Arts Commons Transformation Project
Priority Capital Projects Arts Commons Transformation
The project
The Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project is part of a $660 million campus transformation. This includes the expansion and modernization of Calgary’s premier performing arts centre, alongside the adjacent Olympic Plaza Transformation project.
This project is a timely response to the community’s growing demand for flexible, accessible arts and performance venues that support diverse and relevant programming. As a catalyst project, ACT aligns with The City’s Greater Downtown Plan, reinforcing the vision to creating a thriving, future-focused downtown.
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) is serving as the development manager for ACT on behalf of the project partners Arts Commons and The City. The CMLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The City and steward of the Rivers District Master Plan.
As the largest arts-focused infrastructure project currently underway in Canada, ACT will be carried out in two phases:
- Phase one: Expansion
This phase will see the development of a three-level building located adjacent to Olympic Plaza. It will include 170,000 square feet of modern features and amenities. The building will feature a new 1,000-seat theatre and 200-seat studio theatre.
- Phase two: Modernization
This phase will see a renovation of the existing Arts Commons facility. Post renovation, the facility will be more accessible with upgraded amenities and technology.
The adjacent Olympic Plaza Transformation project will revitalize the aging cultural asset. It will be modernized into an accessible and vibrant public gathering space. The new space will be integrated seamlessly into the Arts Commons campus.
Details about the design team and overall investment are available on Arts Commons Transformation page.
Video and image renderings
Click image to expand.
Complete list of project milestones
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Sep. 19, 2011 |
Council approved CPS2011-48 The Calgary Centre for Performing Arts - Seed Funding, where an MSI contribution of $25 million towards the renovation of the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts was approved in principle, of which $2.5 million was released for feasibility planning and design. Council also approved exploring the use of lots adjacent to Olympic Plaza for this purpose. |
| Mar. 4, 2019 |
Council approved the financial strategy for all four unfunded long-term projects (BMO Centre Expansion, Event Centre, Phase One of Arts Commons Transformation, and Foothills Field House) |
| Aug. 30, 2019 |
At the direction of The City of Calgary, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) completed a review of the functional program to identify project costs for the first phase of ACT. The Federal government approved $80 million in funding from the Community, Culture and Recreation program, contingent on the City and Province contributing the remaining funding. |
| Sep. 30, 2019 |
City Council approves $22.5M in Cultural Municipal Sustainability Initiative funding ($2.5M was previously approved) for ACT, with authorization to invest $10M for Phase One and Two. |
| Oct. 9, 2020 |
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Arts Commons and The City of Calgary sign tri-party development agreement. |
| Apr. 26, 2021 | |
| July 13, 2021 |
CMLC releases results of ACT public engagement.
|
| Feb. 9, 2022 | |
| Sep. 20, 2022 | |
| Mar. 22, 2024 |
Through Budget 2024, the Government of Alberta announced $103 million over seven years to support Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza transformations. |
| Apr. 4, 2024 |
Architectural design renderings for ACT expansion unveiled.
|
| June 26, 2024 |
Arts Commons announced a $75 million gift from Dave Werklund and his family to fund the modernization of Arts Commons, transformation of Olympic Plaza, establish the Dave Werklund Education Wing, and the creation of four funds to support Arts Commons’ key institutional priorities. |
| Dec. 11, 2024 |
Groundbreaking for Arts Commons Transformation expansion sets the stage for early January 2025 construction start. |
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek“Building on the momentum of the investment and work already underway through The City of Calgary’s Downtown Strategy, the Arts Commons Transformation is at the heart of how we bring Calgary’s downtown to life with the creative economy. A thriving creative sector is essential to making the city more resilient and diverse, for both economic and community-building reasons. The expansion of Arts Commons will further elevate Calgary’s stature on the world stage and draw even more people to the downtown core.”
Project timeline
Council approved financial strategy.
City Council approved $25 M of MSI funds.
Tri-party development agreement announced between The City, CMLC, and Arts Commons.
ACT expansion funding announced.
Prime Design Team announced.
Government of Alberta announced $103 million over seven years to support ACT and OPT.
Architectural design renderings unveiled.
$75 million gift from Dave Werklund and his family announced.
ACT expansion construction began in December 2024.
Investment details
The Province announced through Budget 2024 that it would provide $103 million over seven years to support the project. The $660 million transformation of the Arts Commons campus includes a $50 million Arts Commons endowment and anticipated project costs of:
$270 million
towards the ACT expansion (new building). The project is fully funded by City of Calgary and CMLC’s Community Revitalization Levy.
$270 million
towards the ACT modernization (renovation of the existing Arts Commons building).
$70 million
towards the Olympic Plaza –
partially funded with The City of Calgary Downtown Strategy investing $40 million.
Benefits to Calgarians
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Job creation
During the construction of both phases of Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) 3,155 jobs will be created. These jobs will generate $239 million in Labour Income. [1]
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Invest in Calgarians
Arts Commons is one of several major infrastructure projects in Calgary. These projects will have a positive impact on the revitalization of the downtown core. They will contribute to the diversification of our economy and the future of our City.
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Economic growth
Once complete, Arts Commons and their resident companies will annually generate $53 million to Calgary's GDP. In addition, they will support 683 jobs which will generate $34 million in Labour income.
Frequently asked questions
Why is this project important for Calgary?
