Vancouver International Children's Festival Society 2023 Impact Report

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Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society Celebrates 46 Years!

Festival: May 30 - June 4, 2023 Mission The Vancouver International Children’s Festival inspires and motivates young minds with professional artistic experiences that transform a child’s understanding of the world around them and what is creatively possible.

By delivering new and diverse world-class live performances, we open a world of creative possibilities. A world in which future generations build on the passion for art and performance we share with them today.

What Guides Us • SIMPLE: We make it easy for a family or class to spend a day being creatively

playful at our family festival.

• FUN TOGETHER: We make activities fun and creatively adventurous for kids and

adults to enjoy together.

• QUALITY: We surprise you every year with the extraordinary quality of our

programming and our performers.

• CREATIVITY: Imagination and artistic ingenuity governs our decision-making.

We are comfortable taking creative risks.

Cover photo by Tilly Nelson

• LOCAL: We look for ways to incorporate and celebrate BC artists including

Indigenous representation, especially from the land the Festival is held on.

• GLOBAL: We demand diversity in emotional experience: in people, language,

ideas, attitudes and culture.

• ARTISTIC RISK: Our mission is to always look for new, different work that pushes

the boundaries for young audiences 6 months – 13 years of age.

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Report from Katharine Carol, Artistic & Executive Director In 2023, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society (VICFS) celebrated its 46th annual Festival with a number of new and exciting opportunities. This year marked a significant milestone as the Festival showcased a greater number of international artists on stage than it had since 2019. Audiences were delighted by performances from companies as far away as Australia and Madagascar.

A highlight this year was the inclusion of Tree by Quebec’s Motus, created specifically for Autistic children and a first for the Festival. Additionally, the Festival presented the premiere production of Division Infinity Saves the World by Neworld Theatre, featuring local children voicing the puppet characters.

Furthermore, the Festival introduced the electrifying talent of Missy D, an alum of the Festival’s FM Future Music Residency Program, to the Granville Island main stage. Her soldout shows were sensational, leaving audiences clamoring for more.

In addition to these thrilling artistic achievements, 2023 reaffirmed the significance of live performing arts within our community. While the VICFS is still recovering financially from the challenges of the pandemic, the year provided a beacon of hope and joy, reminding us that a creative arts Festival dedicated to children remains as relevant and vital to families and educators in Metro Vancouver as it was 46 years ago.

As an arts charity, my heartfelt gratitude extends to many individuals and organizations who make our work possible. We wouldn’t be here without the generous support from our donors, sponsors and government funders who recognize the Festival’s pivotal role in the Vancouver arts scene. We appreciate the dedicated Board of Directors, staff, production & technical crews, artists and the many volunteers who bring this Festival to life.

A huge thank you to our extraordinary audience who come and join us on this creative adventure each year. I look forward to welcoming you to our 47th Festival in 2024!

Sincerely,

Katharine Carol, Artistic & Executive Director

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society is a registered non-profit charity: CRA #118833532RR0001.

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Our Commitment to Reconciliation

Photo by Moonrider Productions

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society acknowledges that we create and work on the ancestral, traditional, stolen and unceded territories of the həq̓əmiə speaking xwməθkwəm (Musqueam) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Watuth) people and the Sníchim speaking Swwú7mesh (Squamish) people. We acknowledge the on-going genocides of Indigenous peoples by Canada, particularly the atrocities committed against children. We commit to work with the Indigenous Peoples of this land to raise the voices of Indigenous children through creativity and play.

The feSTIval WaS honoureD To have TSaTSu STalQayu (CoaSTal WolfPaCK) oPen The 2023 feSTIval WITh TheIr beauTIful SonGS anD DanCeS

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Photo by Moonrider Productions

InDIGenouS arTS WITh ChrISTIne MaCKenZIe, KWaKIuTl fIrST naTIon arTIST

The WIlD MoCCaSIn DanCerS fT. MZ ShellZ (6 naTIonS anD MIXeD InDIGenouS, brITISh ColuMbIa)

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Celebrating Diversity You committed to creating a Festival with unique shows and perspectives that brought us closer together.

