Emma Carter

For 27 years Emma Carter has called Fort McMurray home. Although she left the region to obtain her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Theatre from the University of Victoria, she returned home to make an impressive impact on the arts community and the community as a whole. Emma is the Engagement Manager for Arts Council Wood Buffalo, and is the North Region Director for the Alberta Drama Festival Association. She volunteers her time as the Communications Manager with local non-profit theatre company Theatre; Just Because. Through Theatre; Just Because, Emma also runs youth and adult performing arts programs. YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career? EC: There are so many rewarding aspects to my career. Getting to connect with so many incredible artists working in so many disciplines in our region. Seeing the spark in people’s eyes when I ask them if they’re an artist. Getting to see people’s artwork. Helping people achieve their goals. And of course, finding the perfect font. YMM: How have your priorities changed in the last 10 years? EC: Ten years ago, I was a grade twelve student eager to leave my hometown, find where I belong, and pursue a creative life anywhere but here. Today, I am excited every day to wake up and go to work, where I’m privileged to work with some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. I also get to work with the coolest, most brilliant young people through my work with Theatre; Just Because. Outside of work, my life is filled with love. I’m living a life I never imagined could exist, in the place I wanted to leave most. I’m living a creative life that’s greater than I could have ever dreamed, in the place I once wanted to leave. YMM: What accomplishment are you most proud of? EC: I am most proud of my work teaching youth theatre programs with Theatre; Just Because and the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts. No single accomplishment, but seeing the kids and teens I work with come out of their shells, find where they belong, and learn that they can fail big and celebrate mistakes together. YMM: In your opinion, in what areas could Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo improve? EC: More arts infrastructure! I am so excited to have joined Arts Council Wood Buffalo at such a pivotal time, as we progress towards opening Arts INC, a campus for creativity in the heart of downtown Fort McMurray. YMM: What does community mean to you? EC: Community means feeling safe, feeling connected, feeling able to take risks, & feeling able to leave, knowing that you can always come back. YMM: What are you best at? EC: I like to think I’m good at nurturing and encouraging others, and at seeing the greatest possibilities around me. I also like to think I’m good at laughing lots, not taking myself too seriously, and being kind. YMM: What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? EC: Choosing to pursue the arts, with lots of big wide possibilities and no concrete path forward. YMM: Describe your perfect day in Fort McMurray. EC: There are so many things that I love to do, it’s hard to decide what a single perfect day would look like. I’m sure that it would include running in the Birchwood Trails, spending time with my friends, seeing some live music, and going to sleep without needing to set an alarm.