Come as a Stranger. Leave as Family. The Creative Heart of Flourish.
The Experience Hall is where the magic happens — where artists, makers, and art lovers from around the world come together, create together, and leave changed by the experience.
More than a market.
A place to create,
connect, and belong.
Flourish was designed to be interactive, social, inspiring, and deeply human. This is not a place where people quietly walk past rows of tables collecting brochures.
It is a living creative environment where attendees and the public can:
- watch artists work
- test tools and materials
- join demonstrations
- discover new techniques
- sketch, write, create, and converse
- connect directly with makers from around the world
Part gallery · Part creative laboratory · Part gathering place
Featured Experiences
Hands-on, interactive, and designed to stop people in their tracks.
We actively encourage experiences that invite conversation, participation, and discovery.
Beyond the Market Floor
The Experience Hall is open to the public throughout the festival — and on Thursday and Friday, two extraordinary luncheon events bring even more reason to visit. The hall and gallery remain open from 11:30 to 6:30, welcoming art lovers, creatives, and curious visitors from Calgary and beyond.
The Saint John's Bible
A Luncheon & Viewing ExperienceOne of the most extraordinary works of art of the modern era comes to Flourish. The Saint John's Bible — the first hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery since the invention of the printing press — will be on display as part of an intimate luncheon experience.
A rare and deeply moving encounter with a living masterwork of calligraphy and illumination, open to anyone who loves art, craft, and the written word.
Experience Hall & Gallery open 11:30 – 6:30Leendert Van der Pool
An Artist LuncheonJoin us for an intimate luncheon in the company of one of the world's foremost calligraphers. Leendert Van der Pool brings a rare depth of craft, history, and warmth to every room he enters — this is an opportunity to share a meal and an afternoon with a true master of the written word.
Open to the public. No festival registration required. Simply a beautiful afternoon in the company of exceptional art and exceptional people.
Experience Hall & Gallery open 11:30 – 6:30
We're Curating Something Special
A limited number of placements — reviewed on a rolling basis.
Call for Artists
Painters, calligraphers, lettering artists, bookmakers, paper artists, and mixed-media creators — share your work, demonstrate your process, and connect directly with an audience that deeply values your craft.
Artist Application →Vendor & Experience Partners
Pen companies, paper makers, tool makers, publishers, and creative brands whose products belong in artists' hands. Design an interactive station, host a demonstration, or bring your finest work to a highly engaged creative audience.
Vendor Application →Sponsorship Opportunities
Align your brand with one of Canada's most distinctive creative gatherings. From signature partnerships to gift bag inclusions, we'll design an activation that speaks directly to our deeply engaged creative community.
Schedule a Conversation →
