Call to Artists: Blue Sky City Creative Challenge
The Blue Sky City Creative Challenge is a chance for artists, architects, designers, students and innovators 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 passersby 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!
Funding Opportunities
Through the RISE UP initiative, Tourism Calgary and Calgary Arts Development are excited to fund a minimum of five 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! Apply Now!
Timeline
- 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!
Eligibility Criteria and Submission Guidelines:
This call for submissions is open to all Calgary-based artists, architects, performers, musicians, engineers, designers, students and creatives from various disciplines.
- Applicants may submit as individuals or teams, but at least one member must possess artistic, technical, or creative skills to ensure the art form is delivered as proposed. Each individual or team is limited to one proposal; however, multiple designs or installations may be submitted, though not all may be selected. It’s essential that at least one member of the team is based in Calgary to facilitate the development, coordination, logistics and any necessary support for the proposed work.
- Successful applicants will need to provide proof of commercial general liability insurance for two million dollars ($2,000,000) and list Tourism Calgary and Calgary Arts Development as an additional insured.
Applicants should consider the impact of their art piece, the cost of creation, artist compensation, and any costs for reactivation when developing their proposal.
For more information, please visit riseupyyc.com.
