On May 28, 2012, as part of Calgary Arts Development's annual Report to Community, CADA announced MASS LBP, a Canadian public engagement firm with an impressive record for leading visionary civic conversations, as a key partner in phase two of the creation of a long-term Arts Development Strategy for Calgary.
“Over the past two years, as part of the Cultural Capital of Canada bid process, through our first Arts Champions Congress in 2011, and through the 2012-2014 City of Calgary budget process, Calgary Arts Development has become increasingly aware of the need for and the potential value of an integrated Arts Development Strategy for Calgary,” says Terry Rock, President and CEO.
“We were very intrigued to receive MASS LBP's proposal and discover how aligned they are to our commitment to transparent, open conversations.” Terry continues, “As we embark upon this next phase of consultation we look forward to working together with Peter and his team to create opportunities for Calgarians to learn about our city's arts sector, its issues from multiple perspectives and to share their informed views.
This innovative public consultation process is a key part of the creation of a long-term Arts Development Strategy for Calgary. It is intended to elicit a vision for the role of the arts in Calgary’s future from a citizen’s perspective.
Under the leadership of our Board of Directors, Calgary Arts Development oversaw the first phase of this ambitious project in May 2012, by undertaking a scan of the current state of the arts sector. Phase two will commence in the summer of 2012 and is intended to create a visionary document that will guide sector stakeholders as they work to develop a strategy, during the final phase, that responds to the vision and priorities articulated by Calgarians.
MASS LBP will bring their lauded approach to democratic innovation and public engagement to Calgary for the first time. 5,000 randomly selected households will receive an invitation to participate on the Calgary Arts Development Citizens’ Reference Panel, which will meet on four Saturdays in September and October, 2012. From among the volunteers, 36 Calgarians will be randomly selected to serve their community on the Panel to learn about and provide recommendations concerning the future of the arts and culture sector in Calgary.
“We’re delighted to bring our Panel process to Calgary, one of Canada’s most dynamic and enterprising cities. Calgary has an extraordinary tradition of volunteerism. Calgarians know how to pitch-in and build-up their city. This process will offer Calgary residents an opportunity to think about the future of their city, and the role a vibrant cultural sector can play. The process provides governments with detailed advice and gives interested residents a seat at the table, says Peter MacLeod, Principal of MASS LBP.
We envision 2012 being a time for critical reflection and sober thought about the value of the arts to civic life, the role of artists in our city and the possibilities for the arts sector’s future. Our goal is to work with citizens and artists to craft a bold and integrated plan that sets clear long-term targets for the resources and partnerships necessary to support a thriving arts sector in Calgary that has public and artistic impact.
For more details about Calgary Arts Development's 2012 Strategic Plan, see our 2012 Strategic Plan Summary.
Follow Twitter hashtag #yycArtsPlan for the latest updates.
Read more about MASS LBP and the process plan here.
