Today, 36 randomly selected Calgarians came together to form Calgary’s first-ever Citizens’ Reference Panel on the arts in Calgary.

As part of an acclaimed Canadian-made process, these 36 volunteers will work together to help determine the priorities and vision that will guide the creation of a long-term Arts Plan for Calgary.

Today marks the first of four all-day meetings for the Panel. Over the course of the program, the 36 panelists will examine how the arts strengthen Calgary’s economic, social, cultural and civic life, and will consider how to build an arts sector that reflects the needs and interests of all Calgarians.

The Panel’s first meeting, held today, will set the stage for the work to follow. The Panel will speak with Patti Pon (Calgary Arts Development), Rachel Seupersad (City of Calgary), Karen Ball (Calgary 2012), Daniel Doz (Alberta College of Art and Design) and Stephen McHolm (Esther Honen’s International Piano Competition) in order to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the role of the arts in Calgary. Mayor Naheed Nenshi will also be present to meet the Panel members.

Future meetings will see the Panel meet with various working artists, cultural leaders and arts administrators. The Panel will ultimately produce and ratify a vision for the Arts Plan along with a set of recommendations that Calgary Arts Development will use in the development of the Arts Plan. Before finalizing their recommendations, the Panel will host a public roundtable discussion that Calgary residents are encouraged to attend. The roundtable discussion will take place on Saturday, October 13 between 1:00pm and 3:00pm at the Water Centre (625 25th Avenue SE).

Patti Pon, Acting President and CEO of Calgary Arts Development, is confident the Panel will provide both inspiring and useful guidance to the Arts Plan process. “I am excited to see such a diverse cross-section of citizens who have volunteered their time to think about the arts and consider the impact a vibrant arts sector will play in our city’s future. Each of the 36 citizen-representatives put their names forward after receiving one of 5000 letters mailed by Calgary Arts Development to random addresses across the city that invited them to take a seat at the table. Of those who expressed interest, 36 names were drawn to form the Panel, broadly matching the city’s demographic profile.

“When I put my name in the draw I never thought I’d win and have the opportunity to participate,” said one panelist. “This is a very special chance to become involved and learn more about the arts. I hope our work will be appreciated and have a positive influence on the arts in Calgary.”

Follow Twitter hashtag #yycArtsPlan and ArtsPlan.ca for the latest updates.

 

Dana Granofsky 

Project Coordinator, MASS LBP 

Phone: 647.883.4754

Email: dana@masslbp.com