Calgary opens public engagement on updated cultural plan until Nov. 15

The City of Calgary is inviting residents to help shape an updated cultural plan through public engagement that runs until Nov. 15, the city said in an announcement published Oct. 26. The plan is intended to guide the future of arts, culture, music and Calgary's creative economy.¹

The city described the document as more than a plan for funding. It will set a long-term cultural vision to guide future investments, policy, partnerships and strategies as the city grows, the city said.¹

What the plan covers

Input from Calgarians, partners, artists, organizations and communities will inform the plan's direction, according to the city. The city said arts and culture contribute to community wellbeing, vibrant neighbourhoods, tourism, talent attraction and economic growth, and that an updated plan would help Calgary keep those benefits while identifying opportunities to improve access to arts and culture across the city.¹

Arts and culture are part of how we experience Calgary every day. Whether it's a festival, gathering place, cultural tradition or creative experience, these things help shape our city and connect us to one another. We're encouraging Calgarians to share what matters to them to help inform the updated cultural plan.¹Franca Gualtieri, manager of Arts & Culture at The City of Calgary

How to take part

Residents can take an online survey, join an online information session or attend an open house. The city said details about all engagement opportunities are posted at calgary.ca/culturalplan.¹

The first Cultural Plan for Calgary was published in 2016 and provided a shared vision for arts and culture over the past decade, according to the city. The city said the update is a chance to build on that foundation and develop a plan that supports Calgary for the next 30 years.¹

Feedback from this phase will be summarized in a What We Heard Report and used to help shape the next phase of public and sector engagement in spring 2027, the city said. The proposed cultural plan will be presented to council in late 2027.¹