Frequently Asked Questions

Why has CRAF merged with Calgary Arts Development?
The City of Calgary adopted a new civic arts policy in 2004 which called for Calgary Arts Development to be created to act as a single arms-length authority, with responsibility for overseeing the allocation of municipal investments and grants to the arts. As such, Calgary Arts Development will be accountable to City Council for the allocation of arts grants in 2007 and beyond.

Calgary Arts Development and CRAF have been working together closely over the past year to create a merger agreement that preserves CRAF's successful practices while creating a new structure that will allow for improvements in the allocation of municipal arts grants. The overall goal is to better serve Calgary's vibrant and growing arts community, which contributes so greatly to the quality of life in this city.

The unanimous vote in support of the merger at CRAF's annual general meeting on September 26, 2006 aligns the granting of municipal funds with the strategic direction for arts development in Calgary. Calgary Arts Development is thrilled at this expression of trust and support from CRAF's board and volunteer members.

What is the timeline for the merger?
At its AGM of September 26, 2006 the Calgary Region Arts Foundation passed a motion to dissolve the legal entity of CRAF in favour of a new, merged organization with the Calgary Arts Development Authority. The effective date of dissolution is to be October 31, 2006, after which all operations and programs will fall under Calgary Arts Development.

What will happen to the CRAF members?
All CRAF members will become members of Calgary Arts Development's volunteer Grants Committee, and the liaison system will remain in place.

Will there be changes or disruptions to the granting programs?
CRAF and Calgary Arts Development are working hard to make the merger happen as seamlessly as possible. We're currently operating under a "business as usual" approach. In 2007 the process of allocating grants to Calgary and region arts organizations will be very similar to the way it was in 2006.

CRAF has been a successful model for the unbiased allocation of grants and the engagement of the general public in the arts as volunteers. Calgary Arts Development will maintain CRAF's successful practices while making improvements to the allocation of municipal arts grants to better serve the arts community

In the new, merged organization all current CRAF volunteers become members of the new Grants Committee under Calgary Arts Development. Granting processes will remain the same. The office location remains the same:

6th floor, 205 8 Ave. S.E.
Calgary, AB T2G 0K9

 

The new application forms for Annual Operating Grants will be available early in fall 2008 and the deadline for applications will be January 31, 2009.

What does the merger mean for the future of the arts in Calgary?
The arts add a great deal to our city and the opportunities for growth in this sector are tremendous, as are the accompanying benefits to the community and Calgary's economy. We're looking forward to serving the arts community with a strong, unified voice that fosters a civic culture that supports and encourages creative and artistic expression.

Which logo should we use on our promotional materials?
Logos and guidelines for use are available for download on Calgary Arts Development's website. Wherever possible, begin using Calgary Arts Development's logo instead of the CRAF logo on materials that will be distributed after October 31, 2006. Already used the CRAF logo on your materials? That's ok. We understand that it will take some time to make the change, but you should begin using the Calgary Arts Development logo on all of your new materials. If you have any questions, just call the office at 264-5330.

Will we be getting more money because of the merger?
Based on Calgary Arts Development's research on granting and festivals, it is clear that reforms to the arts granting system in Calgary are necessary. We presented a report on granting reforms to a City Council committee on October 11. Our proposal received unanimous support from the committee and was passed by a full meeting of City Council on November 13. The final decision will take place between November 27-30 during Council's 2007 budget deliberations.

Some information on these reforms is available on the Calgary Arts Development website now, and formal research reports will be published soon. City Council meetings in November are open to the public, and we encourage all concerned citizens, artists and organizations to attend and show their support for the granting reforms. Please call Calgary Arts Development at 264-5330 if you have any questions.

About Calgary Arts Development Authority (Calgary Arts Development)
Calgary Arts Development plays a leadership role in realizing the potential of arts and culture in Calgary. As the city's designated arts development authority, we are a central hub that learns about, promotes, connects, advocates for and leads strategic initiatives in the arts to animate Calgary as a vibrant cultural centre.

Prior to March 2005, Calgary didn’t have a designated authority for the development for the arts. Calgary Arts Development was formed in March 2005, as directed by the 2004 Civic Arts Policy. Calgary’s civic leadership is serious about the arts playing a central role in our city’s future – they recognize that a vibrant arts scene is essential to quality of life, and by extension, is fundamental to our city’s overall success.

About Calgary Region Arts Foundation (CRAF)
The Calgary Region Arts Foundation has been an arms length funding agency for the City of Calgary for 37 years, providing support to the city’s arts community.