Village Gamer

Cloud intranet provider Igloo Software has announced the launch of the AlbertaArtsRebuild intranet site in conjunction with Calgary Arts Development. The pro bono project is designed to bring together 37 organizations in a virtual space to assess the flood impact, facilitate connections, distribute relief funds and coordinate restoration projects across southern Alberta.

Within a two week span after the first surge, Calgary Arts Development received a total of 108 reports from organizations and individual artists citing losses. Early estimates have pegged the number at over $3 million, including damaged or destroyed venues, offices and homes; loss of equipment or supplies; and lost revenue due to cancelled contracts and events.

“Arts organizations in southern Alberta are experiencing both short- and long-term impact from the devastating 2013 floods,” said Terry Rock, President and CEO of Calgary Arts Development. “Over 30 agencies are attempting to collaborate across the province to find solutions, and we needed an online platform to help facilitate this work.”

“More and more, organizations are moving away from legacy systems and turning towards software that’s built for a fast-moving, post-PC world,” said Dan Latendre, CEO of Igloo Software. “When Terry reached out to explain their collaboration challenges, we jumped at the opportunity to participate because we’re ideally suited for those facing compressed timelines, silos of information, tight budgets and dispersed teams.”

Participating organizations include:

• The City of Calgary
• Canada Council for the Arts
• Writers Guild of Alberta
• Mount Royal University
• University of Calgary
• Alberta Culture
• Alberta Museums Association
• Theatre Alberta

Donations to the Alberta Arts Flood Rebuild project can be made through AlbertaArtsRebuild.ca. If you would like to support the arts by providing specific resources or skills, please visit Calgary Arts Development.