The arts are more than music, dance, theatre, and performance arts. There are continually expanding ways of conceiving, developing, and delivering ideas that create new forms of artistic expression. In this pure, altruistic sense, the arts demonstrate the boundless creativity humans possess and the inventive ways they find to express themselves. We demonstrate our brand promise in our programming, our partnerships, and in our openness to, and serious consideration of, feedback and input from our community.
Arts Commons is an inspirational gathering place for all Calgarians and visitors alike. We are a space, both physical and metaphorical, that stimulates senses, triggers emotions, challenges assumptions, starts conversations, and opens minds.
Occupying a full city block, Arts Commons is a six-level complex measuring over 400,000 square feet (almost 10 acres). It is the largest art centre in Western Canada. The excellent downtown location offers an unrivalled variety of vibrant and attractive spaces, including four theatres, and the Jack Singer Concert Hall, home to one of Canada's largest pipe organs, the Carthy Organ.
More than half a million people experience the excitement of the Arts Commons yearly at 1,800-plus performances and events, including live theatre, dance, spoken word and readings, children’s events, experimental theatre, art exhibits, public forums, weddings, training sessions, meetings, arts education activities, sporting events and competition, award ceremonies and concerts from symphonic music to jazz, folk, blues, world, rock and much more.
Arts Commons resident companies include:
Arts Commons Presents
Alberta Theatre Projects
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Downstage
One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre
Theatre Calgary