CULTURE CHALLENGES
During a week when Calgarians of all ages are engaging in the arts, we should take great pride in our growing arts scene, one that reflects a young, creative city. As young singers, musicians and actors competed at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival, theatregoers were entertained by the musical Crazy For You at Theatre Calgary. This weekend, the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo and an appearance by opera stars Anna Netrebko and Yusuf Eyvazov at the Jack Singer Concert Hall take centre stage. Music fans are looking forward to Sled Island, the Calgary Folk Music Festival and hundreds of other options this summer. Calgarians have more ways than ever to enjoy the arts, and each improves the quality of our urban life and is an important lure for businesses looking to start up or relocate here.
Unfortunately, five years removed from basking in the spotlight of being named Canada’s Cultural Capital for 2012, and a year on from hosting the Juno Awards and the opening of Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, many arts groups are facing a fiscal cliff, largely the result of smaller corporate donations in the wake of Alberta’s financial woes.
In March, Alberta Theatre Projects, a 45-year-old entity, announced it would close its curtains for good after next season if it can’t raise significant dollars by May 1.
“There’s a level of uncertainty in the corporate environment and we get it. We understand,” said Vicki Stroich, ATP executive director, in a recent interview.
Calgary ranks among the lowest in Canada in municipal grants for the arts, according to Patti Pon, who leads the city’s arts development organization. Data compiled by Calgary Arts Development shows the city gets $6.50 per capita in ongoing grant funding, which excludes capital investments. By contrast, Vancouver gets $19.36.
But while more arts investment from the city is surely part of the solution, along with increased donations from corporations as the economy improves, we hope, so are the sorts of creative partnerships like that on display last week as the Banff Centre unveiled its new Banff String Quartet Festival with a performance at Calgary’s Studio Bell.
Creative industries are by their very nature able to think outside of the box, and Calgary’s arts and culture groups, so vital if we are to diversify our economy and attract new businesses and jobs, are up to the task.
The biggest role, however, belongs to all Calgarians. Theatre, concerts, dance, opera, museums, visual arts, film and festivals elevate our city, but it’s up to us to embrace and support them.