There is something comforting, motivating and energizing about having a plan, something we can hang our expectations and goals on.
The Arts Plan is part of the happy hangover from Calgary 2012, when we made a point of caring a little extra about arts and culture in Calgary. To keep that enthusiam going, City Council asked Calgary Arts Development to create an integrated Arts Plan for Calgary. The strategy will outline how we will keep up the momentum and growth of the arts for years to come.
The three phase plan has looked at data, talked to artists, arts administrators and board members, and even created a citizens reference panel to come up with recomendations.
Concepts being floated around to put in the plan include increasing affordable spaces for artists, integrating art into daily routines and creating 24/7 vibrancy.
A draft of the plan is complete and now it needs public consultation. Arts Plan open houses are being held over the next few weeks to giving everyone an opportunity to have their say.
The open houses are:
April 17, 7 to 9 p.m., Acadia Recreation Complex
April 25, 7 to 9 p.m., Parkdale Community Centre and Facilities
May 6, 7 to 9 p.m., Genesis Centre
There are also targeted open houses focusing on specific disciplines, including dance, film, literary arts, theatre, music and festivals. Those dates and locations can be found at artsplan.ca