Photo by Wendy D Photography

You helped us bring new and diverse stories to 17,308 children, teachers and families!

GlaMIly: a faMIly DreSSuP ParTy Tara Cheyenne

Photo by Julien Delime

PerforManCe, In aSSoCIaTIon WITh Zee Zee TheaTre anD CarouSel TheaTre for younG PeoPle (brITISh ColuMbIa)

SaKaSaKa CoMPaGnIe Zolobe (MaDaGaSCar)

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“We were touched by how authentically each member of the cast represented themes of multiculturalism, diversity, neurodivergence, family, school life and so much more. Our daughter (who has ADHD) was thrilled to feel seen and celebrated by the character who so expertly portrayed his 6-year-old self.” -

Photo by Moonrider Productions

one of a Kind audience member

one of a KInD (brITISh ColuMbIa)

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Accessibility Financial assistance from donors like you help the Festival create an environment where any person or group feels welcomed, respected, represented, supported, and valued to meaningfully participate.

Relaxed Performances You came together so that 229 audience members could benefit from a more relaxed performance experience.

SMall buT MIGhTy GInalIna anD frIenDS (brITISh ColuMbIa)

Photo by Moonrider Productions

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Friendly Shows

one of a KInD PerforManCe WITh aSl InTerPreTaTIon (brITISh ColuMbIa)

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Neurodiverse Performances With your support, 40 neurodiverse children got a personalized interaction with an artist in an adapted performance that met their needs.

“We loved it and are so grateful for all the effort that was put in so that my little boy and kids like him could have that special experience.”

Photo by Sylvie-Ann Paré

- Tree, a world in itself audience member

Tree, a WorlD In ITSelf, MoTuS (QuÉbeC)

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International Artists Your support helped bring International Artists to the Festival.

Photo by Andy Rasheed

a SIMPle SPaCe GravITy & oTher MyThS (auSTralIa)

Photo by Julien Delime

“Thank you for bringing A Simple Space to the festival! We saw them perform yesterday while sitting front row on the stage! An incredible moment, one I know my son and I will ALWAYS remember!”

Photo by Chris Herzfeld

You opened the door to new exciting voices that reflect the world we live in.

SaKaSaKa CoMPaGnIe Zolobe (MaDaGaSCar)

ZoooM PaTCh TheaTre

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(auSTralIa)

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Arts Education You helped over 7,500 school children experience a live performance at the Festival.

Photo by Tilly Nelson

With arts funding in schools continuing to decline, now more than ever experiences like the Children’s Festival play a pivotal role in the arts education of BC children. For most, a visit to the Festival is their first experience at a live performance.

“My school group LOVED the shows we attended.

A Simple Space was spectacular and the students were blown away!”

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Art Knows No Boundaries

Photo by Tanja Tiziana

Your support allowed the Festival to provide Online programming to 746 school children in remote areas from across BC.

CrIS DerKSen’S nerDS WhIrlWInD MuSICal Tour (Cree naTIon, norThern alberTa)

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French Programming The Children’s Festival is committed to providing French Programming to the BC French Community and the 60,000 (and growing) French immersion and Francophone students in BC.

You brought French students to the Festival to experience French language and culture outside of the classroom.

Photo by Dessmin Sidhu

“Missy D was one of the best performances I’ve seen with core French students. She is so engaging and the show was so interactive; even students just learning French were able to participate.”

bIenvenue CheZ MISSy D! (brITISh ColuMbIa)

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Building a Community The support of donors helps us enrich the lives of children and ensure the Festival remains affordable and accessible to everyone through our community programs such as:

GInalIna aT CanuCK PlaCe

Hospital Outreach The Hospital Outreach Program brings the Festival experience to children receiving treatment and hospice care at child-centre healthcare facilities. Children unable to leave their facilities can experience the Festival and benefit from the healing power of music and laughter.

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You brought a smile to the faces of 24 sick children and their families.

“Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts! We love seeing the children and families come together to share these very special moments and so many smiles! It’s a wonderful time to just be in the moment and have all their worries fade way.” - l. fielding, Canuck Place Therapist

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Good Neighbours The Good Neighbours Program provides a day of learning, laughter and inspiration for children and their families who would otherwise be unable to attend the Festival.

