Calgary’s population is projected to triple since Arts Commons opened its doors in 1985 (as has Arts Commons’ annual visitors), and diversified significantly, bringing an increased need for access to a diverse range of gathering spaces. Some capacity has been added in Calgary, but the demand is still very pronounced. Additionally, we have maximized all available capacity to achieve revenues from our current venues, turning away approximately 600 revenue-generating events every year. If we are to continue to increase earned revenues and be financially sustainable over the long term, we must add more revenue generating spaces. 

ACT will also contribute to an economically diverse community, aligning with Calgary and Alberta’s long-term vision, and contribute to the cultural fabric of Calgary, both attracting and retaining talent, building life-long Calgarians. 

Additionally, ACT will have both an immediate (during construction) and a long-term (annually thereafter) economic impact, through job creation and economic activity. The expanded use of the facility will result in a healthy annual operating surplus, providing future sustainability.

Phase 1 is the Expansion of Arts Commons, adding approximately 25-35% more seating capacity and additional gathering spaces for the community. The Expansion will be completed first so the resident companies and user groups that use the current facility have somewhere to operate while Phase 2 is underway. The expanded use will generate enough revenue to sustain the existing facility operations.

Phase 2 is the Modernization of the existing facility, which is home to six resident companies (Alberta Theatre Projects, Arts Commons Presents, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Downstage, One Yellow Rabbit, and Theatre Calgary), as well as approximately 200 community groups that use the facility annually. This revitalization of the current facility will address the more than $71M in lifecycle issues and elevate the public experience through upgraded amenities and technology.

Teatro will remain in its heritage building and continue to serve the Calgary community. Phase 1 of ACT – the Expansion – will be located on the north side of the city block, north and east of Teatro.

Arts Commons will be transformed over two phases. The entire ACT project is projected to cost $480M. The first phase, valued at $270 million, will see the expansion of Arts Commons, adding a 1,000-seat performance venue and supporting areas. Funding for this phase 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

With $270M of funding accounted for, the first phase is fully funded which has allowed ACT to proceed through design development with an anticipated groundbreaking in 2024. A public fundraising campaign for the remainder of the modernization is currently underway and will launch in parallel with the ACT design process.

ACT will position Arts Commons and the resident companies for future sustainability. The expanded use will generate enough revenue to sustain the existing facility operations. 

ACT provides the opportunity to lean into today’s unique challenges to invest in a better tomorrow, supporting the creative economy and the growing arts and culture workforce, and contributing to an economically diverse community by jump-starting both short and long-term job creation and economic activity.

ACT will have an immediate and positive impact on our economy during construction, including:

• $424M contributed to Alberta’s GDP
• $41.1M in Alberta Government revenues
• 3,454 jobs created in Alberta
• $263M in Alberta labour income

Once ACT is complete, the expanded Arts Commons will continue to have a positive economic impact, including: 

• $59M contributed annually to Alberta’s GDP
• $5.9M contributed annually to Alberta Government revenues
• 743 FTE jobs supported in Alberta
• $37M in annual Alberta labour income

With funding commitments from all three levels of government, 320 letters of support from the business community, and almost 2000 signatures from private citizens, ACT has the backing of the community. ACT also has the full support of the six resident companies (Alberta Theatre Projects, Arts Commons Presents, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Downstage, One Yellow Rabbit, and Theatre Calgary) and civic partners such as Calgary Economic Development, Calgary Downtown Association, Tourism Calgary, and more.

CMLC, Arts Commons, The City of Calgary and the prime design team of gh3 Architecture, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, CCxA Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, and Belleville Placemaking are leading the Olympic Plaza Transformation (OPT) project. The project will occur in parallel and in collaboration with the ACT project. This will allow for design synergies, construction efficiencies, and coordinated leadership. Once completed, Arts Commons will serve as the steward of the revitalized plaza and will manage the programming and ongoing maintenance of the space.

Read more about the announcement.