Artistic Director / Executive Producer

OSGG is seeking the services of a Contractor to develop, coordinate and execute a show as part of the 2017 Masquerade for Mental Health event. This includes the elaboration of an artistic concept, the event production coordination of the artistic concept, the contracting of artists (performers), and the coordination of technical requirements/components, in consultation with, and as directed by, OSGG. The successful Contractor will be required to deliver a coherent and entertaining package that can be adapted to meet the outreach and educational goals of the event.

The show should offer a distinctive and original experience and should highlight artists both French- and English-speaking, as well as Indigenous artists who embrace the cause of mental health and who will encourage Canadians, with special focus on young Canadians, to speak openly about mental illness and seek the help they need.

Background

Over the past six years, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston, spouse of the governor general of Canada, has focused on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and promoting the importance of a community that is inclusive and accepting of people with mental illness. Through her many trips across Canada and abroad, she has visited a wide variety of organizations with innovative mental health practices, programs and research projects working to improve the lives of individuals. She has listened to and shared inspirational testimonies reflecting the realities, the challenges of women, men and youth, living with mental illness. In short, she has become a leading voice for the mental health cause.

On September 9, 2017, the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) will host a Masquerade for Mental Health event on the grounds of Rideau Hall, in Ottawa. The main goal of the event is to instill a “new culture” of awareness within the general public and to highlight the importance of recognizing that mental health issues are a part of life, that mental illness must be viewed no differently than physical illness, and that acceptance and reaching out for early intervention is key to recovery. It will engage the general public, in understanding the importance of mental health, accepting mental illness, and changing attitudes and behaviours surrounding mental health issues.

This event will coincide with the festivities to celebrate Canada’s 150^th anniversary. Not only will it mark the historical milestone, but it will also be an opportunity to bring and connect Canadians together and illustrate what Canada is doing nationally (from coast to coast to coast) for mental health.

The architecture and grounds of Rideau Hall will become festive and alive with informative and interactive platforms (kiosks) and activities for the general public to explore. It will be a space where Canadians can engage with several key mental health stakeholders to discuss and share innovative best practices and prevention strategies. This activity will bring together and shine a spotlight on the work of several organizations Her Excellency has worked with across Canada, all of which address mental health in different settings, and target various clienteles, including Indigenous peoples.

Throughout the event, guests will be invited to create their own masks and to wear them. The look and feel of the entire event will be that of a fair/carnival, or a masquerade. To that end, the grounds of Rideau Hall will be enhanced through lighting and other means to create the ambiance of a masquerade ball. “Pop-up” stages will be dispersed throughout the grounds, allowing for artistic presentations by aspiring youth and artists from different disciplines (music, dance, theatre, visual arts). The evening will feature a mainstage performance of artists, both French- and English-speaking, as well as Indigenous artists, who embrace the cause of mental health.