Ongoing Analysis
Access and Affordability
- Posted January 12th, 2007
Many participants stated that a true artistic community is one that is accessible to the “non-artistic” public. Community support for the arts must be built in order for them to flourish. Cultural events need to be affordable and accessible at all levels, and the arts community needs to reach out to all facets of the community, including First Nations and multi-cultural groups. Read more »
Live / Work Space
- Posted January 12th, 2007
Retaining human capital - artists and cultural workers - in Calgary was a concern throughout the discussions. Many artists are forced to leave the city because of its high cost of living, so affordable housing and studio space was a priority for many participants. It was suggested that city bylaws could be relaxed to allow artists to build or renovate their own studios. More artists cooperatives should also be facilitated wherever possible. Places like ArtCentral, where studios and retail businesses enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship within the same building, were cited as models to be followed in future.
Perceptions and Awareness
- Posted December 11th, 2006
In each discussion, participants emphasized that cultural vibrancy is made up of more than just physical space – it is a mindset. It was felt that Calgary's cultural identity has not grown at the same rate as its population and that the city needs to celebrate the arts as one of its core values. Every Calgarian should have a stake in the arts and feel as if they can make a contribution to cultural life. Also, civic leaders need to be proud of our artistic accomplishments, acknowledge their financial value to the city and provide sustainable funding to continue this work. Read more »
Bricks and Mortar
- Posted December 11th, 2006
Participants identified the need for a whole ecosystem of spaces in Calgary – many different sizes and functions – in order to sustain a culturally healthy city. Many artists are forced to leave the city because of its high cost of living. Low cost live/work space is one of the most urgent needs participants identified. Read more »
Downtown and the Suburbs: Many sites of activity
- Posted December 11th, 2006
Two recurring themes in each dialogue event were the idea of a central hub for the arts and the need for artistic opportunities in the suburbs. In order to foster long-term stability, the arts community needs the broadest base of support possible. Both of these needs must be equal priorities - citizens should be engaged in the arts where they live, but also have the opportunity for further exploration elsewhere in the city. Read more »
Street Scape
Throughout the dialogue series, participants have made the point that a culturally vibrant city is one where all citizens are engulfed by the arts on a daily basis. This would mean many different sites of artistic energy and activity spread across the whole city - including areas accessible by public transit, suburbs, as well as corporate spaces and heritage buildings. Calgarians also need more true public spaces - places to gather - where accessible, participatory, events could take place. In addition, public art should play a bigger role in the city. Iconic, monumental works should be commissioned and the 1% for Art program expanded. Participants suggested that architecture and aesthetics could be encouraged through tax incentives, and development needs to be planned to include cultural space. Read more »
