Kelly Armstrong
New mobile pass offers access to public art
Calgary is a vibrant city that celebrates art and those who create it, with many public artworks on display throughout the city. Some pieces you see often as you go about your daily activities, but what about all those pieces that you don’t know about?
Kelly Armstrong, a digital specialist with Tourism Calgary, has been working on a new program to help Calgarians and tourists alike discover art in our city and learn more about the art and the artist who created it. Described as a digital app-like experience, the Calgary Public Art Trail pass is a new mobile-optimized site where users can check out public art pieces throughout the city using geolocation. Armstrong hopes this will be a fun way to learn about public art as well as different neighbourhoods in the city.
“Each artwork includes a description of the work and a short artist bio and is geo fenced,” says Kelly. “This is a self-guided experience, there’s no formal tour, it’s all very much at your own pace. The hope is that it’ll get locals, tourists and travellers out and exploring different neighbourhoods and areas of the city to learn more about that artwork and the artists that enliven our streets and just kind of get more acquainted with the arts community in Calgary.”
Featuring a wide range of unique artists and 40 pieces of various styles, the Public Art Trail Pass offers people a broad experience and a lot of variety. And, according to Armstrong, the response has been pretty positive since its launch on June 1st of this year. “We’ve had over 1800 sign ups and over 2000 check-ins so far. We’re obviously seeing lots of Calgarians using it, as well as tons of folks from British Columbia and Ontario, with some as far as the Netherlands, which is really cool to see.”
Armstrong also sees art as a way for us to connect, and better access to public art around the city is part of that connection. “There’s a sense of community that embraces creative expression through art. People in Calgary like spending time and finding inspiration outdoors. And we often hear from travellers that they really appreciate the pace of this city. So, things are moving. People are moving, but there’s a lot of room for quiet, ideating, for rest, for trying new things and executing big ideas. And I think that’s what makes Calgary a wonderful city to create in.”
Tune into this week’s Storytelling Podcast to hear more about Tourism Calgary’s Public Art Trail the artists involved in the project, and what else users can expect from using the pass.
About The Storytelling Podcast
Sharing diverse stories of creativity in our city, The Storytelling Podcast shines a spotlight on artists and projects that connect Calgarians to the arts. Part of The Storytelling Project, this series raises awareness about Calgarians who, by living creative lives, are making Calgary a better city, affecting positive change and enriching others’ lives.
Have a story to share? Email us at submissions@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
