UNews - Vibe Fest

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Fine Arts’ Vibe Fest partners with Stringam Law

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:16:22 +0000

It’s a non-traditional pairing — exactly what Vibe Fest and Stringam Law aim to bring to the southern Alberta community in their respective missions.

In a move that celebrates Stringam Law’s strong community commitment, Stringam Law has entered a multi-year partnership with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Fine Arts, becoming the presenting sponsor for the Faculty’s innovative Vibe Fest event.

Lawyers at the Stringam Law Lethbridge office.

Vibe Fest is a contemporary, immersive celebration of artistic excellence at ULethbridge. Showcasing the creative work of students, alumni and faculty, Vibe Fest transforms fine arts spaces into vibrant, interactive art experiences that are open, inclusive and free to the public.

“Vibe Fest made a significant impression on our students and in the southern Alberta community and highlighted the importance of arts-based education,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “We’re thrilled to have Stringam Law affirm this, and with their support, ensure Vibe Fest remains an accessible, innovative and impactful event.”

Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 1,500 people visit the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts (UCA), wandering through art-filled hallways, taking in creative showcases and exploring all the spaces, places and technology that make the Faculty of Fine Arts a leading place for arts-based education.

Stringam Law is a regional law firm driven to provide a competitive edge in the increasingly complex and interconnected provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Stringam’s pillars of community engagement include post-secondary schools and the arts, a perfect match for their commitment to supporting community culture and students.

“This is a key priority for Stringam, as many of our lawyers are graduates of ULethbridge and we have a deep connection with the institution,” says Holt Humphrey, vice-president of business development with Stringam Law.

“The arts in general are under-supported, but they provide immense value to communities. Seeing and experiencing the thriving arts community in Lethbridge affirms our commitment to the arts and makes me proud of the direction we take with our community engagement.”

Humphrey says he learned about Vibe Fest from friends, who noted that the exhilarating event matched Stringam Law’s philanthropic philosophy.

More than an event, Vibe Fest builds community connections, celebrates creative innovation and advocates for the value of arts education by bringing people directly into the world of contemporary artmaking.

From engaging performances to experimental installations, audiences can explore the full spectrum of emerging art practices across disciplines through Vibe Fest. With the support of Stringam, Vibe Fest will continue to ignite curiosity in young artists, families and first-time arts visitors for years to come.

“We’re very much looking forward to supporting and attending such a unique cultural event. I’m thrilled to see what’s being created and to join in the energy that comes from Vibe Fest. It’s great for us to come onboard at such an early stage — watching new events grow and gain success is exceptionally exciting,” adds Humphrey.

Next year’s Vibe Fest will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m. in the UCA.

ULethbridge invites business leaders and community members to join Stringam Law in supporting Vibe Fest. Connect with James Phelan, philanthropy advisor, External Relations, to explore sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved. Sponsorship information is available at go.uleth.ca/vibe.

Vibe Fest returning in 2026, planning underway for popular event

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 21:15:11 +0000

After an extraordinary community response to Vibe Fest 2025, the Faculty of Fine Arts at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is pleased to announce that Vibe Fest will be returning April 18, 2026. Community members will once again be invited to enjoy an all-access, premiere showcase of student, faculty, staff and alumni talent and creativity.

Vibe Fest 2025 was a hit with the southern Alberta community.

The 2025 event was a resounding success, where 1,600 community members, friends and family made their way through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts building, wandering through art-filled hallways, touring scarcely-seen spaces and immersing themselves in live music and soundscapes. Next year, Vibe Fest hours will be extended to give attendees a chance to take in all the sights, sounds, bites and activities.

“The success of Vibe Fest highlights how the Faculty of Fine Arts contributes to the arts ecosystem of Lethbridge and southern Alberta, and how much our community supports our students and alumni,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “We are excited to continue growing Vibe Fest as an outstanding celebration that connects students and alumni to the arts communities and affirms the important role that arts education plays in society.”

Vibe Fest 2026 will showcase exhibits, performances and works from all areas of the fine arts, including the Departments of Art, Drama, Music and New Media. Vibe Fest 2026 will again feature the local artisan market, which connects local makers and attendees, as well as activities for participants of all ages, snacks and refreshments.

