A message from Arts Habitat Edmonton:
Arts Habitat Edmonton is a social purpose enterprise that champions appropriate and accessible spaces for the arts in Edmonton. In 2024 and 2025, Arts Habitat doubled its number of ArtsHubs with the additions of ArtsHub Ortona and ArtsHub Creative Studios, respectively, to its established properties ArtsHub McLuhan House and ArtsHub 118. This collection of properties has been dubbed the Arts Habitat. In this growth period, the Arts Habitat welcomed the onboarding of over 60 office and studio licensees and over 600 bookings in its event spaces in the past year.
To mark this milestone in community development, Arts Habitat Edmonton hosted its inaugural HeART of the Habitat event as part of Alberta Culture Days on Sept. 20 at ArtsHub Ortona. Rooted in connection and belonging, the event brought together the artists and arts organizations that license or book art space at each ArtsHub for a community showcase to share the diversity of talent, expertise, and opportunity that exists within the Arts Habitat.
The day was filled with inspiring performances and moments of creative expression. Lucette — the stage name of Canadian artist Lauren Gillis — headlined the event with songs from her new album Nice Girl From the Suburbs, sonically inspired by '90s dream pop and alt-rock. Lucette's melodic set in the Solarium, in the soft glow of the evening sun, was pure magic.
Throughout the day, attendees were encouraged to explore the programming, including live painting and drawing, intimate music sets, a poetry open mic, DIY workshops for watercolour postcards and beaded bag charms, writing activities, and an all-day arts market.
A powerful midday performance by Earth Force brought energy and groove to the main stage. Joining them on electric guitar was Taro Hashimoto, a multifaceted artist who, after the set, could be seen adding new details to his striking charcoal portraits.
"It was really great, and it felt good to be a part of the cultural diversity and arts community through your organization and terrific associated peoples!" Taro said as he reflected on the experience. "I met some really wonderful folks."
From start to finish, HeART of the Habitat radiated creativity and showcased the vibrant pulse of those in the Arts Habitat.
To see some of the excitement, visit Arts Habitat Edmonton's event page.