A pilot intended to promote the AFA’s programs and resources and to increase our engagement with Alberta’s vibrant arts communities.
Community Connector Pilot Program
The Community Connector Pilot is intended to promote the AFA’s programs and resources and to increase our engagement with Alberta’s vibrant arts communities.
This pilot is an innovative new way to connect with artists and organizations, particularly in geographic regions and with cultural communities in which awareness of AFA resources may be limited, by working with trusted community leaders to support our outreach efforts.
The AFA is pleased to introduce our first Community Connectors: Danielle George and Hanna Fridhed.
Danielle George – Edmonton region
Danielle M. George, born to Caribbean parents from Trinidad and Tobago, was raised in Edmonton within a vibrant Caribbean community. Her father, Cecil T. George, played a pivotal role in the Cariwest Festival and founded the Trincan Steel Orchestra, sparking Danielle's lifelong passion for the steel pan. Starting at just 7 years old, she learned to play the steel pan under his guidance. Nearly three decades later, Danielle leads Trincan Steel Orchestra as its president, continuing her father’s legacy and expanding the presence of Caribbean culture in Alberta.
Beyond her musical talents, Danielle is a dynamic community leader. She hosts the "All Things Pan" podcast on Instagram Live, where she discusses Caribbean culture and the art of steel pan music. Danielle’s performances, which have graced various events including dignitary functions and weddings, serve to celebrate and share the joy of Caribbean culture across Alberta. Her work with Trincan Steel Orchestra helps to keep the Caribbean musical traditions alive and thriving in the province.
As one of the Community Connectors in this pilot program, Danielle will use her broad network and cultural expertise to connect Alberta’s diverse communities to the resources and opportunities provided by the AFA. Danielle’s role will focus on raising awareness of the AFA’s initiatives, engaging underrepresented communities, and fostering collaboration and creative growth in Alberta.
Hanna Fridhed – Wood Buffalo region
Hanna Fridhed is a theatre and literary artist from Sweden who now lives and creates in Wood Buffalo, located in Treaty 8. She is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the non-profit theatre company Swamp Rat Experience, with which she has spearheaded several noteworthy productions, including RENT The Musical, and Doubt, A Parable.
Hanna has a deep connection to her community and the arts scene in the Wood Buffalo region, where she has cultivated relationships through her work in various creative and leadership roles. With a background in art education, Hanna has made significant strides in bridging the gap between the arts and local communities, emphasizing the importance of multicultural representation and inclusion in her work.
Hanna is committed to supporting artists from diverse backgrounds and providing a platform for underrepresented voices. As a Community Connector, she will leverage her networks and experience to help connect artists to AFA resources, encourage collaboration, and increase the visibility of diverse arts practices. Her dedication to fostering inclusive arts communities makes her an invaluable part of the pilot program.
Questions?
The AFA will review results of the pilot after March 2025. If you have questions about this project, please contact staff:
