Cultural Plan for Calgary

Cultural Plan for Calgary

The City is working with Calgarians, partners and the sector to develop an updated cultural plan that will support the future of arts, culture, music and the creative economy. Together, we are shaping a creative, connected and vibrant Calgary.

Why do we need a cultural plan?

Arts, culture, music and the creative economy help make Calgary a great place to live, work and visit. An updated cultural plan will help guide future priorities, partnerships and investments that will shape Calgary’s creative future.

Investment in arts, culture, music and the creative economy:

  • Strengthens communities and foster belonging 
  • Supports neighbourhood vibrancy
  • Attracts talent and visitors 
  • Contributes to economic growth and diversification
  • Celebrates Calgary's unique identity and cultural diversity 

An updated cultural plan for Calgary will create a long-term vision for how the city supports these things in the years ahead.

Building on the foundation of the 2016 Cultural Plan for Calgary, this work will reflect Calgary today while looking ahead to the future. 

What will this project aim to do?

  • Grow a strong arts, culture, music and creative economy sector

  • Make arts and culture more accessible across the city

  • Support vibrant neighbourhoods, public spaces and downtown Calgary

  • Strengthen partnerships and collaboration

  • Attract talent, visitors and investment

  • Celebrate the people, cultures and stories that make Calgary unique

  • Shape a creative, connected and vibrant future

Project timeline

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Fall 2026 Phase 1 Engagement

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Validate draft priorities and understand barriers and opportunities with the public and arts and culture sector.

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Winter 2026-27 What We Heard Report and draft plan development

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Share the feedback from Phase 1 and refine the vision, priorities and draft directions.

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Spring 2027 Phase 2 Engagement

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Validate and refine the proposed directions of the cultural plan with the public and arts and culture sector.

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Summer 2027 What We Heard Report and plan finalization

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Share the feedback from Phase 2 and finalize the cultural plan and supporting frameworks.

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Fall 2027 Presentation to Council

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Present the updated cultural plan to Council for approval.

Get involved

Throughout 2026 and 2027, we will work with Calgarians, partners, Indigenous Peoples, equity-deserving groups, artists, organizations, community groups and others to help shape the plan.

There will be opportunities to share ideas, experiences and perspectives throughout the project.

Check back regularly for information about upcoming engagement opportunities. 

Sign up for updates

2016 Cultural Plan for Calgary

The first Cultural Plan for Calgary was published in 2016 and established a shared vision for arts and culture in Calgary for the next decade.

More than 800 Calgarians contributed to its development through interviews, focus groups, community events and surveys.

In collaboration with the Cultural Leadership Council

The Cultural Leadership Council (CLC) was established to oversee the implementation of the 2016 Cultural Plan for Calgary. This group is made up of leaders representing civic, business, cultural, education and other crucial sectors.