The Calgary Stampede reaches new audiences through Wild West WordFest
(May 31, 2012 – Calgary, AB) To celebrate its Centennial, the Calgary Stampede has engaged WordFest to produce Wild West WordFest, a three day “mini-festival” from June 18-20, 2012 that features events that celebrate the expression of cowboy culture through word, music and art. All Wild West WordFest events are free and open to the public.
This unique programming partnership merges the excitement of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth with dynamic literary programming to explore the history and future of the Stampede.
“Wild West WordFest aims to engage a cross-section of Calgarians. We hope to share some exciting art with Stampede enthusiasts, while inviting artists to explore concepts of western culture in celebration of the Stampede,” said WordFest Executive Director Jo Steffens.
Wild West WordFest will launch on Monday, June 18 with a reception at Motion Gallery in Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary), hosted by Calgary Poet Laureate Kris Demeanor. On Tuesday, June 19 at noon, storyteller Anita Crowshoe will delve into western heritage in Stories of the West at Eau Claire Market and later that day at 7pm, David Campion and Sandra Shields will launch Cowboy Wild, a photography book that reflects on the myths of the Stampede and the meaning of the West, at the Art Gallery of Calgary (117 8 Avenue SW, Calgary).
On Wednesday, June 20, Wild West WordFest will close with Cowboy Cabaret at 7pm at the John Dutton Theatre (Central Library, 2nd flr, 616 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary). This spoken word and song celebration will feature cowboy poet Doris Daley, auctioneer Bob Dyck, songwriter Bruce Innes, poet Dr. Yvonne Trainer and spoken word performer Sheri-D Wilson, among other special guests.
“The Calgary Stampede is thrilled to be partnering with such an established and respected arts organization to promote our valued western heritage to different audiences through new formats,” said Michael Casey, president and chairman of the board, Calgary Stampede.
The Calgary Stampede is a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. The Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through its world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities. For more information about the Stampede, visit calgarystampede.com, and join us July 6-15 2012.
WordFest is a not-for-profit arts organization that brings readers and writers together through a premier international writers festival and year-round literary events in Calgary, Banff and the Bow Valley. The 17th annual WordFest: Banff-Calgary International Writers Festival runs from October 9-14, 2012.
Media Inquiries:
Mary Kapusta
WordFest Marketing Manager
P: 403.237.9068
F: 403.237.9093
mkapusta@wordfest.com