In 2020 Create Kids Fest moved online in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. This Facebook festival featured JUNO-nominated artist Beppie, Truus Verkley and her family from Puddle of Mud Productions, Anna from YYC Princess, Reading with Royalty and Eli Smart of the Alexandra Writers Centre. Check out our Facebook page to see all the performances here!
About Us
“Folk festivals are organized by folk artists and fans. Jazz festivals are organized by jazz artists and fans. So naturally kids and their fans should organize Create Kids Fest!”
~ Mandy Morris, Founder and Artistic Director
~ Mandy Morris, Founder and Artistic Director
Create hosted its inaugural festival in 2019 presenting over 20 artists and art organizations, across 2 venues to the Calgary Community. Family friendly, fuss-friendly, accessible and multi-generational, the initial success of the festival sparked the creation of a non-profit society governed by a volunteer Board to expand our reach into the Calgary community.
More than a festival.
Year-round activities and events will further bridge the gap between talented local performers and Calgary families.
If you’re an artist who wants to participate in our 2020 Festival, please click here.
Energized by the vision of our Artistic Director
Musician and arts educator Mandy Morris is the founder and Artistic Director of Create. She started Create Kids Fest in 2019 and showcased over 20 artists and arts organizations over three days in two different venues. As a talented performer and headliner with her own act, “Music with Mandy”, she is equally dedicated to creating art experiences for kids through the Create Kids fest.
With a vision to inspire and educate, Mandy is the driving force behind Create. She dreams big, works tirelessly and is designing exciting new ways for the Calgary community to engage in art experiences.
Shaped by volunteers and members.
The real heavy-lifting for Create comes from our dedicated volunteers. We provide opportunities for youth and adult volunteers to participate in everything from arts production to art creation, marketing, fundraising and more!
Learn how to become a Create volunteer and available positions here.
Membership to Create Kids Arts Society is open to anyone who wants to actively be involved in shaping the landscape of art experiences in Calgary. Learn more about membership here.
Aligned to our values.
Create is governed by a volunteer board committed to executing on our values:
- To create, develop and implement arts festivals for kids and families in Calgary.
- To ensure that the festivals and programs put on by Create allow children to experience the arts in a comfortable environment.
- Strive to provide art experiences that are accessible for all children in Calgary.
- To provide educational experiences for younger generations to learn about event production and art creation to develop a life-long appreciation of the arts.
- Develop opportunities for intergenerational community building, cultural awareness and emotional intelligence through art experiences.
Our Team
Mandy Morris — Artistic Director
Matt Morris — Board Chair
Kathleen Milliken-Morrow — Secretary
Hasitha Viduranga — Treasurer
Siwei Chen – Fundraising Director
Alicia Ward — Volunteer Director
Nourhan Hassan – Marketing Director
We have the following openings on our Board:
Vice Chair
Treasurer
Director of Membership
If you are interested in applying for a Board Position, please visit our Volunteer page to fill out a form.