitments, and we ensure that there are ways to stay engaged and involved through meeting minutes and email groups.There are opportunities to be involved in coordinating sponsorship, community engagement, financial planning and other such activities as a member of the board. Due to the seasonal nature of our events, New Forms does not retain full-time staff throughout the year, so board participation outside of meetings is essential to the operations of the Society.
What are board meetings like?
Our board meetings typically focus on areas of programming, policy development, and financial oversight. They provide a friendly and respectful environment for listening and contributing opinions and suggestions related to New Forms. Recommendations, motions, and noteworthy comments are all documented in meeting minutes, so everyone can stay in the loop even if they aren’t able to attend a meeting. For an example of minutes from our most recent AGM, check this out!Are meetings in person?
Our meetings are hybrid. When it is safe, appropriate and convenient for board members we prefer to get together in person. However, Board Members who aren’t able to attend in person are usually able to attend virtually. While amplifying local talent and voices is a priority for us, we want to extend the opportunity to participate on the board to people living in less urban areas so if you don’t live in or near Vancouver, you are still welcome to be a part of our board!Are Board Members paid?
Our public funding does not allow us to pay a stipend to Board Members for their service on the board. However, Board Members can be paid for specific tasks such as minute-taking, financial management, and others can be compensated. Board Members also receive training and mentorship, free admission to New Forms events, and opportunities to connect with a broader network in arts and music.Do I need experience in governance or a particular skill set?
No. We encourage anyone interested in joining our board to talk to us! Even if you have no prior board experience, we will ensure you have the right tools to participate. We are able to arrange for training for new Board Members through Vantage Pointand provide other resources as required. Additionally, new Board Members can receive direct mentorship from one or more current or past Board Members.As we currently have vacancies for our Treasurer and Secretary positions, we have a particular need for potential members with experience or interest in learning about governance and financial management. Our board also seeks to welcome more members who have experience or training in decolonizing practices, anti-oppression, harm reduction, and other areas that will help us better support our communities. Overall we are looking for a wide range of applicants to represent different aspects and experiences the music and arts sectors
Can I participate in day-to-day operations and programming?
Both yes and no. The Board sets overall priorities and goals for the organization. The Executive Director manages New Forms’ operations and programming. The Director works and consults with the Board and community through board meetings, town halls, and AGMs.New Forms Festival and events have been made possible with the indispensable support of volunteers. Board Members are often involved in a variety of ways, such as organizing fundraisers, getting hands-on at events, or helping us spread the word!
How do I apply?
Send us an email at info@newformsfestival.com with the following:– 200-500 words about yourself and why you want to be on New Forms’ Board of Directors
– A resume or CV
– Optional: Are you interested in applying for the Secretary or Treasurer position?
Applications will be accepted until June 15, 2024.
If you have any questions about board membership or the application process, we would be happy to talk and share some resources that could help you make a decision!