The Calgary Centre for Performing Arts (now Arts Commons) opened in 1985 with four Resident Companies: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Alberta Theatre Projects and Theatre Calgary. Since opening two more Resident Companies were added: One Yellow Rabbit and Downstage Performance Society.
Over the past 35 years, Calgary’s population has doubled and diversified significantly, bringing an increased need for access to a diverse range of gathering spaces.
The expansion will support the organization’s operational sustainability into the future by broadening revenue streams, addressing the changing needs of tenants and meeting growing demand. The modernization of the existing building will address critical lifecycle and safety issues.
What are the phases of this project?
In two phases, Arts Commons Transformation will both expand capacity in a new building and modernize the existing facility, bringing it up to today’s standards.
Phase one will see the expansion of Arts Commons, adding a new 1,000 seat theatre, 200-seat studio theatre and support areas.
Phase two is the modernization of the existing 560,000 square foot Arts Commons building which will address lifecycle challenges. It will also elevate the public’s experience through upgraded amenities and technology throughout the facility.
Could the current building be renovated and still achieve the same outcome?
Calgary’s population has doubled since Arts Commons was built and has diversified significantly, bringing an increased need to access a diverse range of gathering spaces. Some capacity has been added over the years, but the capacity deficit still exists. The increased capacity will come from the development of phase one.
With much of the current building’s infrastructure and technology at end of life, there is critical work that must be completed in order to maintain the existing space for all users, including Resident Companies. Pursuing the modernization of Arts Commons will help remedy those lifecycle maintenance requirements. During the design process, Arts Commons will continue to actively pursue the remaining funding of the second phase.
When was funding allocated for this portion of the project?
In March 2019, Council approved the funding strategy for the four major unfunded projects (Event Centre, Arts Commons Transformation, Foothills Field House and BMO Centre Expansion). In September 2019, Calgary City Council approved $25 million of Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding to be used toward the design process.
How is the project being funded?
Funding for the first phase of ACT comes from three sources:
- $80 million from the City of Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan
- $25 million from the City’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative
- $165 million from CMLC’s Community Revitalization Levy.
In December 2022, CMLC allocated an additional $30 million of Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) finds toward the Arts Commons Transformation project. The additional budget was allocated as a proactive measure to address the impacts of inflationary pressures and market escalation due to adverse market conditions. The additional CRL was approved by City of Calgary Council through CMLC’s 2023 Business Plan.
On June 26, 2024, Arts Commons announced a $75 million gift from Dave Werklund and his family to fund the modernization of Arts Commons, transformation of Olympic Plaza, establish the Dave Werklund Education Wing, and the creation of four funds to support Arts Commons’ key institutional priorities. Efforts are underway to secure the remaining required funds. The second phase, the modernization of the existing Arts Commons facility, will follow once full funding is secured.
What is the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI)?
The Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) is the Province of Alberta's initiative to strengthen the municipal sector and provide financial support to municipalities for infrastructure needs.
Municipalities determine which projects and activities to fund based on local priorities within the general criteria set out in the program guidelines. Municipalities may choose to contribute funds for use towards eligible MSI projects to non-profit organizations.
How is this project responding to the current economic climate?
Arts Commons Transformation is a multi-year project that supports the long-term resiliency of the arts sector and supports the sustainability of Arts Commons which plays a critical role in the economic diversity of Calgary and within our local communities. It aligns with Calgary and Alberta’s strategic objectives to build a culturally vibrant and economically resilient community. The project supports The Downtown Strategy, an investment in the economic and cultural heart of Calgary-- a livable, thriving place for people, business, innovation and creativity.
Arts Commons is a key contributor to social, economic, cultural, and intellectual life in Calgary. As Canada’s third largest arts centre, it is home to six resident companies and used by over 200 community groups - an integral part of the arts and greater community.
What is The City's role on the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project?
The Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project a tri-party development agreement between Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Arts Commons and The City of Calgary.
CMLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary and steward of the Rivers District Master Plan, is serving as Development Manager for the Arts Commons Transformation project on behalf of the project partners, Arts Commons and The City of Calgary.
What are the construction timelines for this project?
Construction began on ACT in December 2024, and is expected to be complete in 2028.
What are the benefits of this project?
During construction, of both phases, an estimated $386 million will be added to Calgary’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition, 3,155 Jobs will be created, generating $249 million in labour income. Upon completion of both phases, Arts Commons, collectively with the resident companies will annually generate $53 million to Calgary’s GDP, support 683 Jobs that will generate $34 million in labour income (Economic Contribution Analysis, Deloitte 2019).
In a historically resource-based economy, shifting to new economic drivers is paramount to the wellbeing of the economy and the prosperity of every Calgarian. Arts Commons Transformation will also contribute millions to Canada’s GDP and provide taxes to all three orders of government, helping pay for government programs and services, such as schools, health care, and cultural activities.
Arts Commons Transformation will also have a positive social impact. The arts bring people together, increase understanding, empathy, and resilience, inspire creativity, and activate imagination, ultimately leading to new possibilities. Calgary’s youth will benefit academically, socially, and creatively, by having more ways to participate in the arts. Through Arts Commons Transformation, Arts Commons' vision of a creative and compassionate society inspired through the arts can be a reality.
See Social & Economic Impact for more information.
Project partners
