Alberta’s largest celebration of arts, heritage, diversity and community spirit returns all September long.
A record 99 organizations received grants from the Alberta government to host online or in-person Alberta Culture Days events this September. More than $300,000 will support a variety of activities in communities across the province, including traditional dancing, live performances, arts and crafts, festivals and more.
September is also the Month of the Artist in Alberta, and funding will help many local artists performing at Alberta Culture Days receive payment for their work. In this spirit, Albertans can also support artists through the many events featuring local talent.
“Alberta Culture Days demonstrates our vibrant arts, culture, diversity and community spirit. I invite all Albertans to put on a mask and attend the wide array of in-person events happening across the province. And with many options online, anyone, even those abroad, can experience Alberta from the safety and comfort of their own home.” Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women
Five Feature Celebration Sites received funding for three days of free, family-friendly events and online activities.
Brooks Public Library
Chinese Benevolent Association of Edmonton
Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement
Stettler Friends of the Library Society
Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre Inc., Calgary
A total of 73 host celebration sites received funding for up to two days of activities and 21 pop-up celebration sites received funding for one day. Provincially operated historic sites and museums open year round, including the Royal Alberta Museum and Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, are also offering free admission and special programming from September 25 to 27. Visitors need to reserve their tickets online in advance, to accommodate reduced capacity.
A list of events is available at albertaculturedays.ca.
Quick facts
More than 100,000 Albertans participated in Alberta Culture Days celebrations in 2019 with 55 communities hosting 424 events.
This year, to compliment Month of the Artist in Alberta and help support and promote artists in the province, Alberta Culture Days changed to a month long celebration in September.
Alberta Culture Days started in 2008 as a celebration of Alberta’s arts and cultural communities, known as Alberta Arts Day.
In 2009, it changed from a one-day event to a three-day celebration, helping to inspire the establishment of National Culture Days in 2010.
In 2012, Alberta Arts Days was renamed Alberta Culture Days.
Provincial Press Release August 31, 2020 1:33 pm
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