Blue Sky City Creative Challenge
RISE UP initiative, Tourism Calgary and Calgary Arts Development
Deadline for submissions: January 9, 2025
Calling all creatives—visual artists, architects, designers, students, and innovators! The Blue Sky City Creative Challenge is your moment to shine! This is your chance to help shape the future of Calgary’s new identity—“Blue Sky City.” We’re looking for bold, imaginative, and visionary proposals in all creative art forms (i.e. theatre, music, spoken word, film, visual art, multi-media etc.) that capture the spirit of Calgary and entice passers-by to see the unexpected possibilities it has to offer. This opportunity will showcase your vision and artistic responses to the world at major events and destination marketing opportunities! Ready to inspire? The sky’s the limit!
Through the RISE UP initiative, Tourism Calgary and Calgary Arts Development are excited to fund a minimum of 5 and up to 14 artistic responses to Calgary’s vibrant new brand, Blue Sky City. Funding ranges from a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $10,000, inviting artists from all disciplines to share their creative visions.
Selected works will be prominently showcased at major events and destination marketing opportunities throughout the year, enhancing brand awareness and community engagement. RISE UP will facilitate connections between your artistic responses and these exciting opportunities, supported by guidance from Tourism Calgary and Calgary Arts Development.
Submissions will be evaluated based on RISE UP’s core values using a weighted scoring system emphasizing collaboration, innovation, belonging, and diverse perspectives. Key criteria for selection will include the potential impact of your art, creation costs, artist compensation, and reactivation expenses.
We encourage and will prioritize submissions that can be reactivated or showcased beyond their initial launch. While the works will belong to the artists, RISE UP and its partners, as SEED funders, will have the opportunity to showcase them in future events through the RISE UP Activation Catalogue.
Join us in celebrating creativity and making an impact in Calgary’s dynamic arts scene!
For more information, full guideline details and to apply visit Blue Sky City Creative Challenge – RiseUP.
Timeline
- Submissions open: Thursday, December 5, 2024
- Proposals must be submitted by: Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 11:59pm MT
- Successful artists notified by: Monday, January 27, 2025
- Deadline for artists to submit Invoicing, Artist Assets, proof of eligibility to obtain insurance, MOU: Friday, January 31, 2025
- Release of Funds: February 15, 2025
Design Focus
What does Blue Sky City mean to you? Immerse yourself in the essence of this vibrant brand and let your creativity soar! We invite artists and creatives to create stunning, photo (social media) worthy pieces—from performances, installations and musical compositions to visual and interactive works—that capture the spirit of Calgary’s Blue Sky City. Use the Blue Sky City branding and information package as inspiration to craft impactful art pieces that resonate with our community. Share your vision and help us bring our city to life!
Please visit brand microsite to learn more about the Blue Sky City brand.
Here are some other key considerations when you are thinking about the Blue Sky City’s Brand:
- Calgary is a place where peoples, lands, cultures and ideas converge to create what’s possible
- We are a place of Unexpected Possibilities
- We believe we are limitless together
- Calgary’s people are genuine enthusiasts and enthusiastic hosts
- Our city is a place of diverse people, experiences and industries
