Activate Arts Alberta (formerly Ice on Whyte Festival Society) fosters a deep appreciation for art and culture by creating immersive outdoor experiences that inspire creativity and community. Our programming is built on three core pillars:

Chiseled – Edmonton’s International Ice Carving Competition

Winter Activations & Outreach Programming – Bringing winter art experiences to communities across Alberta

Whyte Avenue Art Walk – A vibrant annual celebration of visual artists and their craft

We are dedicated to advancing public appreciation of the arts by:

Hosting public exhibitions, presentations, and interactive activations

Providing platforms for artists to showcase their work

Offering educational opportunities, including instructional classes and professional development

Supporting other events through innovative programming

The Ice on Whyte Festival was founded in 2003 by the Old Strathcona Business Association in collaboration with local artists passionate about showcasing the unique art form of ice carving. Over the years, it evolved into a major winter festival, gaining international recognition. In 2011, the Ice on Whyte Festival Society was established, and in 2016, we attained registered charitable status.

At the heart of Ice on Whyte was the International Ice Carving Competition, attracting world-class ice carvers to Edmonton. In 2023, we relocated this competition to ICE District, rebranding it as Chiseled, and changing it to a free, public event where spectators can witness the artistic process unfold in a dynamic urban setting.

Since 2015, we have expanded our reach through Winter Activations & Outreach Programming, collaborating with municipalities across Alberta to bring ice slides, snow mazes, ice and snow carvings, hands-on carving activities, and other winter-inspired creations to communities. Through these experiences, we celebrate the beauty of winter and encourage people to embrace the outdoors in the winter through art.

In 2021, we were honoured to take over the management of the Whyte Avenue Art Walk from The Paint Spot, which had nurtured the event since its inception in 1995. What began with a small group of artists painting on the street has grown into a three-day event featuring more than 400 artists across six city blocks, and attracts more than 60,000 visitors annually. This non-juried event welcomes professional artists, amateurs, and students alike, offering a unique opportunity for the public to engage directly with artists, watch live creations unfold, and purchase art straight from the creators.

With the growth of our Whyte Avenue Art Walk and the expansion of our winter programming, we recognized the need for a name that better reflected our evolving mission. In 2022, in collaboration with McQueen Creative, we rebranded as Activate Arts Alberta—a name that encapsulates our broader reach, dynamic programming, and commitment to fostering year-round visual arts activations across Edmonton and beyond.

Join us as we continue to create spaces where art comes to life, winter is embraced, and creativity thrives.