Alberta at the Smithsonian Insitute

From some folks over at the Gainful employment place...

SuperNet delivers Alberta to the Smithsonian Institute's Folklife Festival


The diverse and vibrant culture of Alberta will be on display to more than a million Americans from June 30 to July 11 at the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. - in part thanks to the Alberta SuperNet.

The result of a partnership between Bell, Axia, and the Government of Alberta, the Alberta SuperNet is a province-wide network offering the benefits of high-speed technology to urban and rural Albertans alike. Linking over 4,700 government offices, schools, municipalities, health-care facilities, libraries and other institutions, Alberta is the first province in Canada to deliver a broadband network that opens up high-speed connectivity in every region of the province. It is this connectivity, and technology solution, that will support Alberta's presence at Folklife - the first Canadian province to be featured in the 39 year history of the Smithsonian's signature event.

'Alberta at the Smithsonian' will showcase more than 120 of Alberta's finest musicians, storytellers, cooks, craftspeople, occupational specialists and cultural experts. Named as 'the top event in the U.S.', the free outdoor festival attracts 1.5 million people, providing a unique opportunity for Alberta to showcase its dynamic people and culture on the National Mall. The Mall, an area stretching from the grounds of the Washington Monument to the United States Capitol Building is one of Washington D.C.'s most popular attractions.

One key element of Alberta's presence at the Smithsonian event will be the Government of Alberta Ministry of Education's presentations utilizing the Alberta SuperNet. During the course of the Festival, a series of 10 interactive video-conference sessions will showcase the work of Alberta's students and teachers via large screens positioned along the National Mall.

The presentations, ranging from a snapshot of Alberta's cowboy culture to live performances by Banff Centre students, are made possible through the Alberta SuperNet. Bell is proud to have played a major role in breaking down the barriers of distance to enable the students and teachers of Alberta to showcase their talents, and their province, to an international audience.
For more information on the Alberta SuperNet's role and programming at the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival visit http://www.albertaindc.com/.