ATB: Powering The Moments That Make Fringe Unforgettable

The stories we tell tomorrow begin with what we choose to nurture today.

ATB Financial and Fringe Theatre share the belief that possibility grows when people are given the freedom to dream, create, and connect.

Since becoming Lead Festival Partner in 2014, ATB has helped power the moments that make the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival unforgettable.

From free family fun at KidsFringe, to toe-tapping tunes in ATB Park; from immersive experiences as part of our Indigenous-led pêhonân Series, to more than 200 bold theatre productions on stages across the city, ATB’s support is woven into the experiences that bring hundreds of thousands of Festival-goers together in celebration each summer.  

As ATB Financial welcomes new President & CEO Chris Turchansky (CT), we caught up with him to chat about what excites him most about his new role and why events like Fringe matter to Alberta.

What are you most excited about in your new role with ATB?

CT: As I enjoy my first year as President & CEO of ATB Financial, what has truly excited me is the profound opportunity to deepen our connections across Alberta. I’ve spent a lot of time meeting with team members, clients, and community partners from all corners of the province. These face-to-face interactions serve as a powerful reminder of the uniqueness of Alberta – the province I’ve called home my entire life – and the impressive commitment that defines our collective ambitions. At ATB Financial, we are dedicated to creating value for our clients through expert advice, local knowledge, and a commitment to what’s possible. It is an incredible privilege to lead such a talented team as we navigate the year ahead, together.

Why is ATB committed to fostering community and  nurturing the transformative power of the arts?  

CT: ATB Financial exists to make it possible for Albertans, and we know that a thriving community is defined by more than just financial success – it’s defined by culture, creativity, and connection. The arts, and Fringe in particular, act as a vital mirror and catalyst for our society. Supporting the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is our way of celebrating the bold, diverse voices that make Alberta a vibrant place to live and grow.

Fringe is people powered. Can you share why putting  people first is a priority for ATB? 

CT: At ATB Financial, our success is inseparable from our people. We believe that when our team members feel empowered and valued, they deliver their absolute best to our clients and communities. We prioritize people because relationships are the foundation of everything we do – from the personal connections in our branches to the partnerships we build with entrepreneurs and organizations across the province.

How does ATB help people realize their dreams? 

CT: Whether it’s an Artist looking for the platform to share their story, a family purchasing their first home, or an entrepreneur launching a new venture, ATB Financial provides the expert advice, financial tools, and innovative solutions needed to navigate complex challenges and help our clients achieve their goals.

At Fringe, we believe the stories we tell tomorrow begin with what we choose to nurture today. 

For 13 years, ATB has championed imagination, celebrated bold ideas, and invested in the people and experiences that bring communities together. Their belief in possibility gives Artists the courage to take risks, audiences the chance to discover something extraordinary, and our city countless moments of joy and connection. For that – and for all the stories still waiting to be told – we are deeply grateful. We can’t wait to discover what’s possible together next.