Performing
Arts in
Calgary
Calgary’s reputation as an uncultured oil
town is a thing of the past — the city is
home to a vibrant and innovative performing
arts scene. These are just some of the dozens
of arts companies that make our city a
cultured one.
such as Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq and
contemporary dancer Virginie Brunelle set to
grace the stage in 2017. Past performers include
luminaries such as Salman Rushdie, Oliver
Stone, and Spike Lee. The Centre is also home to
three major annual events: the Banff Mountain
Film and Book Festival, the Banff International
String Quartet Competition, and the Banff
Centre Children’s Festival.
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
sits on traditional Indigenous land, so it’s
fitting that it has an institutional focus on
supporting and developing Indigenous artists
with transformative, exploratory programs in
all disciplines. Another aspect of that focus is
on germinating conversation around issues
of reconciliation. In October 2016, the Banff
Centre held a Truth and Reconciliation Summit
in which 340 participants, both Indigenous and
non-Indigenous, gathered to discuss proposed
calls to action to repair the harm caused by
residential schools and address the needs of
modern Indigenous communities.
“For years, Banff Centre’s home on Sleeping
Buffalo Mountain in Treaty 7 Territory has
been a sacred gathering place for trade,
sharing, visions, ceremony, and celebration,”
says Brian Calliou, Program Director of the
Centre’s Indigenous Leadership programs. “It
is with great pride and honour we continue
that tradition by hosting an open and honest
dialogue with our community partners about
moving forward together.”
No form of art is neglected