Arts Commons Blog

All in National Geographic Live

Feb 24

Feb 24 Women in Power and Other Scary Things

Arts Commons Presents, National Geographic Live

Egyptologist, archaeologist, associate professor of Egyptian Art and Architecture and chair of the Department of Near Eastern Language and Cultures at UCLA, Dr. Kara Cooney has spent her academic career exploring the history of female power. Looking as far back as our hunter-gatherer roots, to early agricultural society, to ancient Egypt and now the modern-day, Dr. Cooney brings one question to the forefront: Why are we as human beings so hostile to female power? Why do we think we’re not? And, when we do acknowledge it, why do we think it’s ok?

Dec 14

Dec 14 National Geographic Live is back!

Alex Bonyun

Arts Commons Presents, National Geographic Live

National Geographic Live is back, live and in-person with a series of Explorers who are ready to take us from Ancient Egypt to inside a bear’s den to deep beneath the waves of our oceans, but first, Joel Sartore comes to Calgary to share his trials and tribulations of photographing thousands of at-risk and endangered animals to build his monumental photo ark. You can hear him speak live at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Sunday, February 6 and Monday, February 7, 2022. Find more information at artscommons.ca/photoark.

Aug 31

Aug 31 The Family Behind Season of Gratitude

Celina Vides

Arts Essentials, National Geographic Live, Arts Commons Presents, Calgary Philharmonic, Downstage, One Yellow Rabbit, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects

Long-time patrons of Arts Commons, as well as avid supporters of the arts, Rodney and Karen McCann along with their family, wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to our essential workers who have given so much to get us safely through the pandemic. The idea that they came up with, in collaboration with Arts Commons, is the Season of Gratitude program which aims to bring essential workers to productions by the Resident Companies of Arts Commons.

Jun 3

Jun 3 Impact. Connections. Change.

Alex Bonyun

Arts Commons Presents, Behind the Scenes, Elevating Your Experience, National Geographic Live

As we near the final presentation of National Geographic Live Virtual, Mysterious Seas with Diva Amon and David Gruber, we are grateful to Calgarians for wholeheartedly embracing these virtual events. Since its premiere in February, 18,175 households have signed up—approximately 46,000 people—to experience these live presentations.

May 13

May 13 Environmental Intersections of Arts and Conservation

Alex Bonyun

Inspiring Stories, National Geographic Live

Calgarians are passionate about our parks and natural spaces. You can see it in the enthusiasm for learning about the world around us – just look at the success of Arts Commons Presents: National Geographic Live! For ten years, ConocoPhillips Canada has been supporting National Geographic Live, which is a key part of Arts Commons Presents programming.

Headquartered in Calgary, ConocoPhillips Canada can trace its roots back over 110 years, from the earliest discoveries of oil in our province. Over the years, the company has shown support for many programs and initiatives that support our communities.

Mar 18

Mar 18 Migration, Safety, and Dignity - National Geographic Live Virtual

Alex Bonyun

AC@Home, Arts Commons Presents, Behind the Scenes, Inspiring Stories, National Geographic Live

This April, Arts Commons Presents and National Geographic Live are bringing a virtual presentation of three inspiring women photographers to screens and homes in Calgary. From diverse backgrounds exploring a variety of subjects, all three have one thing in common – they train their eyes on the subject of global migration, particularly on its effect on women around the world.

Mar 1

Mar 1 Space, Aliens, Planets, and Moons – oh my!

Alex Bonyun

AC@Home, National Geographic Live, Inspiring Stories

Astrobiologist, planetary scientist, and general expert on everything alien, Kevin Peter Hand is out to change the way we think about life on other planets. No, we’re not talking about big-eyed, grey-skinned men from Mars, but what we are talking about is the infinite possibilities for life outside of our safe, blue sphere.

“Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe. People assume that this is the search for life beyond earth, which is correct, that’s certainly part of astrobiology, but what’s also central to the study of astrobiology is study of the origin, evolution, and future of life on earth. Where did we come from? Where are we going? How did life originate?” asks Hand. “When you think about the living universe, right now, all we know of is life on Earth. We have yet to find even a speck of life beyond Earth.”

Feb 24

Feb 24 Prioritizing a Greener Future

Alex Bonyun

Arts Commons Presents, AC@Home, National Geographic Live

Champions of the arts for the past two decades, Enbridge has prioritized the importance of enhancing the communities in which they operate, strengthening Calgary’s cultural institutions with their support. Sponsoring arts and culture is just one way that Enbridge has solidified their commitment to real change. In late 2020, they unveiled a comprehensive plan for progressive change within their company, including a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 with an interim target to reduce emissions intensity 35% by 2030. To drive results and accountability, Enbridge linked the achievement of ESG goals to employee and executive compensation.