About AOTA
Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society is a non-profit, community based, grassroots initiative engaged in developing 118th Avenue into a community arts district. Begun in 2005 and incorporated into a Society in 2007, this creative coalition has experienced exponential growth with a current involvement of over 200 multi-disciplinary artists and invested community members. This active growth has been spurred on by highly dedicated and involved members. In April 2008 Arts on the Ave was the proud recipient of the 21st Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts.
To date, Arts on the Ave has organized and presented a broad range of activities: extensive art showings, a variety of inter-disciplinary festivals as well as activities that are a blend of artistic expressions in an educational, mentoring and sharing environment. This coalition has used the existing cultural fabric to enliven Edmonton’s inner-city neighbourhoods. They have showcased local talent, and crossed boundaries to establish a multi-disciplinary arts cluster. The organization is engaged with the city and dedicated to the community through the cultivation of positive urban renewal. It is through culture-led urban regeneration initiatives, a vision of creative spaces and place-making that these art-infused communities have begun to flourish and provide a safe, nurturing environment for artists to thrive.
One means the coalition chose to achieve its objective was to host the annual family arts festival, “Kaleido.” This festival celebrates the arts with family, encourages community to become both artist and audience in this 2 ½ day celebration. It is a multi-disciplinary collaboration that showcases both emerging and established artists across all media and disciplines. This rich combination allows the public to enjoy art in multiple ways. “Kaleido” is a word that is derived from the Greek meaning ‘the bringing together of colour and form to create beauty.’ The “Kaleido” Family Arts Festival brings the arts to Alberta Avenue accessibly and affordably, and supports the artists who create, inspire and entertain. It fosters community awareness and community involvement. The festival promotes diversity through multi-culturalism and inter-generational expression.
Another approach the coalition used was with the creation of “The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse.” This dynamic volunteer-run artist and community gathering space was developed to serve the needs of local residents and artists. The Carrot is a multi-purpose facility which hosts a visual art gallery, arts market, integrated art workshop and performance venue, espresso bar and café. It opened its doors in June of 2007 and is now a mainstay of the organization. The Carrot is quickly becoming a collaborative and creative incubator space, as well as a tourism bureau for the Alberta Avenue arts scene.
Arts on the Ave has an impressive track record; it has successfully endeavored to establish Alberta Avenue as Edmonton’s community arts hub. It has worked to affect positively the members of the community, the members of Edmonton’s arts community, and the citizens of Edmonton.