Message from Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Canadian Heritage / Ministre du Patrimoine canadien

For the past 35 years, the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival—the first and largest event of its kind in North America—has brought together residents and visitors to enjoy the talents of performers from across the country and around the world. This year, however, is not like other years. For months, COVID-19 has transformed our everyday lives. As a result, arts and culture have taken on added significance. They have inspired, entertained and comforted us in these difficult times.

The 2020 Festival has moved online, and has been able to continue to provide audiences with the bold, diverse and original programming for which StreetFest is known.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I would like to thank all the organizers and performers for persevering under these circumstances, reinventing the Festival and bringing this year’s celebration to life.

Depuis 35 ans, l’Edmonton International Street Performers Festival – le premier et le plus grand rendez-vous du genre en Amérique du Nord – rassemble les résidents et les visiteurs de la région pour qu’ils puissent voir à l’œuvre de talentueux artistes venus des quatre coins du pays et du monde. Cette année, cependant, n’est pas comme les autres. Au cours des derniers mois, la pandémie de la COVID-19 a profondément transformé notre quotidien. Depuis, les arts et la culture occupent une importante place dans nos vies. Ils nous inspirent, nous divertissent et nous réconfortent en ces temps difficiles.

C’est en ligne que le Festival se déploie en 2020. Il pourra ainsi continuer à offrir au public la programmation audacieuse, diversifiée et originale qui a fait sa réputation.

À titre de ministre du Patrimoine canadien, j’aimerais remercier tous les organisateurs et les artistes qui ont persévéré malgré les circonstances. Ce faisant, ils ont réinventé le StreetFest et donné vie aux festivités de cette année.Yours truly,

Steven Guilbeault

Message from His Worship
Mayor Don Iveson

On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to the 36th annual Edmonton International Street Performers Festival!

As Canada’s oldest celebration devoted exclusively to street theatre, Streetfest is a beloved staple in our summer calendar, attracting more than 200,000 attendees annually. Normally, performers and entertainers from around the world descend on our fabulous city to deliver an array of comedic, emotional and mystifying performances throughout our streets and parks. And while COVID-19 has put a wrench in this tradition, it’s certainly not stopping the show from going on. This year, adults and children alike are invited to enjoy the same awe-inducing performances from the comfort of their own homes, while still supporting the talent of so many people.

I thank the International Street Performers Festival Society and all the wonderful volunteers and sponsors who make this festival possible. The enduring success of this event is a direct result of your diligent efforts, and Edmontonians are grateful for your determination to ensure the shows will go on during this unprecedented time.

Best wishes for an entertaining and enjoyable festival!

Yours truly,

Don Iveson
Mayor