Communities need opportunities for people to connect with their neighbours.  Too often, living in urban suburbs means cocooning within the confines of your home.  Part of the allure and growth of festivals has been the human need to connect with their community.  Beginning in the spring of 2007, the AO Shirley Memorial Foundation launched its newest initiative, the Community Arts Festivals. 

Take in family theatre production performed on site.   After that, why not get a photo of the kids with stilted performers towering above the world, enjoy some cotton candy and snow cones in the sunshine.  Be transformed to a new world by feats of amazement from the free street performer’s shows.  If you still have the energy, amaze yourself and your parents at the new talents you learn at our street performer’s workshops.  Hey, you almost forgot to get your face painted and try one  of the carnival games or

a family race on the inflatable horses. 

This is an opportunity to have a family oriented arts festival brought directly into Calgary communities.    Be it community hall, school or park; the festival will serve as way for communities to connect with their neighbours in a family friendly environment that builds a sense of community.  Calgarians will have a fun, indoor/outdoor arts festival in the

heart of their own community.

These Calgary Fringe Festival will partner with the AO Shirley Memorial Foundation to bring these day long arts festivals into communities around the city.  Providing arts workshops, street performance, mascots, visual arts, music, food, live theatre and more, these mini arts festivals will provide an intimate exposure to the arts in a family friendly environment.