It's fitting that the final installment in CADA's dialogue series took place in a classroom (The Chevron Open Minds Museum School at Glebow) because we have learned so much through each community engagement event. Seated on brightly coloured, slightly undersized plastic chairs, surrounded by children's artwork, maps, globes and historical photograhs, participants told us about their experiences with, and aspirations for cultural space in Calgary.  read more »

The final event in CADA's dialogue series - Cultural Space and the Arts - took place on Thursday evening. Held at the Glenbow's Open Minds Museum School during the First Thursday late opening, this event was attended by a diverse group of Calgarians – a local radio host, a funeral director, musicians and an artist/museum guard were all a part of the discussion. Seated in a colourful classroom filled at work tables decorated with fresh tulips, the event generated many ideas about cultural space, as well as new relationships in the community.  read more »

Room 371 at Alberta College of Art and Design was set up like a lecture hall when our team from Calgary Arts Development arrived. Rows of chairs faced several tables lined up at the front of the room. It was an environment designed for one-way communication – those in the audience listening to the expert at the front.

The World Cafe dialogue process though, is based on the idea that we are all experts, and an essential part of the technique is creating a space where ideas can be shared on an equal basis. By simply moving the furniture into a cafe style arrangement, a more welcoming, democratic forum was created.  read more »

Dark and early one frigid January morning, a dozen dedicated members of Calgary's cultural community gathered around urns of coffee at the University of Calgary's Rosza Centre. They chatted quietly, nibbling on muffins, unsure of exactly what was to take place. The HUB room was set up like a cafe, but the tables were draped with paper cloths and topped with piles of candies, pens and sticky notes. Local CBC Radio arts reporter John Spittal was in attendance, recording conversations and conducting interviews with participants.  read more »

An energetic group of people got together over lunch today at Alberta College of Art and Design. Faculty, students, staff and others busily shared their ideas about cultural space in Calgary. Connections were made, ideas flourished between participants, and we received several postive comments about the event. Everyone's notes and suggestions will be posted soon.

At 8:00am Wednesday morning, more than a dozen souls braved the bone-chilling weather and uncivilized hour to participate in CADA's eighth dialogue event. Warmed and roused by coffee and muffins in the University of Calgary's Rosza Centre, they soon became talkative. Energetic debate ensued, and we managed to capture some great ideas. Stay tuned for a summary...

When asked what they liked about Calgary, the participants at Ghost River Rediscovery said they appreciated the variety of options available, including the Calgary Zoo, Glenbow Museum, movies, public sculptures and skateboarding opportunities. Their biggest priority though, was sports facilities. Everyone also mentioned that many of their cultural experiences take place at home, through the internet, video games and DVDs.  read more »

During event number seven, participants in one of Ghost River Rediscovery's youth programs shared their experiences of culture in Calgary, as well as their thoughts about what the city needs. This was the first dialogue event to focus on young people, and their perspective will help us to build a more accurate picture of Calgarians' cultural needs at every point in their lives. 

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.  read more »

The Calgary Culture Club co-hosted the latest dialogue event with Calgary Arts Development. Members of the club, as well as others interested in the subject of cultural space gathered at the soon to re-open Marquee Room at The Uptown Stage and Screen . We received many ideas and observations throughout the evening, so check back for results!  read more »

For pictures visit the Culture club here and click on the photo to launch the slideshow.