Performing Arts

As a celebration of the arts from all over the world, the International Children's Festival aims to increase global understanding, stimulate imaginations, promote an appreciation for the performing arts and generate positive childhood memories. Every year, different international performers participate to create a unique experience.

Performances are held in the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts located in downtown Calgary, adjacent to Olympic Plaza and across from Calgary's City Hall. The Glenbow Museum theatre is located nearby and houses many performances. Olympic Plaza offers a space for face painting, craft making, storytelling and wandering performers. Performances in the past have included: Black Umfolosi, an eight man group from Zimbabwe who present African song and dance in energetic performances, and several musical performers like Paul Hann, Brenda Baker, and the Junior Noodle Wave.

Organizers of the festival believe in the old adage that a whole village of individuals and their varying talents and expertise are required to raise a child. Therefore, the festival promotes the arts through many programs. The outreach program gives economically disadvantaged children, who would normally not be able to afford admission, an opportunity to attend festival performances. Donations from corporate, business, and individual supporters help to make the outreach program a reality. In addition, sick children, who are hospitalized, would not normally have the chance to participate in the International Children's

Festival. Therefore, festival performers visit the Alberta Children's Hospital in order to give patients the opportunity to experience the arts. The festival makes a list every year of shows that would be of interest to children with special needs. Another special feature of the festival is a specially prepared teachers guide which provides ideas for ways of integrating festival content into classrooms.