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Art Supply

Advocating for a

Thriving Arts Sector

Land Acknowledgement:

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Creative Calgary honours and acknowledges Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.

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This sacred gathering place provides us with an opportunity to engage in and demonstrate leadership on reconciliation. Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to join our team on the lands of Treaty 7 territory.

 

Creative Calgary is a non-partisan group of artists, arts organizations and citizens at large who are committed to and advocate for a thriving arts sector with a positive public profile.

Our Vision:

Calgary has a thriving arts sector with a positive public profile.

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Our Goals:

  • Strive for healthy municipal financial investment in the arts sector.

  • Play an active part in Calgary's economic and social recovery.

  • Ensure the arts sector has a seat at the table for city-building initiatives.

  • A greater diversity of the arts sector participates in Creative Calgary.

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Our Strategies:

  • Steward Councillor relationships.

  • Activate the arts sector and its communities in advocacy work.

  • Advance and leverage arts sector and partner relationships.

  • Act as a conduit to support the effective implementation of civic investment in the arts sector.

  • Foster cohesion and collaboration in the arts sector.

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Our Team:

Creative Calgary is led by a volunteer Steering Committee of artists, arts administrators, and arts advocates from across the community.

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Our History:

Creative Calgary started in 2017 ahead of the municipal election, where our collective advocated for increased municipal investment in the local arts sector and launched a campaign to raise awareness about the economic contributions, and intrinsic value, artists and arts organizations bring to the City of Calgary. Our overall efforts resulted in Calgary Arts Development’s (CADA) funding increasing from $6.4M to $12.4M in 2019 and up to $15.5M by 2022.

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Steering Committee:

  • Christine Armstrong, Co-Founder & Co-Chair

  • Janet Bwititi, Co-Chair, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

  • Heather Close, Visual Artist & Decidedly Jazz Danceworks

  • Colleen Dickson, Arts Commons

  • Steven Gallant, Beakerhead

  • Lisa McKay, Rozsa Foundation

  • Toyin Oladele, Artist & Consultant

  • Jeff Popiel, Village Brewery

  • Kate Stadel, Ghost River Theatre

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Our Supporters:

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Non-Endorsement Statement:

Creative Calgary is grateful to the individuals, foundations, corporations, and other entities whose generous support enables us to develop and expand our work with and on behalf of our community.

The individual opinions and financial contributions of Creative Calgary Steering Committee members, staff, volunteers and supporters do not reflect the views of Creative Calgary. Individuals are not permitted to use their affiliation with Creative Calgary when supporting or endorsing candidates.

Creative Calgary does not support, endorse or oppose any political candidates, financially or otherwise.

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