Calgary 2012

The Cultural Capital of Canada is a program administered through Canadian Heritage. The objective of the program is to stimulate sustained community support of arts and culture. It recognizes and supports Canadian communities that have a record of harnessing the many benefits of arts and culture in community life. Calgary 2012 Cultural Capital of Canada bid was a joint initiative co-chaired by Calgary Arts Development Authority and the Calgary Stampede in partnership with City of Calgary Recreation, Calgary Public Library, Tourism Calgary and Calgary Economic Development. The Calgary 2012 bid was championed and developed by steering committees, along with a 100-member Advisory Panel. There was a wide-ranging community engagement process whereby Calgarians were invited to suggest project ideas that formed the basis for the 2012 celebration of culture.

On October 14, 2011, the Government of Canada and Canadian Heritage designated Calgary as a Cultural Capital of Canada. According to Canadian Heritage, the Cultural Capital of Canada designation is "awarded for merit, on the basis of a candidate community's achievements that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture." 

2012 marks a pivotal year in Calgary's cultural history including the centennial anniversaries of some of the city's cultural cornerstones: Calgary Stampede, City of Calgary Recreation, Calgary Public Library, the Pumphouse Theatre and Theatre Junction GRAND. Calgary 2012 will offer a variety of programs and events throughout the year to celebrate Calgary's diverse and vibrant cultural scene.

To learn more about Calgary 2012 and the events taking place throughout 2012, visit Calgary 2012 online.