July 2020 | Page 15

Leacross Foundation We are so grateful for the ongoing support of one of our most loyal funders: Roslyn Bern, President of the Leacross Foundation. Leacross Foundation has been a staunch supporter of MASC for over 15 years and we appreciate all that Roslyn brings to MASC: her enthusiasm, her dedicated involvement and her deep belief in the work we do. Roslyn frequently attends MASC events, connecting with participants and professional artists and enjoying the day as much as they do! Roslyn is the kind of partner that supports MASC’s very foundation and is the key supporter behind the MASC Your Story Festival. The Leacross Foundation’s support of MASC allows us to reach far and wide, sharing the joy of exceptional artistic experiences. Thank you Roslyn! MASC is still standing strong. “What a year this has been for this organization. First school strikes and now a pandemic. But …. MASC is still standing strong. Watching how MASC artists and staff are responding in the face of so many challenges is a joy. The staff are moving mountains to stay in touch and help artists access whatever support they can at a time when incomes are being eroded on all sides. They are striving to make sure that not only is MASC ready to get moving again when the crisis has passed but that it will emerge more diverse and nimbler, with new offerings going forward. Artists are energetically taking up new tools. There are engaging, live, on-line courses in dance and theatre; visual artists are turning their considerable creative energies into producing personalized protective gear; the news is filled with on-line performances and unique collaborations. As everyone works through this hard time, the spirit of collegiality in the MASC community is palpable. What the organization does is of course the centre of everything, but how that work is done is also significant. I see the MASC team respecting and valuing everyone’s contribution and not only working for the future of the organization but also seeking to make a positive contribution in the wider community at this challenging time. This is such a difficult, strange and confusing time. It’s hard to know what to say to people, so I will simply finish by wishing everyone well. I send my hopes that when this has passed we can all get back to the work we love, the people we love. I do believe this dark time holds out some hope, some potential that new things will grow; things that will help us find even better ways of living and being together.” Jennifer Cayley, MASC co-founder We invite you to see a video of Jennifer’s message here. 15