Since 2021, we have been working with STORYHIVE to create a 3 season tv show about the Arts in Edmonton: Crafting a Career in the Arts. We’re excited to share the release of our third season, which explores the inspirations behind some of Edmonton’s most iconic arts promoters and the people who run them, on September 24th, 2024 through TELUS On Demand and Storyhive! Seasons 1 & 2 are already out on TELUS On Demand and Storyhive (via YouTube).

Season 3 took us to many different parts of Edmonton’s arts scene. We spoke with Murray Utas & Magan Dart from The Fringe, Terry Wickham from The Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Rhea March from the School of Song stage & CJSR, Phil Alain from The Night of Artists Art Walk and NOA Gallery, Kim Fjordbotten from The Paintspot and The Whyte Avenue Art Walk, Catherine Crowston from The Art Gallery of Alberta and many others who are behind so much of our local arts community.

In season 2 we spoke with Blake Desjarlais, Dylan Toymaker (Head artist for Flying Canoe, etc), Daniel Foreman (Co-creator of the Edmonton Short Film Festival), Giselle Denis (Painter who has raised nearly 1 million for charity in Edmonton), and more about their work and their advice for other creatives.

Season 2

Season 1

Season 3

Out now TELUS Optik TV Channel 9 since September 24, 2024.

Full series on YouTube (Storyhive YouTube Channel) since October 26, 2024.

Crafting a Career in the Arts – The Inspirations

Episode 1 – We visit Edmonton’s oldest standing theatre to explore what shaped today’s theatre scene. Magan Dart and Murray Utas of the Fringe Theatre share what inspired the festival, and Magan talks about her innovations in theatre.

Episode 2 – Terry Wickham, artistic director and producer of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, shares what led him into the music industry, what shaped the festival, and how he hopes it inspires others.

Episode 3 – Live performance coach, radio host, and musician Rhea March shares what inspired the talent stage at the Folk Festival. Arts on the Ave talks about how they support the arts, and Bill shares why open mic nights matter in Edmonton.

Episode 4 – Edmonton artist, event organizer, and store owner Kim Fjordbotten shares what led her to help create and organize one of Canada’s largest art walks. She also talks about her journey in the arts, along with the highlights and challenges of running the event.

Episode 5 – Artist, promoter, and gallery owner Phil Alain shares what drives his work in the arts and the charity he started to support families in Edmonton. Artists from the community also share their experiences with volunteering and supporting the arts.

Episode 6 – Catherine Crowston, Executive Director of the Art Gallery of Alberta, shares the story behind the founding of the AGA and what continues to inspire her work as a curator and director. Rebecca New (Allied Arts Council, Spruce Grove) and Kerry Atkinson (Alberta Legacy Development Society) also share where they find inspiration and how others can find it too.

"Crafting a Career in the Arts: The Art of Why" explores what drives Edmonton’s artists to create the work they do. Beyond the finished pieces, this series looks at the stories, experiences, and decisions that shape their work—and the ‘why’ behind it.

Features artists:

● World renowned photographer and digital artist - Renee Robyn

● Metis dancer, change maker and government elected official- Blake Desjarlais

● Edmonton filmmaker, musician and the founder of The Edmonton Short Film Festival - Daniel Foreman.

● Wire artist and educator - Laura Ouimet

● Fine artist and fundraiser (who has raised almost one million for charity!) -

Giselle Denis

● Light artist and senior artist for the Flying Canoe Volant - Dylan Toymaker.