One of the most important themes to participants in this event was awareness. Many people felt that they did not know enough about what was happening in the arts, and did not know where to go for information. Suggestions for better awareness were a central internet resource for cultural information; links to central city sources like the 311 information line and better arts education in schools.

Publicity is key to awareness, and many participants felt that the arts in Calgary need better marketing.The city needs to build an identity beyond the Stampede and art should be promoted as something essential to the health of the community. Several suggested that art is not part of Calgarians' comfort zone, and that part of CADA's mandate should be to dig into the community and make art less intimidating. Cultural activities can also be used as a universal language for communication between diverse groups.

Participants felt that access is the most important consideration when planning cultural spaces. A central physical hub would make it easier for citizens to access the arts, but if arts events are happening downtown, then public transit needs to serve the core better outside of office hours. Temporary spaces could also be created in public areas like Stephen Avenue Mall, which could host more performances. Cultural spaces should not be limited to the city centre, there need to be access points throughout the city. Existing venues in every neighborhood should be better utilized – schools, churches and community halls for example. Developers should also be obligated to include cultural space along with green space in their plans.

When it comes to new spaces, participants reiterated the need for a 5-800 seat performance space – this has been a constant concern throughout all of the dialogue events. Many also expressed an interest in mixed-use nightly destinations – places that combine theatres, galleries, bookstores, restaurants and cafés in the same building. A multi-disciplinary incubator space was mentioned as a way to enhance collaboration and communication within the arts community. Aesthetics were also a concern for many who felt that Calgary's new cultural spaces should be better designed than they have been in the past.

Leadership was also a theme in some discussions. Several people felt that the arts community is too fragmented and strong leadership is needed for better advocacy and to facilitate partnerships. Many suggested a triangular model for effective partnerships – the arts community, civic leadership and corporate Calgary. These relationships could result in more better funding, promotion and shared space.

Funding was also an issue for some participants, who felt that much could be done to help arts groups become more self-sufficient. One suggestion was ending subsidies to activities that are already profitable, and distributing funding to smaller, riskier initiatives.