ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Getting animated for over 20 years
The International Festival of Animated Objects Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mask & puppet related performance.
As an incubator and producer of mask, puppetry, and animated objects we are the primary curator and presenter of local, national and international puppetry. We strive to provide Alberta audiences with the chance to experience the breadth and diversity of these innovative art forms.
Vital to the development of puppetry as an art form, the festival not only provides a stage for Alberta creators to showcase their work but is also a forum for an international exchange of ideas providing learning opportunities for professional and emerging artists and the public at large to find expression through animated objects.
As an artform, puppetry is the great equalizer.
Breathing life into the inanimate is a foundational act of creation which allows us to connect us in a visceral way that crosses cultures and identities.
It tells the stories that tie us together.
Our Mandate
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To present dynamic international artists of puppetry and mask to the public of Calgary and surrounding areas in all areas of performance and film/media
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To support and present the local puppet and mask artists of Calgary and surrounding areas in all areas of puppetry and film/media
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To foster and support innovation in puppetry and mask.
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To invigorate the community and create interest in all areas of puppet and mask related art.
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To make mask and puppet related art accessible to the entire community of Calgary and surrounding areas.
Our Staff
Peter Balkwill • Artistic Director, Live Performance
Xstine Cook • Founder & Artistic Director, Film & Exhibits
Cosmo Christoffersen • Managing Producer
Mackenzie Bedford • Marketing Coordinator
Sean Dennie • Festival Photographer
Elaine Weryshko • Wunderbriefs Curator
Tauran Wood • Technical Director
Our Board
Cassie Holmes
Emeryll Gumapas
Carolyn Reid
Matt Smith