Tourism Media Award Finalist

“In a province known internationally for its oil and cowboys we are proud to present Alberta’s artists and patrons – an often overlooked division of Alberta’s tourism economy,” says Digital Time Machine Inc. creators of documentary Dreamers and Doers, 100 Years of Arts and Culture in Alberta .

The 48-minute production for Alberta’s Centennial is done in a storytelling style, told in the words of those speaking on their genre of the Alberta art scene – be it music, anthropology, history, painting or theatre. In 2004, DTMInc traveled more than 30,000 kilometres in Alberta from Waterton to Cold Lake, from Medicine Hat to Grande Prairie collecting 51 hours of footage to make the documentary.

“The biggest challenge was compiling the wealth of information into a coherent story and making it something people would enjoy watching. It has history and biography and facts which traditionally can be very dry content. I think we managed to keep the yawn factor pretty low. We asked and Albertans gave. They surprised us with sharing their heartfelt stories and their enthusiasm for heritage. Next vacation spend it at home, go to Rosebud and do dinner theatre, 'play in clay' with a wood fired kiln while looking over the foothills, gain a deeper understanding of the bronze sculptures in our malls and airports and sports centres by visiting the bronze foundry in Cochrane! No matter where you are in the province you can’t escape the omnipresence of Alberta arts and culture.”

Digital Time Machine Inc., was established in 2002, when Leather Pass Productions and Delphinus 18 Productions joined forces.

This Alto recognizes excellence in travel journalism, specifically stories that capture Alberta vacation experiences.

	3:39 PM, 11/21/05
Alto Award runner up DTMI continues to promote Alberta's arts and cultural industry Alto Award runner up DTMI continues to establish itself as a promoter of Alberta's arts and cultural industry. Following the one hour centennial documentary on Alberta’s Arts and Cultures DTMI pursued awareness raising with the celebration of the first Heritage Gala hosted by the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Jasper. In partnership with the Heritage Community Foundation, the Buffalo Nations Museum, and the Jasper Yellowhead Museum DTMI and the Sawridge Inn brought out the some of the best the province has to offer in Cultural Tourism potential. From artwork by reknowned artists Alex Janvier and Dale Auger to the dancers from the Ben Calf Robe School – the Heritage Gala united the provinces' cultural sector as never before. From the 10am opening prayer by elder Jimmy O'Cheise to the closing Gala Salmon Potlatch dinner followed by Aboriginal Bluesman BillyJoe Green – the Sawridge Inn was a treat for all the senses. Following quickly on the heels of the Gala success - music, food, dance and art continue to be the emphasis in DTMI’s next endeavor – a Cultural Touring Map. ''We cannot deny the $150 million that is created in the province annually from artistic activities and events – or the 3500 jobs. This sector of Alberta’s economy is a valid and truly sustainable resource''. ''Before my last vacation I spent months with the usual Frommers and Lonely Planet guides picking out the galleries and theatres I didn't want to miss, and tried to book accommodation near the venues. It would have been so nice to have one guide, one map that told me where to stay and where to eat near the museums and the concert halls. Such a map is what we hope to offer Alberta’s tourists,'' explains Marianne Garrah, cultural portfolio manager at DTMI.

This initial map will cover the circle from Calgary, Edmonton, Jasper, Banff and back to Calgary. ''Imagine staying within walking distance of the opera. Or finding out that you are next door to the little theatre that didn’t make the Lonely Planet guide.'' Garrah wishes to take this initiative to the Travel Alberta PIP (Partners in Promotion) consumer shows to promote this often-overlooked sector of Alberta’s economy. Call to action; Anyone wishing to get on this map should contact Marianne at dtminc@shaw.ca or 780.852.0359. Soon! Source: DTMI, Marianne Garrah, (17/11/05) & the web editors