Message from His Worship
Mayor Don Iveson
On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to this year’s Street Performers Festival.
As Canada’s oldest celebration devoted exclusively to street theatre, StreetFest is a beloved staple in our summer calendar. It’s unfortunate that for the second year in a row, COVID-19 has forced this festival to pivot and shift what it looks like, but it’s good to see that the creative and festive spirit continues. Street performers have this incredible ability to draw people together, create community and add vitality to our lives. As a city, we are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to see this level of talent on our streets.
This year, keep an eye out for roving, masked performers “festivalizing” throughout Edmonton’s streets, keeping the spirit and joy of StreetFest alive. There will also be an opportunity to join online workshops and enjoy performances from the comfort of your own home.
I want to 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. I also want to thank EPCOR Heart & Soul Fund and Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues for working with organizers to help make this one of the greatest years yet.
Best wishes for an entertaining and enjoyable festival!
Yours truly,
Don Iveson
Mayor
Message from Honourable Ron Orr
Minister of Culture
As Minister of Culture, it is my pleasure to send my best wishes for the 2021 Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.
The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival is a staple of the city’s summer festival season. It gives Edmontonians the opportunity to step outside their day-to-day life into the fantastical world the performers create with just a patch of sidewalk, and their passion, creativity, and talent.
Over the past year, we’ve dearly missed the festivals that bring a smile to our faces and give us a chance to see world-class talent from right here in Alberta. The ability of street performers to adapt a show to any venue and any audience shows just how resilient Alberta’s artists and the arts community can be. We will all need to rely on this strength and resourcefulness as we focus on rebuilding the arts and creative industries.
Thank you to the organizers for adapting this year’s festival and finding creative new ways to give artists a stage to perform on. Combining online workshops with neighbourhood-based performances gives everyone the opportunity to join in the fun. Your hard work and commitment to this yearly celebration of the performing arts always makes Edmonton summers special.
I hope the performers, attendees, volunteers, and staff enjoy the return of StreetFest and make great memories that last a lifetime.
Yours truly,
Ron Orr
Message from Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Canadian Heritage / Ministre du Patrimoine canadien
Welcome to the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.
This year, StreetFest has some exciting changes in store, with health guidelines in mind. Throughout the summer, masked parades will make their way through various neighbourhoods in the city. That means the festival might be coming directly to you!
This event will also feature a variety of online events and workshops. It’s really encouraging to see Edmonton’s talented arts professionals and volunteers using their creativity to reach people in new ways, especially at a time when we need the arts more than ever. That is why our government is a proud supporter of this year’s celebration.
As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I congratulate everyone involved in organizing this unique arts showcase, despite the challenges.
Enjoy the performances!
Bienvenue à l’Edmonton International Street Performers Festival!
Cette année, le StreetFest vous réserve quelques changements emballants, dans le respect des consignes sanitaires. Tout au long de l’été, les défilés masqués se rendront dans différents quartiers de la ville. Autrement dit, le festival pourrait venir à vous directement!
Les organisateurs de la rencontre vous proposent également toute une gamme d’activités et d’ateliers en ligne. C’est vraiment encourageant de voir les talentueux professionnels des arts et les bénévoles d’Edmonton faire preuve de créativité pour toucher les gens de nouvelles façons, notamment en cette période où nous avons besoin des arts plus que jamais. C’est pourquoi notre gouvernement est fier de soutenir la célébration de cette année.
À titre de ministre du Patrimoine canadien, je félicite toutes les personnes qui ont aidé à organiser cette vitrine artistique unique, malgré les embûches.
Bons spectacles!
Yours truly,
Steven Guilbeault