Celebrating Francophone art and culture in Alberta

Most Franco-Albertans are of French Canadian descent, but the community has become more diversified with the arrival of large numbers of Acadian workers and international immigrants. Francophones can be found for the most part in the metropolitan areas of Edmonton and Calgary, as well as scattered throughout other parts of the province, in Bonnyville, Plamondon, Saint-Paul, Saint-Isidore and Falher, for example. The community’s population is growing rapidly, and its vitality is supported by a number of cultural centres. Bonnie Doon, Edmonton’s French Quarter, is bursting with cultural and artistic activities. Theatre, which has always been important for Franco-Albertans, is as popular as ever, and Franco-Albertan singers benefit from a highly organized network. Almost all of the other artistic disciplines are also well-represented by Francophone creators. Famous author Nancy Huston is without a doubt the best-known French-language author from Alberta on the international scene.