Transforming Calgary’s Arts Scene

On Friday, March 22, Alberta’s government announced that it will be coming to the table with historic funding of $103M to Arts Commons over seven years to transform Calgary’s downtown into a premium destination to take in the arts. Watch the announcement below, along with a special guest performance by Kayla MacKenzie accompanied by Joe Slabe from Theatre Calgary’s Beaches.

Read the full media release here. With the $103M secured from the province, the Arts Commons Transformation project is now two-thirds of the way to the fundraising goal of $660, which includes the new expansion, modernization of the current building, and an endowment to support the needs of the upkeep of the building going forward.

“The story of Arts Commons’ future is evolving beautifully alongside the story of Calgary’s future. We’re not just expanding our footprint in a growing city—we are fundamentally rethinking the impact of gathering on our social and emotional wellbeing, the evolving business model of a thriving arts sector, and what it means to be a civic organization that is welcoming to all. A vision of this magnitude would not be possible without the support and leadership of our provincial government—and for that our community extends its deepest gratitude,” Alex Sarian, president and CEO, Arts Commons.

This news comes in advance of the Arts Commons Transformation design announcement on Thursday, April 4 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons. To follow the exciting story of ACT as it unfolds, visit artscommons.ca/act today!