Vibrant Communities

ARTS & CULTURE
United States
n Guthrie Theater, Minnesota: RBC provides a
US$10,000 sponsorship to the Guthrie Experience for
Actors in Training program. The sponsorship enables
the program to provoke and challenge emerging
actors through training workshops, discussions and
working sessions.
n The Loft Literary Center, Minnesota: RBC donated
US$3,500 to support the Loft Mentor Series in Poetry
and Creative Prose. The Series offers 12 emerging
Minnesota writers the opportunity to work with
nationally acclaimed writers of prose and poetry
for one year.
Caribbean
n Social Justice Foundation, Trinidad and Tobago:
RBC donated $7,500 to enable the Foundation to train
disadvantaged youth in film and video production in
rural communities.
South America
n Nola Hatterman Institute, Suriname: RBC donated
$5,000 to support several platforms of artistic
development for emerging artists, particularly
encouraging those training to become professional
artists in visual arts and design.
“I consider it a privilege to have served as
president and Board member of the Stratford Arts
Foundation. The programs enhance the quality of
life for citizens. Music and art expand the minds
of everyone, including our youth. I’m also proud to
serve as a governor on the Board of the Stratford
Festival. Often there is no better gift than that of a
volunteer’s time.”
Tom Parisi
Regional Vice President
Stratford, Ontario
Employee Volunteer Spotlight
Other support for arts and culture
We donate to a broad range of arts and culture
organizations around the world, including these in 2012:
Canada
n Alianait Entertainment Group, Iqaluit, Nunavut: RBC
donated $20,000 to help youth build skills through
art and music and ultimately build a healthier
Nunavut through the arts. One of the Group’s major
initiatives is the Alianait Arts Festival. Now entering
its eighth year, the Festival involves more than 200
volunteers and 180 performers from across Nunavut.
Europe
n Photographic competition, United Kingdom: RBC
held a photographic competition to provide images to
RBC Blue Water Project grant recipient The Woodland
Trust. The Trust uses the photos in their promotional
materials about woodland management to help
conserve and protect British waterways.
Caribbean
n Redemption Sound Setters Steel Orchestra, Trinidad
and Tobago: RBC supported the Steel Orchestra
through a $5,000 donation used to provide a summer
workshop for 40 children in music literacy.
“The Minnesota Sinfonia is a non-profit
professional orchestra that brings the orchestra
experience to underserved communities,
especially children at inner-city schools, seniors,
families with young children and those living
with limited means. I love volunteering with the
orchestra. Everyone is so passionate about the
music and the audience. The music is professional
and high calibre, and it’s just heart-warming to
bring this experience to our audience.”
Laura Carlson
Senior HR Business Partner
Minneapolis, Minnesota
2012 Vibrant Communities Report 22