All by Tasha Komery
Arts Commons has the good fortune to be supported by several donors and sponsors who generously give for that very reason –– to promote the welfare of others. Without their support, a ticket to any given show would be far more than what our patrons currently pay, arts education programs would be non-existent, and mentorship and growth of local and emerging artists would not be possible.
Arts Commons continues to build awareness of the past and understand the impacts of colonialism. It requires a long-term commitment to listen and learn, an acceptance of the discomfort of not knowing the answers, and the humility and strength to make mistakes. So, while the TRC reports are a good start, reconciliation requires a paradigm shift in how we think and engage with each other and with Indigenous peoples.
This year marks the third anniversary of recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), as a nation. However, many non-Indigenous peoples don’t fully understand what it is or why and how they should participate. Let this be a guide to this important day.
The Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) is poised to begin, marking a new era for Western Canada’s largest performing arts centre. The three project partners—Arts Commons, The City of Calgary and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)—are working in concert to realize this landmark transformation, the most significant arts facility development currently underway in Canada.
Our provincial government is lifting all Covid-19 restrictions as part of “Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan”, on July 1. And while some may be ready to jump into a no-restrictions summer with both feet, others are still feeling a little tentative and only ready to dip a toe in. We’ve rounded up a few ideas for both the jumpers and the toe-dippers to safely enjoy the arts this summer.
With the planning stages of the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project underway, a number of specialty consultants are strategically being brought onto the project team. Each one of them has a very specific and specialized role to play. On February 4, 2021, Arts Commons and CMLC announced the selection of the first two members of the project team: Colliers International (Calgary) will help guide project management, and Fisher Dachs Associates (New York), whose extensive expertise as specialized theatre consultants, will bring the facility’s artistic vision to life.
On Friday, October 9, Arts Commons announced the completion of a tri-party development agreement, with CMLC and the City of Calgary, that will initiate the design process for the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project. This milestone announcement promises a strong contribution to economic recovery and the financial sustainability of the artists and companies that call Arts Commons home. Learn more about the future of ACT and why it is so important to move forward with it now.
If you work in the arts sector, whether as an artist or an arts administrator, you are likely familiar with the crucial role the Rozsa Foundation plays in the Calgary and Alberta arts community. On the 30th anniversary of the Foundation, we sat down with Simon Mallett, Executive Director, and Mary Rozsa de Coquet, Board Chair, to reflect on the past three decades.
