Faculty of Fine Arts’ inaugural Vibe Fest showcases top-tier creative talent and facilities at ULethbridge

“I had no idea our school had this!”

“This is so cool, I can’t believe someone made this.”

Shock, awe, wonderment: The Faculty of Fine Arts was on full display at the inaugural Vibe Fest.

A creative showcase of student, alumni, staff and faculty talent, Vibe Fest opened the doors of the University of Lethbridge Centre for the Arts (UCA) and allowed community members to experience performances, exhibitions and presentations, as well as the Faculty’s world-class studios, spaces and facilities.

The result? A night of exploration and discovery like no other. Nearly 1,600 people made their way through the UCA during Vibe Fest, wandering down art-filled hallways, touring scarcely-seen spaces and immersing themselves in live music and soundscapes.

With activities like a local artisan market, a make-your-own-s’mores station and photobooths, Vibe Fest more than delivered on its promise. ULethbridge students, employees, alumni and community members were warmly welcomed and celebrated at events such as the Department of New Media 25th Anniversary Retrospective and the Department of Art Annual Awards.

Tours of Fine Arts spaces such as the scene and props shops, darkroom studio, costume shop and the printmaking studio wowed attendees — including some who were shocked to learn that ULethbridge hosts such significant facilities for the creative arts.

These discoveries hit at the core of Vibe Fest’s mandate: to highlight the full scope of emerging contemporary art practice in southern Alberta and spotlight the Faculty’s artistry and contributions to the wider community, cultivating community support and building advocacy for arts-based education and programming.

“The Faculty of Fine Arts is a central part of the arts ecosystem in southern Alberta. We give students outstanding learning experiences and transferable skills, and provide the community with arts educators, creative practitioners and cultural sector workers,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

“Our students and the community have been so enthusiastic about Vibe Fest, and we are excited to see how the festival grows over years to come. Vibe Fest builds significant connections between our students and alumni and the wider arts community. It affirms the importance of arts education and we couldn’t be happier with the inaugural event.”

Vibe Fest is a free event and presents a unique opportunity for individuals and local businesses who value the arts to become involved and support the innovative and cultural work that is taking place at ULethbridge.

Friends of the Festival sponsors included Gas King, Davidson & Williams LLP, North & Company Law Offices LLP and Ike, Diana and the Lanier Family. Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) was Vibe Fest’s Volunteer Sponsor.

The Faculty of Fine Arts is seeking sponsors and partners for Vibe Fest 2026. To support the arts and help ensure access for all, contact ULethbridge External Relations.

Ultimately, Vibe Fest brought out some of the best that the Faculty of Fine Arts has to offer, wowing attendees and creating an impactful legacy that will continue for years to come.

As one attendee remarked following the event, “I left feeling inspired to be more creative.”