Local arts group pitching to build a YMCA-like space for the arts

Imagine a space similar to YMCA, but for artists. 

The team at The Alcove Centre for Arts were hard at work this summer to raise funds and advocate for a dedicated community space for artists to practice, create and collaborate. To give Calgary a taste of what this space can do for local artists, The Alcove hosted a series of pop-up events. 

CBC Calgary partnered with The Alcove for their mixer and showcases, which were held June to August this summer. We had the opportunity to immerse in these creative spaces, where artists could come together, create, collaborate and share visionary ideas.

"People always think Vancouver or Toronto are the arts places of Canada," said musician and painter, Moss. "Sure they are. They have triple our populations, but we are doing something that is completely our own."

A common takeaway we heard from artists at the events was personal growth. 

"I feel like the biggest thing is always being willing to explore those deeper parts of yourself," said local photographer and spoken-word artist, Tanecia Cromwell. "Maybe you've been a little bit shy to show to people, but if you're willing, you can let people see who you really are."

We experienced a thriving hip-hop scene at The Alcove's Hip-Hop Showcase with spray painters painting a community mural, DJs spinning some tunes, while rappers and breakdancers shared their voices and moves in a "cypher."

The "creatives mixer" hosted by CBC Radio One's Tarik Robinson, welcomed an open space for artists to share their art in several forms, whether it be spoken word, instrumental music, or rap music, and mingle with like-minded individuals.

The season came to an end with a weekend-long Multicultural Showcase, welcoming eclectic and colourful musical and dance performances, alongside an origami workshop and several artistic outlets for guests.

This summer season of artistic showcases had a clear goal: to showcase a desire for a safe, creative space where art can be nurtured and artists can be the best version of themselves. Next, we will be featuring some artists we had insightful conversations with while they visited our booth to create their own CBC canvases and buttons.

How do you feel about the arts scene in Calgary? Does the city need a space exclusively for the arts? Send us your thoughts by emailing us at [email protected]