RISE UP
A group of arts champions led by Annerin Productions, Calgary Arts Development, Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary Hotel Association, Jeff Parry Promotions, the National Music Centre, the King Eddy, Theatre Calgary, and Tourism Calgary have come together to launch RISE UP.
RISE UP is an open source platform that unites arts, hospitality, and tourism partners to develop a comprehensive array of initiatives and events to relaunch by building and promoting the best possible conditions for success for both audiences and artists. The platform kickstarts the arts industry’s recovery, connects Calgarians to safety-conscious live experiences, and supports local artists and businesses who have struggled through COVID-19.
“This is a really exciting initiative for Calgary and our artists and entertainers. Focusing on safety and support, this will help foster the connection between the performers and their audience,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi in a statement.
During other tragic events and catastrophes, the entertainment industry has been one of the first to step up and bring people together to raise funds for those in need. This time, however, the arts, entertainment, and tourism industries were one of the first to be affected by COVID-19 with devastating losses as events and activities were cancelled throughout the province.
Now, the arts and entertainment communities are looking to Calgarians for support by offering new, exciting, safety-conscious live experiences that will directly benefit local artists and businesses in need while committing to keep public health and safety a top priority. These activities include:
- RISE UP EX – YYC Experience packages where Calgarians can choose their own staycation experience in partnership with local hotels, restaurants and extraordinary arts events.
- RISE UP Arts Industry Relaunch Lunches for artists to come together and share their ups, their downs, and everything in between at a regular series of industry chat and chews where arts and entertainment communities can use the value of the hive mind to accelerate and improve each other’s relaunches.
- RISE UP National Music Centre Annual Gala—one of Calgary’s newest art jewels, the National Music Centre will turn up the volume in Calgary and raise funds in support of the NMC’s programs.
- RISE UP: A Strategy for Calgary’s Creative Economy will focus on furthering Calgary as an emerging music-friendly city, reanimating and revitalizing the downtown core with creative industry activations, and supporting Chinook Blast: Calgary’s Midwinter Round Up, Calgary’s newest six-week winter festival.
RISE UP organizers have been working closely with health officials to ensure every partnering organization has the tools and resources to launch events as safely as possible. The safer the event, the sooner Calgary’s arts industry can get back on its feet.
For more information on partnering events and initiatives, please visit visitcalgary.com/rise-up.
