Calgary artists takes centre stage at city’s Celebration for the Arts
Posted May 5, 2026 9:07 am.
Calgary’s creative community took centre stage as nearly 900 guests celebrated the city’s growing arts scene Monday.
Business leaders and community supporters gathered at the Jack Singer Concert Hall to recognize the people driving Calgary’s cultural momentum.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas, who hosted the event, says the arts have touched everyone on some level for various reasons, but also in a trying and “divided moment in time.”
“Frankly, I’m gonna go a little bit political,” he said.
“At the time when you see politicians scapegoating other people based on our identity, who they love, where they came from — absolute bullshit. The way that we can fight back is through arts.”
The event showcased local performances and highlighted how the arts are helping shape a fast-growing city by creating jobs, attracting investment and building community connections.
“The new Werklund Center, the new Event Center, the new Glenbow, all kinds of amazing projects that are about to come online are really a testament towards the audacity, the innovativeness of the Calgary arts community,” said Ward 4 Councillor DJ Kelly.
Hosted by Calgary Arts Development, the event also honoured recipients of the Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards, awarding cash prizes to support artists and organizations for future projects.
Winners include Yilu Xing, the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth, Virginia Sparvier-Wells, Darren Weaselchild, and Eric Rose.
But art leaders say, beyond money and talent, what these artists really need… is the support of the community so they can get the recognition and success that they deserve.
“Through Calgary Arts Development, we invest about $15 million a year in Calgary’s arts and culture communities, and that results in over 20,500 events for five million attendees per year. So we know that Calgarians embrace the arts, said Calgary Arts Development CEO Patti Pon.
“We know that virtually every city block has at least one household that takes part in the arts, so maybe bring your neighbour next time to the next show, or come join us at a celebration for the arts.”
Arts leaders say Calgary’s creative sector is stronger than ever, with collaboration between artists, industry and city leadership helping turn the city into a rising cultural hub.
“It’s something that anybody can enjoy. It’s not as it’s not as exclusive, it’s not as elite as you think, because we can all be participants,” Farkas said.
