Public Art Update
The listing period for this Classified has passed.
In response to public health measures implemented by Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta, The City of Calgary is taking the following precautions around employee and public safety to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19:
- Closure to the public of all City of Calgary operated recreation facilities (including fitness, pools, arenas and arts centres) and all City-owned, partner-operated facilities.
- Reducing capacity to 50% of the buildings fire load card occupancy, to a maximum of 50 attendees.
- Cancelling all City-led in-person public engagement activities until April 30.
What does this mean for Public Art?
At this time, we will be postponing all in-person engagement events, including those related to the new direction of the public art program. Where possible, we will conduct online engagement in the interim.
We are still working through other upcoming programs and events such as the Alberta Public Art Network Conference this October. Updates will be provided on all future planned engagements and programs as they become available.
Here are some ways to enjoy public art while practicing social distancing:
Calgary Chinatown Artist Residency Postponed
Due to the developments around COVID-19, the public art program in discussion with its partners have come to the decision to postpone any further activity on the Calgary Chinatown artist residency. The residency, which has been produced in partnership with The New Gallery, launched in November 2019 and was planned to continue throughout the year.
Following the direction from Alberta Health Services, it is no longer possible to continue with this initiative at this time without compromising the health and safety of the artists, staff and community members involved. Due to the high volume of engagement required for this project and the artists living quarters situated within a higher vulnerability population of seniors at Clover Living in the heart of Calgary Chinatown, we have decided to cease all activity and postpone until further notice.
We understand that this decision will have a great impact on our artists, partners and community stakeholders but the safety and wellness of everyone is our first priority. We will be working closely with the artists and The New Gallery to reschedule when we have more clarity regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and can ensure the safety of all involved in the project.
Resources for Artists
In these uncertain times, we believe it’s important to help share information and resources to support our community. The following is a list of articles and resources we’ve come across that offer insight, support and information to artists and arts organizations.
Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations:
- calgaryartsdevelopment.com
- creative-capital.org/2020
- akimbo.ca/listings
- canadacouncil.ca/covid-19-information
Financial Assistance:
- canada.ca/en/department-finance
- alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance
- elephantartistrelief.com/donate
