How Arts & Culture influence us
How does art inspire us, and how does the city we live in inspire the arts and culture scene? Four prominent Calgarians discuss the influence of arts and culture — in its many varied forms — on and in Calgary.
Ken Lima-Coelho is the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary president and CEO, an a cappella performer with the Heebee-jeebees and a passionate arts supporter.
Catriona Le May Doan is the president and CEO of Sport Calgary and an Olympic speed skating champion.
Connie DeSousa and John Jackson are the chefs and co-owners behind popular local restaurants, including charbar and CHARCUT.
Pictured (l-r): Ken Lima-Coelho, Catriona Le May Doan, Connie DeSousa and John Jackson. Illustrations: Dane Thibeault.
What do you find inspiring about arts and culture in Calgary?
Ken: It’s fearless. Whether the oil price is $110 a barrel or $20 a barrel, we find a way to make arts and culture happen. The art scene hasn’t shied away from our boom-and-bust economy but has embraced it and used it as fuel to create interesting art and interesting conversations.
Catriona: To me, arts and culture in the city are so exciting because it is our way of expression — and I would include sport in this umbrella. There is so much stress in our lives, yet as soon as there is an outlet for expression, I find I am more at peace.
Connie: We love to see how food and dining have become such an important part of the art and culture scene in Calgary over the last 10 years. Food is a way to connect with each other, and the restaurant scene allows chefs to express their creativity.
How have you seen the arts and culture scene change in Calgary?
Ken: For a while there, I think the scene relied on corporate Calgary’s financial backing. And, of course, the corporate world is still a huge, very important driver, but I see now that the attitude isn’t, ‘Hey, let’s find a funder and then make art.’ Now, Calgarians make something happen and then find the support to keep it going.
Catriona: I feel like there are currently more avenues to arts and culture, including sport events. There are now more festivals, more displays, more events, more teams and more opportunities. I believe the pandemic taught us we need to take time to enjoy more things in life.
Connie: It’s been inspiring to watch our arts and culture scene evolve and grow in our city over the last several years. Being a born and raised Calgarian, I have had the opportunity to see so many festivals and cultural events pop up over the years. I especially love Taste of Calgary, GlobalFest and Beakerhead.
What do you feel is challenging further creation of arts and culture in Calgary?
Ken: I think respect for the arts remains a challenge. For example, looking at a school budget, some might say, ‘We have to keep computers and math and science and writing, but the music teacher can go.’ No! Arts and culture create well-rounded citizens.
Catriona: There is a lack of time, and, of course, pursuing many of these outlets costs money and the cost of living is increasing. More opportunities are available, but [Calgarians don’t necessarily have greater financial freedom] to access them.
John: We need to continue to push the limits and think outside of the box to draw attention to our arts and culture scene to compete with other major cities in Canada.
Art can evoke a variety of feelings. Why is it okay for art to sometimes make us feel uncomfortable?
Ken: If art doesn’t make us feel uncomfortable, nothing changes or progresses. Art can also shed a light on hard stuff, like substance use and mental health challenges; as well as celebrating what’s right in the world. Art shining a light on the hard stuff is what makes it really fulsome.
Catriona: There is no right or wrong when it comes to art. I have looked at some pieces that others absolutely love, and they cause me to feel anxious. That is okay. Art moves everyone in some way.
Connie: When art makes me feel uncomfortable, I feel it distracts me from other negative emotions I may be feeling — and maybe even provokes positive emotions. Art can turn a day around simply by experiencing it.
When you encounter arts and culture in the city, do you see how our sense of place has inspired those creations?
Ken: What really speaks to the kind of place Calgary is, is how easy it is to just stumble upon art. Spontaneous expressions of art, whether it’s seeing another new public art piece on a building or a community expression of art — like kids using sidewalk chalk — it’s happening everywhere we look.
Catriona: I love to see various culture, art and sport demonstrations that are unique to the different backgrounds, ways of life and beliefs in Calgary. I was recently at the Siksika Health Fair, and I loved the singing and the drumming; I felt the energy in the room.
John: We love our cultural melting pot in Calgary. A favourite example of this is the Taste of Calgary Food Festival, where you can sample dishes from around the world created by locals who have immigrated to Calgary, who are showcasing their cultural heritage through food.
What does Blue Sky City (Calgary’s new civic brand) mean to you, and how do you think it relates to Calgary’s arts and culture scene?
Ken: For every assumption we make about what Calgary is, there are 30 artists — maybe even 300 artists! — ready to help us understand it from a different level and perspective. That is blue sky thinking.
Catriona: I believe it signifies that there are no limits. Hopefully, we can find enough resources that there are no limits to arts, culture and sport experiences for Calgarians.
This article was originally published in the 2024 edition of Create Calgary, an annual magazine launched by Calgary Arts Development to celebrate the work of artists who call Mohkinsstsis/Calgary home.
You can pick up a free copy at public libraries, community recreation centres and other places where you find your favourite magazines. You can also read the digital version online here.
