The Sled Island Arts Fellowship is a charitable organization dedicated to the presentation of incredible independent music and art. Our main activity is Sled Island, a one-of-a-kind, five-day music and arts festival presented in Calgary each June that has earned rave reviews from attendees, artists and media across the globe.

Since its inception in 2007, Sled Island has been proud to showcase a whopping 924 unique Alberta bands, including 673 from Calgary, as well as comedy, film, art, special events and conference programming in 158 unique Calgary venues to a combined audience of more than 475,000 people. The organization operates with only four full-time staff as well as a passionate base of support made up of 275+ volunteers annually and over 587 unique partners to date.

But Sled Island is about more than just five days in June. It’s a year-round catalyst for music, arts and community and a beloved connector of partners, volunteers, artists and audience members. The festival is a leader in fostering all-ages, green, safer spaces, inclusion and accessibility initiatives. It’s also an important economic driver. A 2015 economic impact study produced by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance showed that Sled Island generated 3.4 million in economic activity for Alberta that year.  

With accessibility as a core value, the festival is committed to keeping pass and ticket prices affordable as well as continuing to offer high-quality free programming. As a result, box office revenues cover only 25% of our annual expenses.

Sled Island has weathered a flood, an economic downturn, a cancellation amidst a global pandemic, and decreasing sponsorship dollars across the Canadian arts sector. Despite our tenacity through hard times, the changing economic realities facing festivals like ours mean we must find new paths for ensuring our sustainability.

We’re now looking to our community for monthly or one-time donations that are an investment not only in the festival we all look forward to each year, but in our year-round support of Calgary’s music and arts scene.

All donations will contribute to Sled Island’s operating and programming costs. If you’d like to show your support for a specific Sled Island program or interest area, please leave a comment in the "Message for Sled Island Music & Arts Festival" box on the donation form. Sled Island is grateful for donations of all sizes. A tax receipt will be issued to you for your donation amount.

If you wish to make a corporate donation or if you wish to donate via cheque or cash, please contact Bianca Dayrit at bianca@sledisland.com. 

Thank you for your generous support!