Calgary’s creative energy is one of our city’s greatest strengths, but too many artists are struggling to make a living while keeping our stages, galleries, and festivals vibrant. The Calgary Party’s plan puts artists, arts companies, and cultural spaces at the heart of our growth—so our cultural scene thrives from basement studios to world-class venues. We’ll invest in the people, spaces, and promotion that make Calgary a true arts city.

• Invest in Calgary’s Artists
  • Increase funding to Calgary Arts Development (CADA) to keep Calgary in the top tier of arts funding in Canada.
  • Support operating costs for artist-run facilities, maintain the public art program, and create grants for non-arts businesses to hire artists.
• Grow the Arts Market
  • Use City-owned infrastructure—like transit stations and public buildings—for arts promotion.
  • Fund Tourism Calgary campaigns to market Calgary’s arts scene to residents and visitors. 
• Stabilize Resident Companies
  • Maintain operational funding for companies displaced during major renovations.
  • Expand flexible venues and pop-up spaces so performances can continue during construction.
• Create More Affordable Studio Space
  • Expand the ‘Meanwhile Lease’ program to turn underused spaces into affordable studios.
  • Develop a new cultural hub focused on rehearsal and creation space, and repurpose City-owned buildings for arts use.

Read The Calgary Party's full Arts and Culture Toolkit here.