Photo by Tilly Nelson

You gave a day of fun to 44 low-income families.

“Faces were painted, games were played, origami was folded and great food was enjoyed. Thank you for thinking of us and giving us such a fun filled, memory making day! We are already excited about next year!”

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Photo by Tilly Nelson

Adopt a Class This program provides a day filled with laughter, awe and learning for elementary school children attending enhanced support schools across Metro Vancouver.

With your help 1,003 disadvantaged school children experienced an arts performance this year.

“Many of my students would never have this opportunity otherwise. It was so rewarding to see them enjoy this beautiful experience! The show was captivating for students, and our favourite thing was the indigenous artist drawing for us so we could colour it in collaboratively.

It is still displayed in our hall and admired by all the students every day!”

- 2023 adopt a Class recipient

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Emerging Artists For over 11 years, the Festival’s Youth for Youth program has been providing outstanding mentorship to emerging artists. The program develops the artistic skills of young artists and gives them the opportunity to showcase their work at the Festival.

Photo by Moonrider Productions

Your support allowed 7 emerging artists to shine and grow.

one of a KInD 2023 CaST

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Photo by Tilly Nelson

Volunteers The Festival relies on a large team of volunteers. They donate their time, energy and enthusiasm to help us deliver a successful event!

440 volunteers dedicated over 5,424 hours to make the Festival come to life.

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“I loved working together with the other volunteers and being able to interact with children and their families and make their day a little brighter.

Volunteering at the Festival helped me gain more confidence and be open to new experiences and people.”

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Special Events The Festival is involved with many special events throughout the year. It’s an opportunity to provide the Festival’s intelligent, thoughtful and quality programming all year long.

STIll ThIS love GoeS on, WITh buffy SaInTeMarIe anD JulIe fleTT Presented with vancouver Writers fest - october 19, 2022

anIMal, CIrQue alfonSe (QuÉbeC) Presented with The Cultch - Sept. 20-24, 2022

vanCouver ChrISTMaS Tree lIGhTInG December 2, 2022

TeaCher TalK anD Teen WrITInG WorKShoPS from the Series of Indigenous-led events and Programming offered in partnership with Carousel Theatre for young People Sept 30 and oct 2, 2022

InDIGenouS arTS anD TrIbal rooTS DanCe WorKShoPS aT lunarfeST Jan. 22 and 29, 2023

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Photo by Tilly Nelson

Numerically Speaking

92

40

11

Shows and Events

Sold Out Shows

Venues

20

8

International Artists

National Artists

15

6

74 Local Artists

13

Art Installations / Activities

Days

Year-round staff members

61

42

12

Society Members

Board Members

Contract Staff Members

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2023 Financials Revenue Earned

14%

Private

9%

Public

77%

Expenses

Admin

26% Artistic Outreach & Production

74%

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Thank you to our donors and supporters You did this for us! All the financial support the VICF receives allows us to create this rich annual arts experience for our young audience and the adults who come with them.

We could not do it without you. Thank you so much!

Pots of Gold $5K+

Amacon Foundation • Chris Spencer Foundation • Diamond Foundation • John Hardie Mitchell Family Foundation • Loyal Protestant Association • Mirhady Family Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation • The Estate of John Robert (JR) Seifred • The Estate of Lynne Harrison • Vancouver Foundation

Unicorns $1000–$4999

Andrew Mahon Foundation • Andrea Curtis • Connor, Clark & Lunn Foundation • Lohn Foundation • McCarthy Tetrault Foundation • Teresa Sutherland • TF Event Company Inc. • The Christopher Foundation • The Hamber Foundation • The Lutsky Family Foundation • Vancouver Kidsbooks • Walmart • Coquitlam Foundation

