Celebrating Community and Wellbeing

Our first Spring Bliss was held in April 2022 to introduce people to our arts, culture, and mental health mini-exhibition. This marked a significant milestone in our efforts to connect with the community and introduce them to the innovative concept behind our larger, thoughtfully designed events. It was designed to encourage Calgarians who had been isolated through COVID, to attend a community event that was more than a resource expo. It was also a partnership with carya Calgary, to showcase the new Village Commons (VC) vibrant community space in the East Village. The location was accessible and inviting, as VC fosters community engagement and collaboration through its programming.

We focused on creating opportunities that challenged the typical help desk experience and provided examples of community care and shared wisdom. Unlike traditional resource expos that often feel transactional and impersonal, we sought to create an atmosphere that was inviting and interactive, encouraging deeper connections among attendees.

We focus on crafting environments where individuals can engage in meaningful conversations, share their experiences, and learn from one another. In 2022, our programming included a variety of workshops and discussion panels that highlighted examples of community care, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and shared wisdom within our neighborhoods. We invited local leaders and community advocates to share their insights, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

The event also featured interactive stations where attendees could participate in hands-on activities, allowing them to explore resources more dynamically. From art installations that celebrated local talent to wellness activities aimed at promoting mental health, each aspect of Spring Bliss was designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants who appreciated the opportunity to connect not just with resources but with each other, laying the groundwork for ongoing relationships and support networks.

Overall, our first Spring Bliss was not merely an event; it was a celebration of community spirit and resilience, setting the stage for future gatherings that would continue to build on this foundation of connection and care. The success of this event reaffirmed our commitment to creating spaces where individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute to the collective well-being of our community.

Stay tuned for more in our retrospective blog series, looking back at 3 years of Spring Bliss, the mini-mental wellness festival. This is a special feature as our small and mighty team works to present an outdoor edition of the festival in May 2026.