It Takes a Village: The Remarkable Dedication of Calgary's Corporate Community to the Arts
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Non-profit organizations are often overlooked when it comes to how integral they are to so many facets of our lives.
In Canada alone, there are over 170,000 non-profit organizations, of which 85,000 are registered charities. Their contribution to the Canadian economy makes up 8.1% and they support a wide spectrum of industries including animal care and welfare, health care, education, and arts and culture. Arts Commons depends on outside donations from sponsors and donors to make up $4.1 million of our $12 million yearly operating budget and now, with our doors closed and a lack of rentals and ticket sales, we are faced with an unprecedented financial challenge.
So, what happens during a pandemic?
ENBRIDGE
In the absence of programming and wide-scale recognition, as well as given the financial landscape that we’re all facing, it would be understandable that sponsors would rethink their support of the arts. Long-time arts sector supporter Enbridge has a well-established reputation in Calgary for their commitment to arts and culture. Their logo adorns the sponsor wall of nearly every major arts company in the city, and they are a proud supporter of National Geographic Live at Arts Commons. In a time when many of us are worried about the future, Enbridge has stepped up with a continued commitment to funding.
"Now more than ever it’s important to support the arts,” says Mike Fernandez, SVP & Chief Communications Officer for Enbridge. “The arts lift the human spirit, they prompt us to view the world through different lenses and they prompt us to think more creatively about the challenges we face.”
Mike moved to Calgary recently, and on a personal level, is more than a little excited to see his first Arts Commons Presents National Geographic Live talk. He grew up waiting in anticipation for the yellow-bordered magazine to arrive at his home and open a world of exploration from inside its pages.
“We’re committed to providing not only the energy that people need to fuel their homes and fuel their lives, but also know that communities need to be fuelled by more than that. Communities need to be fuelled by new ideas, creativity, innovation, and sustainability, all of which are supported by an active, dynamic, diverse culture.”
PCL CONSTRUCTION
Along with Enbridge in their dedicated support, PCL Construction Management Inc. (PCL) has been a sponsor of Arts Commons since 2011 as the long-standing naming sponsor of the PCL Blues concert series. PCL has roots that go deep in the Calgary community, proudly building in Calgary since 1947 and in Alberta since 1932.
Since 1947, PCL’s passion for building up Calgary has extended beyond its project sites and into the community. Through various charitable initiatives they’ve supported the local arts, helped build accessible housing for veterans, provided support to local associations who care for those who are most in need, and been involved in numerous other charitable efforts through United Way.
“We do a lot, and we tend to keep it pretty private,” says Alistair McKnight, District Manager for PCL. “If someone in our organization comes up with an idea, we’ll support them. It’s as simple as that.”
Despite the restrictions of COVID-19 making the sharing of live performances challenging, PCL is unwavering in their support of PCL Blues.
“Culture in a city is driven by a lot of different things. It inspires the citizens, the connections, and the soul of a city to thrive. I do believe that the uniqueness that it brings is something that we want to see continue to grow in our community. That’s why we’re proud to support Arts Commons.”
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
Royal Bank of Canada has been a sponsor of Arts Commons for over 10 years, initially supporting National Geographic Live through their RBC Blue Water Initiative, currently as the naming partner of the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program, and their sponsorship of FastLove: A Tribute to George Michael and the subsequent LGBTQ+ 101 & Ally-ship Training Workshops that sought to create a more equitable and inclusive community.
“One of the core values that we’ve stood by and really embedded in our organization, is diversity and inclusion. I remember a past CEO said, it’s not just a good thing to do, it’s also good business,” says Jeff Boyd, Regional President for Alberta & the Territories for RBC.
“The fact is, when you support all people in their ability and comfort to be themselves, and bring their whole selves to work, to community, that diversity creates better outcomes. For many years, the LGBTQ2S+ community wasn’t able to bring their whole selves to whatever they were doing, whether that was work or otherwise. I feel really proud that we stand by this value of diversity and inclusion, and we support the LGBTQ2S+ community to be able to express themselves.”
Jeff Boyd’s commitment goes beyond his company’s dedication to arts and culture in our city as he has made a personal commitment as well, becoming a member of Arts Commons Board of Directors. For Jeff, this was just a natural next step in supporting a sector that is vital to the health and vibrancy of our community.
“This is a time when we can’t, as communities, as governments, as individuals, lose sight of the arts and the important role that the arts play, and the need they fill,” says Jeff. “It’s rough right now, and I think we’re all going to have to pull together and do everything we can to make sure that on the other side of COVID, we have the ability to rebound and continue to have the vibrant arts community that we all want.”
“The arts in our communities help to create more vibrant, more passionate, and all around just better, places to live – better communities,” says Jeff.
It’s only because of the ongoing generosity of our citizens, including Calgary’s corporate community, that Arts Commons is able to continue to be a key contributor to the social, economic, cultural, and intellectual life and well-being of Calgarians and visitors. Sponsors like Enbridge, PCL, and Royal Bank help organizations like Arts Commons provide community access to the arts. As we look forward to a future where we can all gather safely again, Arts Commons is beyond grateful for this crucial support, so that we can be there for all Calgarians for many more days to come.
