Wordfest

Wordfest’s programming is built around four key missions: every show has to be Resonant; Relevant; Responsive; and Responsible. One of Wordfest’s core initiatives is their Youth Program. Wordfest Youth fuels teen literacy in Grades 5-12 to spark the next generation of engaged Calgarians and avid readers. According to Shelley, “In 2024, we connected 5,222 middle and high school students from 36 schools in Calgary (and area) with leading authors, including Canada’s most inspiring Indigenous writers. Our Youth program has been a game-changer.”

This year, instead of offering a VIP Meet and Greet opportunity for Matty Matheson’s North American book tour, Wordfest offered students enrolled in Calgary Board of Education’s (CBE) culinary arts experiences a chance to engage directly with the beloved chef, star of The Bear, and bestselling cookbook author. Each student received a cookbook, a chance to get it signed, and a photo opportunity with Matty. They also received invaluable insights into pursuing careers in the culinary arts. 

For Calgary audiences, Wordfest never fails to deliver when it comes to offering readers exclusive access to bestselling international authors. It also never fails to remember its roots and the importance of celebrating Indigenous and local artists. “We celebrated the legacy of Senator Murray Sinclair with his son, Niigaan and a group of Turtle Island’s leading Indigenous voices: acclaimed journalist Tanya Talaga; Governor General’s Literary Award winning author, David Alexander Robertson; New York Times-bestselling author, Stephen Graham Jones; and author and lawyer, The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould. Among the 135 artists that Wordfest presented in 2024, 51 call Calgary home. We also partnered with Alberta’s first small brewery, Calgary’s own Dandy Brewing Company to create a signature beer, Life-Affirming Pale Ale, in honour of Wordfest’s 2024 theme.”

Shelley acknowledges that a big part of Wordfest’s success is due to the generosity of a wide range of donors, sponsors, and funders. Calgary Arts Development (CADA) has been essential to Wordfest’s continued growth and success over the years. At the end of 2024, Wordfest presented 135 artists in 105 activities and welcomed over 20,000 audience members. “CADA has helped us not just to fulfill our mandate, but to exceed it.” 

Next year will be Wordfest’s 30th anniversary and while the team is looking forward they are also looking at how far they have come. “We have made some big shifts as an organization especially within the last decade. We are no longer a literary festival; we are a literary arts programmer with a festival,” says Youngblut. “Some people are surprised to learn that two-thirds of our programming happens outside of the Imaginarium Festival.” When it comes to the success of Wordfest, there is deep gratitude for CADA funding. “Wordfest has helped us remain relevant and responsive. I see our relationship with CADA as an expansive one that feels very Calgary to me. Other producers of literary arts events and festivals in other parts of the country and on this continent are struggling, because they don’t have access to sustained, strategic funding in the way that we do, thanks to CADA.”