Arts Commons transformation backed by historic philanthropic gift from Calgary family

Calgary’s Arts Commons transformation is being backed by the largest philanthropic gift in Canadian performing arts history.

The historic $75 million donation announced Wednesday is from Canadian entrepreneur David Werklund and his family — it will see the renovated venue change its name to the Werklund Centre by 2026.

Werklund is a CEO and philanthropist behind many projects built across the city.

“This means a lot to me because my family and I believe this centre is more about creating a space for the unique ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together,” Werklund said. “It is about providing unique opportunities for innovation and involved education.”

The infrastructure project for the over 40-year-old facility is currently underway and the plan is to expand the building into the Olympic Plaza area.

“Once the revitalization is complete, this facility will shine even brighter,” said Premier Danielle Smith, who was on hand for the announcement. “(It will attract) more visitors and world-class events and artists, reinforcing this cities solid reputation as one of the greatest places in the world to visit.”

The campus transformation project has hit over three quarters of its $660 million funding goal. The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation(CMLC) and the provincial government have already stepped up with funding commitments for the project.

The CMLC revealed designs of the expansion project earlier this year.

The project will occur in three stages with ground breaking coming later this year. The second stage is to rebuild Olympic plaza before the final step of renovating the existing centre.

Events being held in Olympic Plaza will need to be paused at the end of 2024 make way for the Arts Commons expansion and plaza redesign. The city says they will work with organizers to find alternate locations.