Butterflies $500–$999

Katharine Carol • Paul Stewart • Xin Liu

Dragonflies $100–$499

Ali Eberhardt • Barbara Fousek • Cameron Wilson • CC Career Contacts Ltd • Chao Liu • Christina Ling Mei Tang • Dan Ruo Wang • Diana Stewart-Imbert • Gerald Murenbeeld • Harvey and Jody Dales • Jason Dubois • Judith Coffin • Louise DeGagné • Mee Young Aird • Minna Schendlinger • Monique Fouquet • Paul Dumontet • Peter Lang • Sally & Wilfrid Mennell • Tom Stulberg • Violet Tam

Fireflies Up to $99

Anna Williams • Antonina Volegova • CanadaHelps • Carolina MacHado De Carvalho • Cathleen Gingrich • Cathy Ebbehoj • Chloe Derksen • Christine Lyons • Courtney Inman • Dea Freschi • Elizabeth Bowen • Eric Wong • Frank Poulsen • Grace Starke • Jeanie Ow • Jennifer Foster • Jessica Gutteridge • Julia Lemieux • Kathleen Delorme • Kevin C • Kevin Campbell • Kevin Uribe • Kieran Davey • Klara

Sedlacek • Kristina Gamboa • Lien Schmidt • Marian Rankin • Marika Kovalcikova • Martha Sayfy • Melanie Kurrein • Michael Waugh • Michelle Allan • Mistrale Lepage • Nicole Yeasting • Olivia Zeng • Oyetunji Olu Akinloye • Pat Rundell • Patrick Fergusson • Patti Davis • Pavneet Grewal • Rose Smith • Ruhamah Buchanan • Samad Raza • Sandra Bluda • Shana Alexander • Sheri Rowe • Scott Wood

LadyBugs in kind

33 Acres Brewing Company • Alive Health Centre Ltd • Australian Boot Company • Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival • Basil Box • BC Ferries • Bin 4 Burger Lounge • Boorman Archery • Browns Socialhouse • Central City Fun Park • Como Taperia • Dageraad Brewing • Daniadown Home • Dilly Dally Kids Store • Earnest Ice Cream • Fable Diner • False Creek Ferries • Go Wireless • Growing Chefs!

• Harrison Hot Springs Resort • Hype Chocolate Co • iBubble Soccer • Juju Hair Lounge

• Lee's Donuts • MarikArts • MiniMakers • Mixologists Bartending • Nala Care • Nature’s Path • Ollie Quinn Optometrist • One Thing Message Lockets • Open Door Yoga • Pandora’s Locks • Posh Pantry • Prince of Whales • Rain City Games • Rain or Shine Ice Cream • Rogue Arts Festival • SAPPHO New Paradigm • skoah • Sopra Sotto Pizzeria • Steve’s Poké Bar • Terra Breads • The Running Room • Theatre Under the Stars • THINKA • Vancouver Fringe • Vancouver Mysteries Games • Vancouver Umbrella Inc • Vancouver Water Adventures

Board of Directors

Christina Ling Mei Tang, Chair Eric Wong, Vice Chair Kevin Campbell, Treasurer Cameron Wilson, Secretary Louise DeGagné Violet Tam Olivia Zeng Natasha Jeshani Kieran Davey Jason Dubois Samad Raza Grace Starke

Artistic & Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katharine Carol Development Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marika Kovalcikova Communications & Marketing Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanne Da Silva Operations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leanne Zacharias Audience Services Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Creelman Volunteer Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kirith Bains Production Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Kerr (DK) Technical Direction Team . . Mary Cantelon, Josef Chung, Lauren Palidwor School & Information Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Priscilla Xiao Accessibility Consultant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anika Vervecken Marketing Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Madeleine Wootton Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ewa Borkowska Assistant Volunteer Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larrisa Lau A huge shout out to our fantastic crew!

Many thanks to our awesome interns and volunteers!

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Photo by Tilly Nelson

Staff Credits

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Thank you to our sponsors festiVal Partners

coMMUnity Partners

Media sPonsors

GoVernMent fUnders

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.

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To learn more about the impact you or your organization can make, contact Marika Kovalcikova, Development Manager development@childrensfestival.ca | 604-708-5655 Ext. 106 Vancouver International Children’s Festival 1360 East 3rd Ave. Vancouver, BC V5N 5R8 Canada

Donate Today!

ChildrensFestival.ca

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