Calgary Arts Foundation is a registered charity that was created to generate support for Calgary’s arts sector. It is governed by a small volunteer board of directors. Knowing that many non-profit arts organizations conduct their own successful fundraising activities, Calgary Arts Foundation will ensure that its efforts will not compete with the very sector it is here to support but, rather, will seek to find new support for the arts in Calgary.
Support where it’s needed most
Calgary Arts Foundation is particularly interested in finding ways to engage people and businesses who believe in the power of the arts to change lives and make our city a better place, but do not want to select a specific arts organization or individual to support. They would rather contribute to an umbrella organization that understands the arts sector and can steward resources where support is most needed. The foundation will partner with other foundations and organizations who are focused on the arts, creative industries, and cultural sectors to strengthen existing programs that support organizations, artists and arts workers.
Raising Funds for Artists and Project Grants in Calgary
Music, stories, images, videos, scripts – these things bring beauty, joy, and meaning to our lives.
During the pandemic, many of the cultural experiences we cherish—concerts, plays, exhibitions, dance performances, readings, classes, and festivals—were put on hold. We weren’t able to gather in person, but the arts continued to bring people together, lifting spirits and fostering connection through digital platforms. Those moments reinforced just how vital arts and culture are in our lives, and to the vibrancy, resilience, and well-being of our communities.
In 2020 and the first half of 2021, we mounted a campaign called the Cultural Vitality Fund, which was a way to give back to our artists and arts workers and help build the relief, recovery and resilience they needed to weather this storm. The campaign raised just over $200,000 and was generously matched by Calgary Foundation, for a total of $400,000. The funds raised were used to support Calgary Arts Development’s project grants and a special microgrant program that was set up for artists during the pandemic. We were pleased that these funds supported the rich talent, creativity, skills and vision that fuel cultural vibrancy in our city.
Together we can support and show appreciation for our artists and artist collectives in our city!
We continue to look for ways to support the work of artists in our community to make Calgary a better place to live, work and play.
Please consider making a donation to our Cultural Vitality Fund, which supports individual artists and arts workers because:
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They bring enormous value to our communities and our lives by creating opportunities for us to experience joy and beauty; find meaning in challenging times; and feel a sense of belonging
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We lean on the arts during good times and bad to lift our spirits, entertain and connect us
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Arts workers earn on average 38% less than the average Calgarian
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Individuals don’t have the same mechanisms as organizations to raise funds on their own and many are not eligible for other support programs
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Cultural vitality is critical to our city and to our lives
Our goal is to help as many artists and arts workers as possible.
Donors
Bette Beswick
Diane Bogner
DIALOG
An anonymous donor to the Edmonton Community Foundation
Neil Gilbert
GOOD Company
Jodi Green
John Gulak
Gillian Hickie
Rosella Kai
Gloria Kai
Byron McLean
Jesse McLean
Graydon and Dorothy Morrison Fund at Calgary Foundation
Caithlyn Munar
The Palmer Family Foundation
Patti Pon
Dean Prodan
Emily Taylor