Applications for the artisan market and project proposals from ULethbridge artists are now being accepted on the Faculty of Fine Arts website at go.uleth.ca/vibe.

Also making a return in 2026 is the Faculty’s signature fundraising dinner, Abbondànza. A beloved celebration of artistic excellence and community generosity, Abbondànza broke fundraising records this year to raise $120,000, thanks to matching support from the ULethbridge Board of Governors. The funds raised will create several new awards for experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities for students. In 2026, Abbondànza will be held on the evening of April 17 to allow attendees to fully participate in both Abbondànza and Vibe Fest.

Sponsorships are available at all levels for community organizations and philanthropists to support these events. Contact ULethbridge External Relations for more information.

Abbondànza returns, generating record fundraising effort in support of student endowment

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 17:57:12 +0000

A record-setting fundraising effort that will shape the creative and career development of the next generation of artists is the legacy of the Abbondànza endowment and the return of the long-running fundraising dinner for 2025.

This year, Abbondànza (Italian for abundance) took on a fresh approach and tied its celebrations to the inaugural Vibe Fest, an all-access community event that opened the doors of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts to the public to showcase the creative talents of Fine Arts students, alumni and employees. The result was a record $70,000 raised for the endowment, with attendees and sponsors contributing before and during the festivities. The Board of Governors will match all net proceeds of the event, doubling the funds dedicated to supporting experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities for Fine Arts students.

Drama students captivated the audience with an electric, David Bowie-inspired performance.

“Abbondànza unites those who believe in the arts and in arts education, and this year, we’re continuing that legacy by creating new awards in the endowment for experiential learning — such as internships, artist residencies and practicums — offering our students hands-on, real-world experiences,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Faculty of Fine Arts dean.

“These experiences help our students gain confidence, build professional networks and transition from the classroom to careers in the cultural sector, further shaping their futures and engaging our communities through creative partnerships.”

The Faculty’s long-running fundraising dinner, Abbondànza has raised more than $1.75 million to create 155 scholarships for new and continuing Fine Arts students. For over 20 years, Abbondànza has brought conga lines, sing-alongs, serenading chefs, performances, auctions and more in a celebration of creativity, community and generosity.

For former students like Nicole Wilkinson (BFA - Art ’18), receiving an Abbondànza Award allowed her to explore her studies deeper and put herself on the right educational path.

“The Abbondànza Award made me feel recognized and seen for my hard work and it gave me the chance to pursue an internship at the Galt Museum & Archives. That internship turned out to be a turning point in my life. It wasn’t just an opportunity to learn — it was where I found my calling,” says Wilkinson.

“Supporting Fine Arts students creates possibilities far beyond the classroom. It fosters creativity, critical thinking and passion — qualities that shape our communities. Today, I’m fortunate to be working as a Curatorial Assistant with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Museums, continuing the work I started at the Galt Museum. Everything I learned there has been foundational to what I do now, and I carry it with me every day.”

Performances at Abbondànza included a curated showcase of works from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Art Collection, a fashion show with student-designed and created costumes for Mainstage productions and a performance from renowned members of the Music department.

“Having Abbondànza nested within Vibe Fest allows us to bring world-class talent to the forefront,” adds Davis-Fisch. “Vibe Fest highlights the diverse talents of our students, employees and alumni, and strengthens the bond between the Faculty and the broader community. It’s an event that connects us all in celebration of the transformative power of the arts.”

To contribute to the Abbondànza endowment, visit the giving web page.

The Abbondànza fundraising dinner and Vibe Fest are an example of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan in action under the strategic direction to Engage Communities. We proudly engage as a vibrant and present partner as we aim to generate knowledge and build capacity, foster mutual growth, address shared challenges and create pathways for communities to thrive.

Faculty of Fine Arts launches Vibe Fest, inviting community support and participation

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:20:10 +0000

Vibe Festival to showcase Faculty of Fine Arts programming and student, alumni and faculty talent in free, community event

For one night only, the doors of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ 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 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ 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 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ 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

UNews - Vibe Fest

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Fine Arts’ Vibe Fest partners with Stringam Law

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