As another Nextfest approaches, and a new group of Emerging Assistant Producers (EAP) enter the 2023 festival season, we wanted to take a chance to chat with last year’s program participants.

This program was launched in 2022 as an extension of Nextfest’s priority of mentorship and creating platforms for underrepresented voices. With this program, accepted applicants were offered training, support, and mentorship to support their growth into the next big artistic producers in Edmonton. This program was designed to give hands-on experience to emerging IBPOC women, trans, and/or non-binary arts administrators.

Meet the 2022 Emerging Assistant Producers

Last year Kijo Gatama, Nelly Song, Saint Tawfik, Sare Alemu, Cindy Rivers, and Deviani Andrea started the EAP Program in early 2022 with Producing 101 with Ellen Chorley (Festival Director) and then placement in local arts festivals (including Nextfest)! 

Below is a panel where Kijo Gatama, Nelly Song, Saint Tawfik, and Sare Alemu chat about their experience in the program, what they learned, and what they’ve done since gaining mentorship through the EAP program. Thank you to partner organizations Fringe Theatre, SkirtsAFire, and Common Ground Arts Society for supporting mentorship opportunities for emerging producers and artists.

We are so thrilled to hear what these incredible humans are up to since ‘graduating.’ They are already making incredible changes in the Edmonton arts scene, keep your eye out for their work.

This year, four new emerging producers are learning, creating, and growing in Nextfest’s 2023 Emerging Assistant Producer Program. This year Amanda Dang, Alexis De Villa, Shyanne Duquette, and Jasmine Hopfe will be taking the EAP torch at festivals across the city and at 2023: A NEXTFEST SPACE pOPERA (Saturday, June 3), a Nextfest Nite Club curated by them as part of their program.