Magnetic Encounters is a forum for artistic innovation and creative development, and offers opportunities for artists and audiences alike to participate more fully in the festival experience. Working in collaboration with Simon Mallett of Downstage’s Uprising Festival in Calgary, the Encounters Series will host a three-play series at the EPCOR’s MOTEL space that will feature the work of Calgary theatre companies dedicated to exploring socially and politically charged themes. Many of the other events included in Encounters will also showcase Calgary artists as well as feature artists from other provinces in Canada who are creating work that is based on the principles of equality, solidarity and the dignity of every human being. Full Encounters programming will be announced Spring 2012.