Illuminate 2025 youth artist festival celebrates its eighth year at St. Albert Place on Saturday, July 5. Organizers are putting out a call for visual artists, musicians, poets, photographers and filmmakers.
The one-day festival, which was initiated by Amplify youth, first launched in 2016. Since then, Amplify’s members have worked diligently to operate the annual event on the Sturgeon River stroll featuring the talent of young artists from Grade 7 to 12.
“Our goal is to put a spotlight on the many talented and engaged students in our community. For the young artists who consider putting it out there, it’s fun and encouraging. It’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels safe to experiment,” said Kathleen Bell, community cultural coordinator for the City of St. Albert and an unwavering supporter of youth artists in every discipline.
This year there is a big push to resurrect filmmaking, said Bell. Organizers are encouraging aspiring filmmakers to submit shorts anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes in length. Entries will be screened at the Arden Theatre.
“Filmmaking is a valid, relevant form of art. That’s why we’d like to focus on it. In the last few years, we found less people interested in filming and we’d like to get people back in.”
Students are asked to submit film stories using a variety of techniques ranging from animation, music videos, documentary and narration to stop-motion capture, moving photography and special effects.
“Sometimes people are afraid to submit because they feel their equipment isn’t fancy. But today’s cell phone quality is great. We just want youth to submit short films that tell a story. It’s an art form that kids interact with every day on social media, and we want to present it.”
Once again, the outdoor art battle returns, starting with a round of three or four artists divided into two groups. The winner of each group faces off for the championship title and bragging rights. All supplies, acrylic paints and paintbrushes are provided. Participants are recommended to develop a plan of attack prior to the painting session.
“People love to see how quickly visual artists come up with an idea. It shows how creative people can be and I’d like to think non-artists seeing the process come to value how capable artists are.”
Also returning is a photo exhibition hung on trees along the Sturgeon River, and an outdoor stage with acoustic singer-songwriters forming solos and duos.
Poetry Hour with allotted 12-minute sets for up-and-coming poets as well as sidewalk chalk art for young cartoonists and designers will also be on the bill.
Last year 27 local artists participated, attracting a turnout of roughly 350 visitors.
“It was a great turnout. It was our best year. We had great weather, and it was the first week of summer. Our goals have always been to have youth-driven, youth-accessible activities. It’s a fun event and it isn’t super-structured.”
Any artist from Grade 7 to 12 is welcome to apply. The application deadline is June 8 at amplifystalbert.ca. Questions about the festival can be directed to [email protected]. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, snacks and blankets.
