June 1, 2015
With the support from the Department of Canadian Heritage, Ontario Presents organized a delegation of five volunteer young-audience presenters from Northern Ontario to attend the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, May 28 – 30, 2015.
The festival took place on Granville Island, multiple different venues all over the island were used and it was like being completely immersed into the children’s festival being surrounded by kids and activities.
Participants had a chance to see different performances, discuss the works and share their curatorial visions with each other. Presenters also had a chance to meet with Katharine Carol the Festival’s Director to ask about the programming selection process and learn about the inner workings of the children’s festival.
“Our meeting with the director of the festival was eye opening as I realized the issues we have are similar only on a smaller scale. Hearing how she deals with them and how important school participation is for their success has given me ideas to consider.” - Frank Dzijacky, Geraldton Children’s Entertainment Series, Geraldton
Participants left refreshed and inspired, with good leads on artists they want to bring to their communities in Northern Ontario.
“It was a wonderful experience with the entire focus being on young audience performances. It is great to see the full performance, and with children in the audience, helps to give some insight into how the shows will be received in our communities.” - Leslie Danielson, Kids and Company Family Entertainment Series, Fort Frances
We would like to send out a “Big Thank You” to Katharine, her staff and all of the volunteers that helped to make the Vancouver Children’s Festival possible.
