Canada's Cultural Capital of 2007 is the ticket to a dynamic world of entertainment with old favourites and new additions in the works
Edmonton, Alberta --(Dec. 15, 2008) - It's no coincidence that Edmonton was named as a cultural capital of Canada in 2007. Arts and culture are front and centre in this bustling metropolis: vibrant music, theatre and dance. Edmonton Festival City has more than 30 annual festival extravaganzas that are not to be missed including the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.
Sir Winston Churchill Square anchors the Downtown Arts District - a prime entertainment destination for more than one million visitors annually, hosting a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. It is also home to Tix On The Square, a one-stop shop for Edmonton's top entertainment tickets.
The Art Gallery of Alberta (formerly the Edmonton Art Gallery) is undergoing major renovations that will culminate in 2009 with the opening of an iconic building that will redefine the downtown core. The building will itself be a work of art and will serve as a premiere presentation venue for international, Canadian and First Nations masterpieces.
Old Strathcona, a focal point for Edmonton nightlife, is also a great place to catch a good share of the city's cultural offerings. Eight theatre companies can be found in this historic district, including the Walterdale Playhouse, which is Western Canada's longest running amateur theatre group.
The Alberta Ballet, which prides itself on presenting ballet like you've never seen it before, continues to thrill audiences having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary as a performing troupe.
Lastly, but hardly least, there's the Royal Alberta Museum. This provincial museum, documenting 12,000 years of human occupation of the province, is in the process of putting forward its own expansion plan that will significantly enhance the visitor experience.
As for the icing on the cultural cake, an increased emphasis on arts and culture came into play in 2007 and continues on. Designated Canada's Cultural Capital, Edmonton is further strengthening its cultural ties. A variety of projects have been unveiled including a year-long poetry festival and an increased emphasis on visual and media arts productions and exhibits by local artists.
For more information on Edmonton Festival City's great artistic attractions, visit
http://www.edmonton.com/tourism.For more information, please contact
Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
Jenifer Christenson
Managing Director, Marketing Services
(780) 917-7890
Email:
Website:
www.edmonton.com/tourism
