Allison Shields

Hey Sofar Team!

My name is Allison, but you can call me Allie. I'm a queer writer of latinx and Irish descent who loves people, music, art and holding space for those to enjoy it openly. Sofar has been such a crucial aspect of my engagement with the local art scene. Having the privilege to attend over 10 shows and share them with my community, it's a pleasure to be writing with the intent of your MC position.

As a creative, I constantly strive to explore ways I can nurture my passions in my field. In 2019 a fellow writer and I started our podcast I Like Your Dress. This allowed me to not only gain a skillset in hosting; it allowed me to connect with local artists, businesses and musicians in a deeper more intimate setting. This passion for navigating and creating platforms for artists gave me a deeper sense of purpose and allowed me to further seek opportunities where I can provide more of those spaces.

As a recent graduate of KPU's Creative Writing Program, I am looking to further build my relationship with my local writing and music community. I would value the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other passionate creatives in an organization that aligns with similar values.

As a writer and creative in unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, I want to continue to bring creatives together and hold spaces for them. I believe my bubbly self-sufficient work ethic, heart for people and ability to work well in teams make me an ideal candidate for your MC position.

Thank you for this opportunity and your consideration,

Sincerely,

Allison Shields

(She/Her)

Experience

Creative People Who Write

Creator and Workshop Facilitator

-September 2021-Present

Columnist for SAD Mag

-January 2022-Present

I Like Your Dress Podcast

Co-Host, Co-Producer and Editor

-January 2018 to Present

The Gallery Blog

Creator of pandemic art submission newsletter

--March 2019-January 2020

Community and MC roles

• Host and co-producer of the podcast I Like Your Dress spotlighting businesses, musicians and causes that support inclusivity, social justice, environment and meaningful practices in the city.
• MC for The Coffee Archives; a poetry performance which features the work of students
• Creative Writer Workshop facilitator for youth and adults for Richmond and Surrey School District
• Performer of spoken word at local poetry and open mic events
• Adapts easily to crowds and different energy levels, showcasing improvisational skills for unexpected situations
• Burlesque Performer with Vancouver Burlesque Co.

Creative Writing

• Columnist for inclusive and Vancouver-based literary Magazine SAD Mag
• Has written well-received personal essays, short fiction and poetry collections
• Creator and writer for pandemic newsletter The Gallery Blog
• Founder of the KPU Creative Writing Community Club Creative People Who Write
• Organized a Creative Writing Writer's Camping Retreat at a Maple Ridge Hobby Farm.

Podcasting

• Co-Creator and Artistic Director for the podcast I Like Your Dress.
• Developed website and designed social media posts
• Connected and liaised with guests for the show
• Demonstrated excellent networking and use of marketing skill set for establishing fan base and future growth

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing

—September 2014-January 2023

Burnsview Secondary

Dogwood Dipolma

— June 2013