Drum Artz Canada (DAC)
Mandate
Drum Artz Canada (DAC) is a not-for-profit that promotes Toronto's multicultural arts community and believes in fostering active participation in community life. DAC professionally coordinates rehearsals, workshops, performances and educational opportunities in music, dance, visual art and theatre.
Gili Gurvitz, Danielle Lafond, and Stephanie Allen make up DACC’s Executive Team. All three share a passion for enriching community life through the arts.
Gili Gurvitz is the founder and executive director of DACC. Gili has been a percussionist and member of Samba Squad since 1999. She leads art and music workshops for children, youth and adults in community centres, schools, universities, colleges and businesses. For the last 8 years, Gili has been on the management team of a prepress company, improving workplace efficiency, developing production and billing systems and training employees. At DACC, Gili directs the artistic vision of all programs and events and oversees DACC’s operations as a whole.
Danielle Lafond is DACC’s program director. Danielle’s involvement with Samba Squad since 2002 led her to become involved in DACC projects. As a Social Worker (B.S.W.), Danielle has worked intensely with diverse children and youth, including those from low-income families and with behavioural challenges. Danielle is currently completing a Master's in Education (M.Ed) at the University of Toronto (OISE) in anti-racism studies. In 2004 Danielle founded Para el Mundo (PaM) Canada, a registered Canadian charity that focuses on enhancing the capacity of a small community in Peru. Danielle’s professional experience, music background and expertise in community development is utilized in the direction of all DACC programs.
Stephanie Allen is DACC’s executive producer and project manager. Stephanie has been a contributor and supporter of Toronto arts and cultural activities for most of her life and in 2005 she co-created the Samba Kidz Program with Gili Gurvitz. For the last ten years, Stephanie has been managing and producing for the Toronto printing industry. Most recently, as a project manager at Redwood Custom Communications for The Home Depot focusing on branded content. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Technology and minor in Marketing from Ryerson University. Stephanie’s business experience and professional background facilitates DACC’s communication, helps manage creative teams, clients, timelines, budgets, and marketing plans.
DAC's application for charitable status has been submitted to Revenue Canada and is currently pending. We expect a decision by the summer of 2008.
Gili Gurvitz, President
Danielle Lafond, Treasurer
Stephanie Allen, Secretary
Volunteers
DAC projects depend on help from volunteers, including community members, parents, and youth. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Danielle Lafond <danielle@drumartz.com>.
Click here for more information.
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