Steve Pirot (aka Unkl Stiv) has been a partner in Edmonton’s ecology of Arts Festivals for over 30 years including 16 years as Festival Director for The Nextfest Arts Company. Coming from a background in theatre, he has been active in Edmonton’s poetry scene for 15 years. His spoken-word show Unkl Stiv’s Looping Machine premiered at Clarkeland’s Patio in Whitehorse in 2023 followed by a run at the 2023 & 2024 Edmonton Fringe.