We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Micheline Shoebridge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Micheline below.
Micheline, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I guess I have always been optimistic because my parents are. They have always been solution-oriented people, especially my father. I have seen them face many challenges over the years and their approach has always been to figure out what needs to be done and to put the work in to make it happen. My dad has always been the one to put his hand up when help is needed and I seem to have followed in his footsteps. My approach is always to find solutions, never to lay blame as I find that a waste of time. Finding the source of an issue is only helpful if you are trying to avoid it in the future.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the Executive Director at MASC, a charitable community arts organization that brings the arts and culture alive for over 150,000 children, youth, and seniors each year.
MASC represents a roster of 55+ professional artists and artist groups of diverse backgrounds, who annually offer more than 2000 workshops, 800 performances and 100 in-depth artist-in-residence programs. Our artists identify with a wide range of diverse communities and offer programming in all artistic disciplines, including music, dance, drama, literary arts, media and visual arts.
I believe strongly in the power of art as a catalyst to bring people together and improve the communities we live in. My work at MASC allows me to witness this every day. Artists are special group of people who approach life in a unique way that provides insight, awareness, joy, empowerment and so much more. It is a gift to see this in action and a privilege to work alongside and support professional artists.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I try to approach my work with a “Yes, and…” philosophy. I am constantly looking for opportunities, connections and innovative approaches. This leads to new partnerships, meeting new people, and being introduced to exciting new ideas.
Managed growth: While it’s important to keep looking for ways to grow and innovate, it’s important to do that in a way that is manageable and sustainable, especially for your team. If everyone is burnt out, then striving ahead is not a good idea.
The concept of stewardship is an important one for me. Ultimately I believe it means taking the time to properly manage a task, an event, a relationship. And while a lot of that comes down to logisitics and budgeting, ultimately, it really all comes down to people. Making sure that people are listened to, their needs taken care of, their ideas respected and spaces are made to be inclusive are all essential for a rich and healthy work environment.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
We are always looking for support to provide programming to equity-deserving communities, be that schools or in community centres, seniors venues or youth programs. Our artists are experienced and passionate, they provide an incredible variety of engaging programs that allow participants to express themselves, explore creative avenues and build bridges with each other through the arts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.masconline.ca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masconline/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masc.artseducation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/masconline
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASConline
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@masconline
Image Credits
Martin Lipman, Marianne Duval, Bill Juillette
