RISE UP Downtown Vibrancy Program
Applications open September 22, 2023 at 10am MT and close October 13, 2023 at 4pm MT
What?
We want your creative projects, events and programs to transform existing venues and spaces in the downtown area, and we’ve created the RISE UP Downtown Vibrancy Program to support it. We have the opportunity to reimagine downtown and how our community connects. We believe arts and culture are at the heart of our city’s vibrancy, and when we make opportunities for artists to create, magic happens!
Who?
This is a call to local artists, performers, presenters, venues and community groups! We’re searching for partners—local venues, groups or individual performers and presenters —who can produce, program and provide live arts entertainment and/or experiences to local audiences.
Where & When?
Event(s) producers may choose their own location, but must run their own show in approved downtown locations: Downtown Core, Downtown West, Eau Claire, and Chinatown (reference map below). Event(s) must take place in venues and spaces that have appropriate permits, permissions and approvals as legislated.
Selected partners will showcase live entertainment and experiences at local venues and spaces throughout the downtown core between October 23 to December 31, 2023.
Why?
When investment is directed to empower artist performances in the downtown core, subsequent benefits can support the downtown revitalization strategy. Benefits include building a sense of place and belonging for all Calgarians, attracting new business, and making downtown Calgary a desirable place for Calgarians to live, work and play. As we fill up our vacant spaces and existing venues, let’s imagine arts organizations, businesses, artists, executives and hospitality professionals all working and living side-by-side.
RISE UP knows how the arts support downtown revitalization by building a sense of place and belonging for all Calgarians, attracting new business, and making our downtown a desirable place for Calgarians to live, work and play.
How?
This program provides up to $5,000 to a minimum of 30 applicants to present a show/arts event in Calgary’s downtown brick-and-mortar spaces. This can be used to offset the cost of venue rentals and or artist fees. This could be used to activate vacant spaces (working with building owners) or established venues.
Applicant Requirements:
- Initial submissions must include estimated attendance, proposed partners, number of artists to be supported, proposed venue, etc. in the event description.
- Project budget—please note that funds can only be used to offset the cost of venue rentals, production costs and/or artist fees.
- Successful applicants will be required to submit a final report after their event outlining actual attendance, partners, artists supported, location used, final budget etc. A final report form is provided.
We will prioritize:
- Unique offerings (those that haven’t been done before, unique partnerships, or reimagined use of downtown spaces).
- Events occurring on evenings and weekends.
- Events that directly activate the street (e.g., vacant storefronts and public realm).
- Applicants with a demonstrable history of presenting shows.
- Diverse community groups included in presentations/events.
- Applicants who have not already received funding from one of RISE UP’s funding partners or the City of Calgary Festival and Event Subsidy program.
- Events occurring during larger events, conferences, or initiatives that will showcase Calgary’s creativity to visitors (Breakout West, Canadian Country Music Awards, etc.).
Timeline:
- Submissions open September 22, 2023 at 10am MT
- Submissions close October 13, 2023 at 4pm MT
- Selected applicants will be notified by October 20, 2023
- Please note that funds will be distributed via direct deposit
What you will include in the initial submission (one to two pages):
- Event name
- Event description
- Proposed venue (with address)
- Event date and time
- Applicant contact and website
- Project budget
- A summary of your past projects and proven event track record, curriculum vitae or resume. You can choose to include what you believe best demonstrates your ability to produce the event.
Selection Process:
Selection will be made by a jury of event industry experts, RISE UP steering committee members and community partners.
Final Reporting:
We will capture the following measurements for both programs to share with partners and stakeholders:
- Attendance at each event
- Partners that RISE UP collaborated with
- Artists and community groups that were supported
- Types of spaces activated (temporary venues vs. brick and mortar, etc.)
- Photo and video footage of events
For more information and to apply visit docs.google.com.
Questions? Please email the RISE UP team at info@birdcreatives.com.
