Arusha Centre – November 15, 2006: This event was even more diverse than the first two installments of the dialogue series, including youth, political and social activists, as well as artists and arts workers from across the spectrum. Comparing all the notes, we’re beginning to see some of the same themes crop up in every discussion. These patterns are useful, as they help us to build a clear picture of the needs and priorities Calgarians share when it comes to cultural space and the arts. Street culture has been a major thread running through all the events. At Arusha, participants told us that an artistically vibrant city is one where citizens experience art on every corner, every day. They also identified a lack of public art, especially outdoor art, in Calgary. In terms of bricks and mortar, participants identified a need for a whole ecosystem of spaces – all sizes and functions - in order to sustain a culturally healthy city. Arts spaces need to be like green spaces – dedicated for use by all members of the public. These spaces should be geographically accessible to everyone – some downtown, and others spread across the city. Links between these spaces, affordable housing and public transport must also be taken into account. Encouraging community centres to do more arts programming would be a good way of working towards this goal. Reclaiming spaces for cultural use was also a major theme. Participants suggested that the best way to do this would be to create better, honest, direct dialogue between arts groups and city planners. Some results of this relationship could be: cheaper leasing of city-owned buildings; extending festivals beyond annual events; relaxed bylaws and building codes for cultural facilities and housing that will be used for artistic work. When the city is developing new building projects, participants wanted to make sure that aesthetics were a priority, instead of just cost factors. One particular need participants identified was for a major institution with free admission to showcase contemporary, international visual art. This would be a great way to educate Calgarians about visual culture. Participants also proposed the idea of artist pods throughout the city – subsidized housing with performance and studio spaces attached. Once more, the point was made that cultural vibrancy is also a mindset - Calgary’s cultural identity has not grown at the same rate as our population. Participants suggested that one key to changing this mindset is better publicity – all Calgarians need to be aware of the variety of cultural events happening here. Funding is needed to pay staff to promote events better. There also needs to be a central communications hub – a website where arts events can be listed free of charge, and the arts should be advertised on public trains and buses. Many also felt that the arts community needs to broaden audiences and engagement beyond those already involves in the arts. Partnerships were suggested as a key way to foster this - alliances should be built between the arts community and businesses, as well as politicians – potential partners should not be seen as villains. It was also noted that different arts groups in the city need to compete less and cooperate better.