Skeleton Park Arts Festival (SPAF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sol Castañeda (she/her) as its new Co-Artistic Director. Castañeda officially assumed the role on March 2nd, 2026.

In this position, Castañeda will help lead the artistic vision, programming, and community engagement initiatives for the festival, working collaboratively to shape the continued growth and impact  of the organization. Castañeda will oversee the planning and delivery of the festival’s 21st edition, taking place June 19–21, 2026, in McBurney Park.

 Sol brings an international artistic perspective and a deep commitment to community-engaged practice.`Her leadership will help guide the festival into its next chapter while staying rooted in the values that have defined SPAF for over two decades.

“I am honoured to join Skeleton Park Arts Festival at such an exciting moment,” said Castañeda. “SPAF has long been a vital platform for artists and the arts community in Katarokwi-Kingston, and I look  forward to building on its legacy while exploring new creative possibilities.”

"SPAF couldn't be more pleased with the succession of Sol Castañeda as the festival's new Co-Artistic Director. 21 years of free neighbourhood multi-arts programming is the perfect time for fresh perspectives and creative ideas - especially as the needs of the Skeleton Park community continues to change and evolve. We are in very capable hands under the new leadership of Sol Castañeda. I recommend folks take a moment to say hello to Sol and share feedback about the future of the Skeleton Park Arts Festival." - Greg Tilson, SPAF Founding Director.

Castañeda brings extensive experience in multidisciplinary projects. Her career as a Cultural Manager began through her collaboration with Spanish performance artist Abel Azcona on the project Vaginas Anónimas. She later served as Producer of the first International Silent Film Festival held in Mexico. Before moving to Canada, she was the Artistic Coordinator of Radio Tulum (Tulum, Mexico) where she collaborated with international and national musicians, dj’s and artists. Throughout her career, she has worked with local, national and international artists, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and innovative artistic programming.

Currently Castañeda is involved as Board of Directors of Kingston Arts Council (KAC) and she also is part of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee and Kingston Mayor’s Arts Awards Nomination Subcommittee (2025).

Now entering its 21st year, Skeleton Park Arts Festival remains committed to presenting high-quality, accessible arts programming in the heart of Kingston. The 2026 festival will continue its tradition of showcasing diverse local, national, and emerging artists across multiple disciplines in a vibrant outdoor setting.

More details about the 21st edition will be announced in the coming months. Subscribe to the Kingston Live e-newsletter for updates.