Welcome Marika!

We’d like to introduce you to Marika Kovalcikova. She is taking over the role of Development Manager here at the Festival while Michelle Cronier is on Maternity leave.  Please contact Marika if your company, business or foundation is interested in supporting the Festival.  We recently sat down with Marika and asked her some questions.  You can find out more about Marika below:

Tell us how you first got involved with the Festival

My first experience with the Festival was as an attendee! When I came to Canada in 1995 I was a nanny to 3 boys. The Vancouver International Children’s Festival was the first Festival we attended with the kids. They had a great time! The kids were very busy having fun and running around to each of the activities. There was even a news camera on-site and the kids were interviewed.

Can you tell us about your role at the Festival?

I am responsible for the Festival’s development strategy. I build relationships with existing and new sponsors and encourage them to support our great Festival. I also create win/win sponsorship programs that benefit both the Festival and our partners.

What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?

I love attending special events! Festivals, arts events, dance, music, theatre, you name it, I will probably be there! I also enjoy all kinds of dancing such as traditional Slovak/Czech, ballroom and Bachata with some ping pong games thrown in there for good measure…but not at the same time, of course! Whenever I can, I also enjoy spend some time with Mia, my 2.5 year old niece. I am looking forward to bringing her to the Festival this year.

What do you wish other people knew about the Festival?

How important it is to introduce live theatre to children at an early age thus fostering a life long appreciation for the arts. In this electronic age where there is less and less human interaction, it is crucial that families find the time to bring their kids to live shows.

What would you consider your hidden talent?

Working with Paverpol. I love making sculptures and exploring how I can use this unique material. I am inspired everyday to try new things.

How are you involved in your community?

I love organizing events and concerts. The work and stress to put an event together is worth it when I get to see the happiness and joy of the people attending. I take great pleasure in knowing that I had a part in that moment of happiness.

What part of the Festival are you looking forward to the most? 

I am looking forward to seeing all the happy faces on the children after everything has come together. It will be rewarding to see all our hard work come to fruition.