Following the release of a research report detailing the state of arts facilities in Calgary earlier this week, Calgary Arts Development has released the strategy for arts spaces that will be presented to the City’s Standing Policy Committee on Community & Protective Services on Wednesday, April 4.

Calgary's history is marked by several periods of time when the city was home to significant and important arts facilities, and the strategy focuses reclaiming Calgary's position as a leader in this area. The research on arts facilities uncovered several challenges facing the development of the arts in Calgary, signaling the need for reinvest in arts spaces.

Two key objectives are outlined in the strategy to ensure that the arts are accessible and a point of civic pride for all Calgarians in all communities:

1. A commitment to establish a Cultural Cluster in the central region of Calgary by supporting the creation of major iconic spaces as well as affordable “incubator” spaces for non-profit arts.

2. Arts spaces created by and located in communities throughout Calgary. Providing for complete Calgary communities by supporting the creation of large and small arts facilities throughout Calgary.

The strategy highlights findings and places emphasis on five community priorities:

Signature / Iconic Arts Spaces: There is an opportunity to develop architecturally-inspiring and high quality spaces in strategic locations throughout the city;

Incubator Space: The development of incubator spaces will increase the robustness of the sector by promoting collaboration and encouraging career development for emerging artists, including those graduating from our educational institutions.

Public Spaces: there is a need for Calgary to promote the use of streets and public areas like parks and plazas as cultural spaces through policy changes and intensive programming;

Adaptive Re-use and Heritage Space: Efforts should be made to use heritage buildings and to create, re-purpose or expand community facilities for arts purposes;

Affordable Live and Work Spaces for Artists: With rising rents and current real estate demands, there are fewer affordable buildings and / or neighborhoods for artists to occupy. Creating live and / or work space will make it easier for artists to make their home in Calgary.

The research released earlier this week indicated that arts facilities such as performance halls, theatres and art galleries, as well as spaces used for rehearsals and artist studios are in short supply in Calgary, creating negative impacts on the arts sector. The strategy calls for reinvestment in arts facilities of up to $150 million in municipal investment (capital funding and land) over the next seven years through the City of Calgary's Cultural Parks and Recreation Infrastructure Investment Program.

The capital plan would focus on the development of four types of spaces:

Cultural Cluster Anchor Spaces: Target at Objective 1 (above), these are large scale projects that are flagship spaces with strong functional design, iconic architecture, and significant involvement from the private sector and other levels of government. The development plans already underway for the main branch of the Calgary Public Library and the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede Park and projects such as a performance hall or a major art gallery are examples of projects that could fit this category.

Cultural Cluster Incubator Spaces: Also targeted at Objective 1, these are small-to-medium scale projects that provide stable, affordable and accessible spaces for the non-profit arts sector, incorporating strong functional design, an emphasis on affordability and meeting the needs of more than one group, and the involvement of the private sector and other levels of government. The completion of the Pumphouse Theatre renovation project or non-profit art galleries are examples of spaces in this category.

Major Community Arts Centres: Targeted at Objective 2, these are large-scale dedicated arts spaces in suburban regions that incorporate responsiveness to community needs and preferences, strong functional design, a regeneration mandate (in areas that are economically disadvantaged), and accessibility to many groups and individuals.The proposed International Avenue Arts & Culture Centre is an example of a project that has the potential to fit this category.

Small Community Arts Centres: Also targeted at Objective 2, this category envisions a network of small scale arts spaces to support arts activities in suburban regions, with priorities similar to those of larger community arts centres as well as the option of doing retrofits or additions to existing facilities. The Community Arts Centre would be an example of a space in this category.

Stakeholders, media and interested members of the public are invited to attend the meeting of the City’s Standing Policy Committee on Community & Protective Services on Wednesday, April 4. Pending the recommendation of the committee, the strategy and capital plan for arts facilities will be received by City Council on Monday, April 16.

RESEARCH & SUPPORTING MATERIALS

The strategy document Reclaiming Calgary's Cultural Identity: Arts Spaces Strategy & Capital Plan and the full research report The Current State of Cultural Spaces for the Arts in Calgary are available for download at www.calgaryartsdevelopment.com. Images and graphics are available upon request.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Facilities and spaces for the arts is an important community issue. Stakeholders and interested citizens are encouraged to learn more about the research and participate in the following ways:

• Read the information on arts facilities available here
• Attend the meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Community & Protective Services on Wednesday, April 4 at 9:30 a. m. in the Engineering Traditions Committee Room, Historic City Hall (lower level), 700 Macleod Trail S.E. Meetings of City Council open to the public, and agendas are available at www.calgary.ca by following the links from ‘City Hall’ to ‘Council Meetings & Agendas’.
• Interested stakeholders and citizens are invited to contact their ward alderman around the topic of arts facilities and spaces. Information on how to contact members of City Council is also available online at www.calgary.ca or by phoning 3-1-1.