Charles Landry Stirs Some Calgary Culture
- Posted by Terry Rock on March 29th, 2006
On Monday, March 27th, Charles Landry of COMEDIA spoke as part of the ongoing Stirring Culture series presented by the Alberta College of Art & Design.
I’ve had the opportunity to hear Mr. Landry speak at two prior events, and was lucky enough to have a conversation with him during a bus ride at a conference in Toronto. Because of his incredibly deep and wide experience working with cities around the globe, his perspective is always fascinating (and vividly shown via his ubiquitous digital camera!). Monday was the first time I’d heard him apply his perspective directly to Calgary. His conclusions were drawn from a week in the city meeting with several stakeholder groups as part of the Olympic Plaza Cultural District Strategy process.
There are many many things we need to think about and pursue from Mr. Landry’s talk. For now, let’s take one…
Mr. Landry mentioned the Calgary Stampede several times in his talk, usually prefaced by “setting aside” or “other than.” I took the opportunity after his talk to ask him about why he said “setting aside” and “other than” whenever he spoke about the Stampede. Because, surely the Calgary Stampede and western heritage is part of Calgary’s culture today, and it will be important in the future. (Won’t it?)
What do you think?
(By the way, Landry’s response was that we’re hitting only “one note” of what is actually a multi-layered and complex symphony. Worth mulling over!)
I thoroughly enjoyed Mr.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Landry's lecture- definitely entertaining and idea inducing. I agree that we are living in a society that "pre-chews our culture." What are we leaving as Calgary's legacy? Ten days of the year for Stampede? What do Calgarians do for the other 355 days of the year? What about the Calgarians who intentionally plan holidays so they are not in the city during Stampede? We have such potential. We are a beautiful city full of talented individuals. Let's work from the "energy" theme. We profit from oil and gas- what other sources of energy does Calgary and Calgarians have to offer?
Charles Landry on Making Calgary Great!
I was also at the talk, and whole-heartedley agree with the "one note" comment made by Mr. Landry. The Stampede occurs once a year. Calgary is known for it. However, what about the rest of the year? By focusing so much of our efforts on Stampede, it's almost as if that is the only aspect this city has to offer (besides oil).
Mr. Landry's comments about a Creative City resonate with me. A great city should be described as loved, joyful, alive. There should be walk-ways, it should be people and community friendly, diverse and vibrant.
When you walk around the downtown, or other parts of the city. Do you say to yourself, "Yes" this is something (whether it be a building, object, or place) I love and enjoy, or does it seem bland and uneventful; in other words, "No". I find Calgary failing in this respect.
First Thursdays is a wonderful initiative. Yet, what's keeping it from being a remarkably true success is the lack of vibrancy in the downtown core. Mr. Landry's observations MUST be used to better this city; otherwise, we could eventually see the demise of Calgary.
I would also like to add that Brilliant City! was an astounding success. I think this shows that Calgary is hungry for more culture and diversity. The people ready. They are waiting for and hoping for more events of that nature.
I agree with Mr. Landry. This city can be great. Let's go about proving it, to ourselves, and to the world!