Arts Exchange: Art as a Reflection of Identity and Community
When
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Start Time: 6:30 pm
End Time: 8 pm
Organizer
City of St. Albert
Cost
$5.00
May not include taxes or fees
What's Happening
Join us at Arts Exchange as we explore embracing identity, diversity, accessibility and equity (IDEA) within artistic practices and programming choices. Featuring actor Jesse Lipscombe, writer Rayanne Haines, visual artist Max Quilliam and musician Darla Daniels, this panel-style discussion will leave artists and arts organizations feeling inspired and supported as they delve deeper into IDEA.
The event includes time to view the current Art Gallery of St. Albert exhibit by local Indigenous artist Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet.
If ticket cost is a barrier, contact tbrooks@stalbert.ca to be added to the reservation list.
MEET THE PANELISTS!
Darla Daniels
Darla is a celebrated Métis fiddler, singer-songwriter, actor and composer from Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement. Known as The Princess of the Métis Fiddle, her music blends roots, folk and Americana with powerful storytelling, trademark lyrical imagery and soulful fiddle.
Following the streaming and satellite radio success of her debut single, Many Miles, her second single, Trapline reached the number one spot on the Indigenous Music Countdown. In 2024, Darla was an official Country Music Alberta Top 5 nominee for Specialty Instrument (Fiddle Player) of the Year. Her debut EP 1992 is set to be released in late 2025.
Jesse Lipscombe
Jesse Lipscombe is a multifaceted Canadian public figure, known as an actor, producer, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, bestselling author, activist and former professional athlete.
The Alberta native began his acting career at the age of 14 and has appeared in films and television shows such as Netflix's Black Summer (as Mance) and My Life with the Walter Boys (as Coach Allen).
Lipscombe is a leading Canadian keynote speaker specializing in leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion. He is the co-founder of the #MakeItAwkward campaign, an initiative he launched with his wife, Julia, in 2016 to combat racism, misogyny, homophobia and hatred.
Through it all, Jesse makes it his top priority to give back to his community and works with various annual charity fundraisers and partnerships in his home base of Edmonton.
Max Quilliam
Max Quilliam is a queer and disabled visual artist, educator, accessibility advocate and caregiver whose life is shared between Treaty 6 territory and the unceded territories on the rural east coast of Newfoundland.
Max draws on their near-decade of advocacy work in queer and disabled communities to create artwork that explores how marginalized people are seen, heard and understood - often through the mediums of textiles, print and installation.
Rayanne Haines
Rayanne is a Canadian writer, award-winning poet, educator, cultural producer and thought leader who focuses on intersectional grief practices, women's and queer narratives, mental health and intergenerational trauma. She also holds a Master of Arts Degree in Arts, Festival and Cultural Management from Queen Margaret University.
Her study of intersectionality in artistic practice informs her understanding of how leadership and beliefs are shaping Canadian arts organizations. A central theme in her writing and research is the exploration of mental health and the impact of trauma passed down through generations.
A previous Writer in Residence for the Metro Edmonton Federation of Libraries, Rayanne is currently an Assistant Professor in the Arts and Cultural Management Program at MacEwan University and serves as the president of the League of Canadian Poets.
Related Pages
Last edited: October 30, 2025