For one night only, the doors of the University Centre for the Arts will open to the community for a showcase of the talent and artistry of fine arts students, alumni and faculty highlighting the Centre for the Arts as a hub of creative talent in Lethbridge and southern Alberta.
The Vibe Festival (Vibe Fest) promises a playful, immersive celebration of contemporary art, performance and creative technologies. Running from 7 to 11 p.m. on Apr. 12, 2025, the Faculty of Fine Arts Vibe Fest will feature a free, all-access community arts celebration.
"Vibe Fest is an opportunity to celebrate the innovative work our students, alumni and faculty create," says Faculty of Fine Arts Dean, Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch. "Attendees will experience the full scope of emerging contemporary art practice in southern Alberta and can immerse themselves in interactive and participatory experiences including installations, performances, live music, soundscapes, film and digital media."
In addition to celebrating student achievement, Vibe Fest attendees can explore the University Centre for the Arts' outstanding learning and creative facilities that are often hidden from public view: studios, exhibition spaces, digital cinema suites, workshops, recording studios and more.
The Faculty of Fine Arts seeks to inspire imaginative, intellectual culture among students, employees and communities. It offers students a comprehensive education with world-class instruction and positions its graduates as change-makers and future leaders in the local, national and global arts communities.
With an anticipated audience of more than 800 people, Vibe Fest will be Fine Arts' highlight event of the year, spotlighting the Faculty's artistry and contributions to the wider community, cultivating community support and building advocacy for arts-based education and programming. Adding to the excitement of Vibe Fest, the Faculty of Fine Arts is pleased to announce the much-anticipated revival of Abbondànza. The ticketed fundraising dinner will take place the same night.
"The Faculty of Fine Arts is a central part of the arts ecosystem in southern Alberta, giving students outstanding learning experiences and transferable skills, and providing the community with arts educators, creative practitioners and cultural sector workers," says Davis-Fisch. "Our hope is for the community to partner with us to celebrate fine arts students' achievements and the contributions our graduates make to the community."
Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce CEO and University of Lethbridge Alumni Association President, Cyndi Crane (BMus '95, MEd '01), says Vibe Fest will celebrate the established and emerging creative talent that exists in Lethbridge and southern Alberta and affirm the importance of arts education and programming.
"The arts have played a significant role in my own life, and I know I'm not alone," says Crane, a trained pianist and alumna of ULethbridge's music program. "Vibe Fest presents an incredible opportunity for individuals and local businesses who value the arts to get involved, either as sponsors or participants, to support the innovative, cultural programming taking place right here in southern Alberta."
The Faculty of Fine Arts is seeking corporate sponsors, individual philanthropists and community partners for Vibe Fest 2025 and Abbondànza. Individuals and businesses who want to support the arts and ensure access to this festival for all are invited to contact External Relations (external.relations@uleth.ca or call 403-329-2582) to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities available for Vibe Fest and Abbondànza: ulethbridge.ca/fine-arts/vibe
