Partnerships

Arts & Culture Stories of Community Impact 2025 Partnerships

Our work is grounded in strong, genuine partnerships built over time with local artists, fabricators, event organizers, cultural groups and community partners who bring our city to life. When our partners succeed, Calgarians experience the benefits — from opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship to inclusive services and vibrant arts, cultural and community spaces.

Quick facts

  • 35,553

    Organizations, local creative professionals, community partners, sponsors, local businesses and volunteers collaborated

  • 5,533

    Sponsors and local businesses reported benefits from initiatives

  • 18,812

    Volunteer opportunities reported

Strategic investment in partnership support is essential

As our communities face mounting pressures from population growth, inflation and economic instability, partners across the sector are being stretched thinner than ever. Strategic investment in partnership support is essential to strengthen sector-wide strategies and build meaningful relationships.

These supports range from tools that make collaboration easier — such as “one-window in” event liaisons — to initiatives that foster shared planning and resource alignment.

Celebrating collaboration

Calgary’s creative community came together in January 2025 for Arts & Culture Canvas, an open house event that welcomed 175 people representing 95 local non-profits, Business Improvement Areas and Community Associations.

Hosted by the Arts & Culture division, this was an opportunity to spark new connections, share information and resources, and celebrate the creative energy shaping Calgary’s future.

"Before attending the event, I hadn’t fully realized the scope and significance of The City’s role in curating artwork and organizing cultural activities. This has deepened my appreciation for local arts initiatives and highlighted the importance of supporting these endeavors."– Attendee

Connecting Calgary’s cultural communities

Calgary Culture Connect is a new City-led online directory designed to bring together local arts, culture, heritage and social organizations.

By registering, non-profits, charities and Indigenous organizations based in Calgary, or the Treaty 7 region, gain visibility and access to opportunities for collaboration and community engagement. Offered at no cost, this resource builds on the legacy of the Cross Cultural Directory and supports the growth and sustainability of Calgary’s cultural sectors.

Afro Caribbean Festival YYC

Building Calgary’s reputation as a world-class winter city

Since the launch of Calgary’s Winter City Strategy in 2022, The City has made exciting strides in transforming winter into a season of opportunity. Through collaborative programming and the activation of public spaces, initiatives like Chinook Blast, New Year’s Eve and the Winter City Design Competition, have brought energy and vibrancy to Calgary’s downtown, showcasing the city’s creative spirit and potential.

These successes demonstrate a strong appetite for winter experiences and highlight the untapped potential of Calgary as a world-class winter city. To fully realize this vision, sustained investment in winter-specific infrastructure, programming and promotion, supported by strong partnerships, is essential. With the right support, Calgary can unlock new economic, social and cultural opportunities — helping the city thrive year-round.

 

Efficiencies for hosting major events in Calgary

The Major Events Bid Process Review project was completed in 2025 to assess how The City and its partners are working together to acquire and host major events in Calgary. The City has committed to completing 15 opportunities for improvement that will support strategic coordination, proactive communication, improved documentation and collaborative planning with the goal of enhancing Calgary’s global reputation.

Photo credit: Tourism Calgary – Roth and Ramburg