Arts Reimagined Festival 2026 | Supporting Learning at Werklund Centre

ArtsReimaginED-StBridgid-26Feb26-JarrettEdmund-WerklundCentre1_2x1

ArtsReimaginED-TADevelopement-8Mar26-JennFive-WerklundCentre9

ArtsReimaginED-StBridgid-26Feb26-JarrettEdmund-WerklundCentre20_2x1

ArtsReimaginED-TAGathering-21Jan26-SaraKuefler-WerklundCentre189_2x1

ArtsReimaginED-StBridgid-26Feb26-JarrettEdmund-WerklundCentre36_2x1

ArtsReimaginED-TAandTDevelopement-18Mar26-DenaVahle-WerklundCentre58_2x1

ArtsReimaginED-StBridgid-26Feb26-JarrettEdmund-WerklundCentre27_2x1

ArtsReimaginED-TAGathering-21Jan26-SaraKuefler-WerklundCentre26_2x1

ArtsReimaginED-TAGathering-21Jan26-SaraKuefler-WerklundCentre83_2x1

ArtsReimaginED-StBridgid-26Feb26-JarrettEdmund-WerklundCentre23_2x1

ArtsReimaginED-TAGathering-21Jan26-SaraKuefler-WerklundCentre220_2x1

Arts education is a powerful tool that unlocks vital skills in young people, building confidence, inspiring creativity, and supporting them in navigating an ever-changing world. Through imaginative learning, they develop their voices that will go on to will shape our future.

Turning philosophy into action, Calgary’s leading arts education festival, Arts ReimaginED, is expanding across the city, sparking creativity and inspiring hundreds of students through hands-on artistic experiences. Now in its fourth season, Arts ReimaginED reflects a growing call from parents, teachers, and teaching artists for arts education that is stronger, more accessible, and more visible for young people in Calgary.

Why Does Arts ReimaginED Matter?
Since 2022, this annual festival has been buiding a community of teaching artists, expanding access to hands-on experiences, and sparking a broader civic conversation about the value of arts education. Together, we're rebuilding our definition of how we engage with the arts – rooted in relevance, critical reflection, and a deep embrace of cultural diversity.

Students as Changemakers

APRIL - MAY 2026

In 2026, Arts ReimaginED brings together teaching artists, teachers, and students to collaborate on examining world issues, transforming collective creativity into powerful artworks that educate and inspire Calgary and surrounding communities.

Through this work, Arts ReimaginED amplifies students’ voices, expands teachers' knowledge and skills, and puts teaching artists and students at the centre of it all as catalysts for meaningful change.

Little Wonders

MAY 2026

Calling all curious little explorers (ages 1-6) and their families!

Get ready for an experience filled with wonder, creativity, and play at Little Wonders — a unique, immersive experience designed just for young learners and their loved ones. Explore creative discovery alongside your little adventurer, guided by the boisterous energy of the University of Calgary’s School of Creative and Performing Arts students.

ArtsReimaginED-TAGathering-21Jan26-SaraKuefler-WerklundCentre116_4x3

Teaching Artist Development

ONGOING

Werklund Centre launched Calgary’s first teaching artist development initiative in 2023 in collaboration with Jean E. Taylor from the Lincoln Centre in New York City. Following a philosophy of collaboration and community engagement, Werklund Centre is working to build a connected and cohesive community of teaching artists, responding directly to real needs in Calgary’s arts ecosystem.

Werklund Centre continues to deepen its commitment to teaching artistry by facilitating partnerships with schools, fostering connections among teaching artists, and supporting ongoing professional development.

Shaping the Future Leaders through Creativity

Arts education is not optional—it’s essential. It equips young people with the creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills they need to thrive. It empowers teachers to cultivate curiosity in the classroom, gives parents a way to nurture their child’s self-expression, and strengthens communities by fostering collaboration and cultural understanding. Beyond creativity, arts education builds the leaders of tomorrow. Through the arts, young people develop essential leadership skills—problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and the confidence to think outside the box.

Learn more about the importance of arts education in Calgary from our Arts Education Benchmark Survey.

33 Teaching Artists, 7500 hours of student engagement, 400 students, 15 teachers, and endless discovery!

The Arts ReimaginED festival culminates in a summit on June 2 in the Martha Cohen Theatre at Werklund Centre with keynote speakers Eazy G aka Erick Gutierrez, a Calgary Beatbox Champion and Harvey Nichol, a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores identity, migration, and community. Students will share projects, performances, and learnings in a day of creative celebration.