Public Art in Calgary: Engaging, Relevant, Accountable
As the city’s arts development authority, Calgary Arts Development is uniquely positioned to lead and evolve the public art program, drawing upon our deep knowledge of and strong relationships within the arts community.
We have created a public art program that is engaging, relevant and accountable. Public art in Calgary reflects the rich diversity of our city, including Indigenous voices that tell the past, present and future stories of Calgary, known as Mohkinsstsis in Blackfoot. We remain committed to working with communities that have historically been underserved, guided by the core principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
Our goals include streamlining the program to make it easier for artists to apply, ensuring local artists are aware of opportunities, creating connections between international and local artists to build capacity, and shedding light on the many processes surrounding public art — its value and impact on our city. Our intent is to foster meaningful connections and dialogue between artists and communities, using public art to reflect Calgary’s diverse stories and values.
To reach the public art team, email us at publicart@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
A New Direction for Public Art in Calgary
In March 2021, The City of Calgary announced Calgary Arts Development as the steward and operator of Calgary’s public art program. Since then, we have worked closely with The City to transition the program successfully. You can learn more about this transition and what was heard during community engagement here.
We have built a public art team with expertise and experience in projects and communities around the world. Our team focuses on directly engaging with artists, communities, and Calgarians as we support public art projects across the city. Visit our staff page to meet the Calgary Arts Development team, including our public art staff.
Have questions? Learn more about the public art program and the transition on our FAQ page.