Calgary International Children's Festival shuts down after 32 years due to lack of funds

The Calgary International Children's Festival is shutting down after 32 years due to a lack of funds.

"Due to a challenging economy, an unsustainable operating model and cost structure, and a decrease in available funds, organizers are unable to present a festival that meets the high artistic standards and quality of community outreach that audiences and funders expect and deserve," the festival's board of directors announced in a release Thursday.

The 2019 festival is cancelled and the society will be dissolved.

Raising ticket prices not an option

Raising ticket prices is not an option to increase funds, the festival said, as prices need to remain affordable for schools and young families. The festival also said ticket sales represent only about 10 per cent of total revenue.

"The board and festival staff would like to thank all our supporters who helped us become a vital contributor to the cultural landscape of our community for the last 32 years, becoming the largest presenter of performing arts for children in Calgary," said board chair Carri Clarke in the release.

Clarke said that for many, the festival was their first exposure to the performing arts.

"We would especially like to thank our audience — the thousands of children, parents, grandparents, caregivers and teachers who have seen our shows and visited our outdoor site over the years."

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