The Trickster Project is the largest component of the Calgary International Children's Festival's Community Arts Programs. Established in 2007, the Trickster Project was based on the award-winning Winnipeg Circus Arts and Magic Partnership (C.A.M.P.), providing over 20,000 inner city and rural Northern Manitoba youth with a sense of purpose and self-confidence since 1996. Since 2007, the Calgary project has provided youth at-risk with a weeklong opportunity to work alongside internationally renowned professional artists in an interactive performing arts experience. The 2007 and 2008 Projects saw 200 Aboriginal youth from Calgary's inner city develop skills in theatre, dance, puppetry and circus arts. Each year, the weeklong urban mentorship has culminated in the young participants proudly sharing their newfound skills with their parents, teachers and peers in a private community performance prior to public performances at the Calgary International Children's Festival.
The Trickster Project is not possible without support from people and businesses in the community. For more information on sponsoring the Trickster Project, please contact .
Create A Kite
The Create A Kite Program proudly displays the Festival's commitment to cultural diversity, as well as the artistic achievements of 150 elementary and junior high classrooms. Each year, the Festival provides hundreds of Calgary classes with one 5'x 4' kite kit. Participating classes are asked to build and design a kite celebrating a world culture. The program is an excellent opportunity for teachers and students to research and discover world culture, aerodynamics and the important historical and social role the kite has played over the centuries.
In addition to being a practical resource tool, the program is also an excellent way for school children to participate in the Festival, celebrate cultural awareness, take pride in their school, and share their creations with the Calgary community. All participating schools are given the opportunity to proudly display their kite designs on Olympic Plaza during Festival week.
The Festival is proud to have BowArk Energy sponsor the Create A Kite Program.
Festival in the Hospital
The Festival's Hospital Program provides children residing at the Alberta Children's Hospital with an opportunity to interact with professional artists through performances and interactive workshops. The program continues to ensure that children who unable to attend the Festival receive exceptional performing arts experiences in the comfort and safety of the hospital environment.
This program began with the realization many children cannot experience the Festival due to confinement
in the Alberta Children's Hospital. This program not only brings joy to the hospital, it also engages the children in interactive workshops conducted by professional artists.
The Festival is proud to have Devon Canada sponsor the Festival in the Hospital Program.
in the Alberta Children's Hospital. This program not only brings joy to the hospital, it also engages the children in interactive workshops conducted by professional artists.