Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) invites the community to explore networking and volunteer opportunities at their Arts Match event this Thursday, June 16, 2022. The free event will take place at the Keyano Recital Theatre Lobby at 7 p.m.

“One of ACWB’s strategic priorities is to foster connection within the Wood Buffalo arts community. As things have shifted back in person, we were excited to revamp and reveal the return of our highly successful initiative, Arts Match,” explains Akshaya Lakshmi, Communications Supervisor for ACWB.

“It is a great opportunity for actors, poets/writers, singers, dancers, and musicians looking for opportunities to perform; visual artists looking for an opportunity to show and or sell their work; individuals looking to volunteer in the arts; artists looking to collaborate with others; or for people who don’t know what they want except they know they want to be a part of the local arts scene. It is the perfect chance to find your creative match!”

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The first Arts Match was held in 2019 with guests visiting a variety of local arts organizations to learn more about them. However, this one will follow a different format.

“This fun and engaging event is based on the speed networking model. When checking in, each participant will receive a number and will be randomly paired with another participant. They will have 3-5 minutes to talk directly with each other. Each table will have prompts to get started, however, you are free to talk about anything (preferably arts related). Participants will go through this process for multiple rounds with additional opportunities to network with other artists outside of their round time, enjoy live entertainment, draws for prizes, take fun photos and munch on delicious food!” she adds.

So why should people attend?

“Amazing things happen when the arts get together! In a time of uncertainty, things such as watching Netflix movies, listening to Spotify, and learning how to sew, have shown how the arts are a staple in our lives. Arts Match is the perfect way of celebrating our creativity and seeing where it can take us. It’s the place to create connections, jumpstart new collaborations and overall, be involved in our fun, inclusive arts community,” Akshaya continues.

Representatives from a variety of arts groups like Keyano Theatre, Alberta Drama Festival Association (ADFA), NorthWord – A Literary Journal of Canada’s North, Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts and more are expected to be in attendance.