Ivany Campus steps up, replacing Jazz Fest’s stolen banner

When the Halifax Jazz Festival’s 60-foot banner went missing just weeks before the festival was set to begin, NSCC’s Graphic and Print Production program at Ivany Campus didn’t hesitate to step up and help out. Program faculty members Tanya Boudreau and Doug Lewis, along with student Levi Adams, volunteered to reprint and replace the banner – at no cost to the Festival. The new banner was proudly displayed at the festival site on the Halifax Waterfront from July 15 to 20, and will continue to be used in the coming years.

This gesture reflects NSCC’s commitment to supporting community and local culture. “Being able to do this project for an organization like the Halifax Jazz Festival, during their time of need, is so important to us,” says Tanya, Graphic and Print Production faculty. “It was a no-brainer to step in, and with the excellent support at the College, it wasn’t long before we had files printing.”

Printing with purpose

The Graphic and Print Production program often incorporates community projects into their curriculum, so having the opportunity to support the Festival is what faculty call a “win-win situation.”

“I’m always so impressed with the commitment of colleagues to support community,” says Kathleen Allen, Principal of Ivany Campus. “The Festival has become a quintessential part of summer in the city. I’m proud of our faculty members – led by Tanya and Doug – and second-year student Levi for stepping up and volunteering to help the festival organizers after such an unfortunate theft of signage critical to promoting their event.”

Levi, a second-year student in the program with a musical background, says this project highlights the importance of community collaboration. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people when I can. A large portion of events and businesses in our city wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers and the community. I’m proud to have been able to put my printing skills into action to help and show my support for the event and local musicians.”

“It’s important for students to see the impact of their work and understand the needs of our arts and local communities,” says Doug, Graphic and Print Production faculty. “It's so important that we support others whenever we can.”

Supporting the creative community

Celebrating its 40th year, the Halifax Jazz Festival is a non-profit organization that presents over 70% of its programming for free. It relies on community support – both financial and in-kind – to make the event and year-round music education programs possible. “We understood the impact this loss could have,” says Tanya. “We didn’t want them to have to make changes to the event because of an unexpected cost. These events are for everyone and we want it to continue being accessible to all.”

“NSCC’s response was immediate and generous,” says Tenille Goodspeed, Executive Director of Halifax Jazz Festival. “Their support means more than a banner – it's a reminder that the community believes in what we’re doing and wants to see it thrive.”

To learn more about the Festival, visit halifaxjazzfestival.ca.