“Mycologists aren’t sure how many species of fungi there are, estimating diversity somewhere between 2 and 1 million. Only 150,000 species are formally described; Most people can maybe name a handful. How many do you know?”

If people were asked about where one can go to see visual art and what that experience would be like, conventional impressions that may come to mind would be dedicated art spaces where people can visit and look at the art—where the experience maintains a separation between the viewer and the artwork.

On display at The Westin Hotel in The Works Art and Design Festival this year, mixed media sculpture artist Dustin Coulson’s series Of Bark & Bane examines the adverse impact of human society upon the natural environment as well as the shifting and, at times, contentious relationship that exists between them.

When you are part of the Works2Work internship, your day-to-day tasks can look quite a bit different depending on which stream of the program you are in. From production to volunteer to marketing to curatorial, each team plays a critical role in putting on the Works Art and Design Festival every year. The experience is a valuable mix of hands-on work and classroom learning (Works2Work sessions) that gives participants a wealth of professional experience. While teams each have their own responsibilities, there is often collaboration between departments when extra support or expertise is needed.

Edmonton, Alberta – The Works Art & Design Festival is returning to Edmonton’s Churchill Square. Over 11 days, the heart of the City will come alive as more than 100 visual artists transform indoor and outdoor places into vibrant, interactive art spaces.