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New direction for public art

New direction for public art

Calgary’s public art is heading in an exciting new direction. Calgary Arts Development was chosen in 2021 to take over the commissioning of new public art projects. Building on their strengths and proven track record of supporting the arts in Calgary, Calgary Arts Development will ensure Calgarians are closely connected to the art that’s created.

We are now working with Calgary Arts Development to transfer knowledge, best practices and the operations of key public art projects and initiatives. We’re doing this while staying true to Calgarians’ vision for public art which we gathered from extensive research and engagement with more than 11,000 residents between 2018 and 2020.

Calgary Arts Development is expected to fully take over new public art development by 2024, and is dedicated to delivering a positive, meaningful, varied, nimble and enriching public art program that builds on Calgary’s reputation on the world stage as a prosperous, vibrant and livable city.

Connected to community

The new direction for public art in Calgary will reduce barriers for local artists to participate, increase transparency for Calgarians, and grow investment in the local creative economy. 
  • There will be more opportunities for collaboration with Calgarians, neighbourhood groups and local businesses, so the creation of art will be more reflective of community priorities.
  • The process to commission artists will be simpler and more transparent, allowing for a more diverse pool of artists to create public art.
  • Funds will not be tied to infrastructure projects, meaning there will be more flexibility to provide a variety of programming, projects and locations for public art.
  • Education programs will be expanded. That means there will be more tools and support for artists as well as more education opportunities for Calgarians.
  • Communications will be localized, responsive and flexible. A new engagement approach allow a broader range of community members to participate in the creation of public art.

How it will work

Both Calgary Arts Development and The City will adhere to the Public Art Policy which directs how tax payer dollars are used to commission new artworks, acquire existing artworks, deliver public art activities and events, provide access to the public art collection and maintain and conserve the collection.

The City will continue to fund public art by setting aside one percent of eligible capital project budgets. This model remains responsive to upturns and downturns in the economy.

After new public art is commissioned by Calgary Arts Development, ownership of the art will remain with Calgarians. The City will continue to be responsible for preserving and caring for that collection through conservation and maintenance.

About Calgary Arts Development

As Calgary’s designated arts development authority, Calgary Arts Development supports and strengthens the arts to benefit all Calgarians through programs that support hundreds of artists, arts organizations, artist collectives, and arts events.

Their vision is a creative connected city through the arts. To Calgary Arts Development, creativity is the currency of the 21st century, one that fuels vitality, prosperity, well-being, joy, resiliency, and a sense of belonging and connectedness.

Public art is an investment in artistic creation. It strengthens local artists by providing them with opportunities to develop their craft in the public realm through hands-on experience, commissions, and mentoring opportunities. It also creates an environment of artistic exchange, with international artists having opportunities to create work in Calgary, and local artists finding opportunities to showcase their work at home

History at Council

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Selection panel

Choosing the right organization to run Calgary's public art program was a big responsibility. Four Calgarians including two Calgarians-at-large and two arts professionals from Calgary’s arts community were chosen through an open competition to be part of a seven-person selection panel. The selection panel was committed to ensuring the right organizations was chosen.

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Engagement with Calgarians

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Stay informed

Stay informed about upcoming engagement opportunities, calls for artists and public art unveilings by signing up for our monthly public art newsletter.

Questions?

Please email your questions or comments to publicart@calgary.ca​.

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