by Kory M on January 26, 2010
On January 26, I, along with about 30 other Edmontonian social media types were treated to an exclusive sneak peak inside the City’s newest “attraction”.
The title of the post came from the tour… it seems they reffered to the move as “Back to Square 2″: An updated, rethought, re-imagining of a momentous building in the city, but also, the address of the Gallery, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square.
Sarah Hoyles, Media Relations & Communications Coordinator, and Gilles Hebert, Executive Director, led us on a tour of the galleries, the social spaces, rooftop patio, restaurant, teaching spaces, theatre, and even the newest Starbucks in town.
While it was enjoyable there was some dissapointing news:
- No wireless internet in the Art Gallery;
- No student day/or reduced admission for students;
- No word on upcoming exhibits (while I did ask, the tour leaders were understandbly quite quiet about future shows).
But the project did finish:
- On budget;
- On time;
- Not in last place.
So, I guess it is better then a few other attractions in the city (read: Oilers).
I can’t wait to see the shows currently up at the AGA when it finally opens the doors to the public on January 31.
Thank you to everyone who was on the tour, and to the wonderful Art Gallery for reaching out to our community. The rest of the photos are up here!
by Kory M on January 25, 2010
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, you will probably agree that musicians have an inherent ability to collaborate. They even have their own word for it. Musicians “jam” together all the time, and every musician that I know enjoys playing together more then practicing alone.
Why should we collaborate?
- Ownership breeds acceptance.
- The best people are not in your group.
- Synergy, the sum is greater then the parts.
- Increased power, influence, and resources.
- Investing rule #1: Diversity ensures growth.
How to collaborate?
- Utilize interconnections.
- Find individuals and groups with parallel interests.
- Provide specific goal sets to the appropriate individuals.
- Focus on noticeable impact rather then tireless work.
- Create suitable physical and online collaborative spaces
How to stay effective?
- Use meeting time to meet, not schedule.
- Require goal oriented focus at every interaction.
- Work within time assigned tasks, define short/long term.
- Give credit where credit is due.
- Democratic decision making.
Don’t be afraid to commit you, and your groups time to a collaboration that is parallel to your vision, but may not point specifically to your vision. Those that you work with will be the ones that work with you in the future.
Let’s take a lesson from all the musicians; start naturally collaborating and create something great together.
by Kory M on January 21, 2010
After hearing about a sneak peek of Alberta’s newest gallery from Mack Male, I was really hoping that I would be contacted to attend. Low and behold I was invited and very much look forward to the tour, as well as documenting the tour on my blog, and twitter, and then sharing it with the world.
Bloggers’ Day at the AGA: The AGA would like to invite you, as part of Edmonton’s social media community, to a private tour of the our new building led by AGA Executive Director, Gilles Hebert.
I have not heard from any one else who has been invited to the tour, but I assume as Mack posted it, that he is invited, presuming that it will not be a two person private tour hosted by Mr. Hebert, I am wondering who else they invited? Just bloggers? Tweeps? Flickrs? Popular peeps on Youtube?
by Kory M on January 21, 2010
Two weeks ago I was playing around in the iPhone App store and thought to myself how cool it would be if I had my own iPhone App.
I wanted something that would connect my blog, my twitter, and my Youtube. I was also hoping for some flickr integration, but I am sure that is on it’s way.
Needless to say, working with MotherApp BlogEngine, I was able to launch a Kory Mathewson iPhone App, available for download as of January 21 2010.
I am very impressed with the look and feel of the application, and it seamlessly integrates several of my online profiles, not all, but several. 
This application is sure to create some buzz and interest, and is really motivating me to produce good content for the blog-twitter-youtubes.
Take a look at it, rate it, review it and then let me know what you think!
I have already marked a few posts and tweets as my favorite. Improvements that could be made include:
- integration with flickr,
- adding a search, and
- adding a small picture on the about page.
