.

Our Vision: A creative and compassionate society, inspired through the arts.

Our Mission: To bring the arts This is YOUR …to life.

Crafting paper puppets at Happenings 13 © Will Young

Snotty Nose Rez Kids perform at National Indigenous Peoples Day © Elizabeth Cameron Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 1

Artists from Classic Albums Live speak to members of Founders Circle © Will Young

Selci performs at Happenings 13 © Will Young

Table of Contents

This is YOUR Arts Commons

message from the Board pg 2

Our Mandate is…

to foster, present, and promote the arts pg 4

to provide and care for our assets pg 6 to ensure optimal access and utilization of our assets pg 8

Arts Commons Presents…

creates connections pg 12

inspires learning pg 14

uplifts and energizes pg 17

is for you pg 18

Arts Commons

demonstrates sustainability pg 20

thank you pg 22 2 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 3

What’s in a year?

This year has been another interesting these trying times, and the The rebranding of the Centre as Arts Commons Presents programming one for Calgary. While we are still seeing International Children’s Festival made the Arts Commons exemplifies the values by adding programs like National some lingering effects, the economic difficult decision to close its doors after and vision that Johann brought to his Geographic Live, and instituting our downturn seems to have finally turned 32 years. tenure – “A creative and compassionate growing volunteer Concierge program upwards. In this past year, we have seen a society, inspired through the arts”. have all contributed to this. In addition, So, what about the last nine years? It was number of new businesses open, and the A place open and welcoming to all - a the building’s infrastructure, visible nine years ago that Johann Zietsman City has invested more in arts and culture place of equity, diversity, and inclusion. and invisible, has been upgraded joined what was then the EPCOR Centre through initiatives like the opening of Under his leadership, we have become and refurbished, ensuring the best for the Performing Arts to become our cSpace King Edward, the Beltline Mural a values led organization, focusing on experiences for our patrons. President and CEO. At the end of this Project, and the invaluable support three core values: Do the Right Thing, year Johann will be leaving Arts Commons of ongoing Arts Commons lifecycle Be Our Best Always, and Be Open: Minds, Johann also brought energy and to accept the position of President and projects. There was also a proliferation Hearts, and Arms. ideas to the broader Calgary scene, of new art within Arts Commons’ CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center of becoming a huge supporter of the walls. Theatre Calgary partnered with Miami-Dade County, in Miami, Florida These values and his personal style have City and its arts community. This past The Old Trout Puppet Workshop in an - an extraordinary opportunity for him led to: a high functioning, professional, year, Arts Commons was awarded the impressive production of Twelfth Night; and his family. We will miss him dearly, and empowered leadership team and “Ultimate Host City” designation – a Theatre Projects celebrated but he leaves behind a wonderful legacy staff at Arts Commons, collaborative designation awarded by Tourism Calgary ’s first national female hockey and a sound foundation for the ongoing relationships with the City of Calgary to organizations who demonstrate league through music and dance, in evolution of Arts Commons. and our Resident Companies, improved leadership in taking Calgary to the next Glory; had another access to the arts by the community level. To date, only 13 organizations have Within months of starting, Johann unforgettable High Performance Rodeo; through partnerships with organizations been awarded this recognition. recognized that we were headed to a the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra like Action Dignity, and imaginative projected deficit of over $900K and led welcomed the legendary Yo-Yo Ma; community and education initiatives such Johann will be greatly missed by his the very difficult task of “righting” the and Arts Commons Presents welcomed as the Hub for Inspired Learning. Arts Commons family. We’ll miss the ship before moving the organization new donors, embraced long-standing stylish bow ties, the South African idioms, forward. We ended the fiscal year with sponsors (such as Burnet, Duckworth Johann brought with him a passion for his love of ice cream, and his passion for a small consolidated surplus of $38K. In & Palmer LLP, ConocoPhillips Canada, the arts, but also a passion for open, the arts and for this city. the eight fiscal years since then (2010 – and TD Bank), introduced a new series principled, and creative management. 2018), we have had surpluses in seven Please join us in reflecting not only on this (Classic Albums Live), and put forth In a difficult economic environment, he of those years and now have a working past year, but on the past nine, and help several new community initiatives. Sadly, leaves Arts Commons on solid financial capital reserve of over $1.3M. us wish both Johann and his wife, Tharrie, not all organizations were able to survive footing. His initiatives in making full use of the Centre’s venues, expanding the very best on their new adventure!

Scott Hutcheson Henry Sykes, Q.C. John McWilliams Chair, Board of Directors Past Chair, Board of Directors Past Chair, Board of Directors 4 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 5

Our Mandate is… 389,363 total attendance to foster, present, to a ticketed event at Arts Commons “We loved the way the and promote the arts music transported us to another place and culture”

The past came to life this season at Then, former CBC broadcaster Tetsuro ~ Patron from Monsieur Periné Arts Commons, as we toured through Shigematsu explored history through the lives of legendary musicians, father the lens of his rocky relationship with and son relationships, classic rockers, his emotionally reserved father in and Shakespeare, and also said a final Empire of the Son, presented by Alberta goodbye to a beloved festival. Theatre Projects & One Yellow Rabbit. From the ashes of Hiroshima to the Theatre Calgary partnered with swingin’ 60s, Shigematsu painted an The Old Trout Puppet Workshop to intimate portrait of love that father and take audiences back to the 1600s son struggled to express. for a brilliantly inventive take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy: Speaking of the 60s – audiences tuned Twelfth Night. Fast forward a few in to hear The Beatles – Abbey Road Students enjoy The Path of Dreams at the Calgary International Children’s hundred years to the 1930s with as performed by Classic Albums Live! Festival © RocketHouse Arts Commons Presents BD&P World A debut for Arts Commons Presents, Music’s presentation of: PIAF! The Classic Albums Live then came back for Calgarians who can credit the Festival for Show. Starring Anne Carrere, the show a second monumental show performing introducing them to the transformative chronicled the life of the legendary Fleetwood Mac – Rumours. Due to its nature of the performing arts. French chanteuse using her own music undeniable popularity, Classic Albums and never-before-seen images in a Live has become an official series in the Looking to the future was The Listening theatrical, multimedia event. Arts Commons Presents lineup. Room by Michaela Jeffery, presented by Azimuth Theatre and Downstage. At the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, A chilling vision of the future, the play legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed an was also a triumph for the hardworking intimate solo recital, continuing a life- team of emerging professional artists. long mission to unite humanity through Michaela is also an Arts Commons the connective power of music. employee, and we shone with pride during this play’s debut. Unfortunately, after 32 years, the 2017-18 season was the last for the While this is a very brief history of this Calgary International Children’s season, we reflect on a year that was full Festival. They leave behind a legacy of enlightening and enriching moments of love, laughter, and generations of serving to entertain and inspire.

Classic Albums Live perform Fleetwood Mac - Rumours © Will Young The Old Trout Puppet Workshop at Theatre Calgary with members of Founders Circle © Will Young 6 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 7

Our Mandate is…

to provide and care “The upgrades to the heating system, in a building this size, will have a significant for our assets positive environmental impact.”

~ Founders Circle Member Arts Commons is proud to be the support we received from the City of equivalent of removing 6,300 cars from custodian of Canada’s third largest Calgary ($7 million), the Government of Alberta roadways. and most comprehensive arts facility. Alberta ($1 million), and the Government Within the walls of our building are five of Canada ($900K). Just because Building renovations aren’t just about theatres, a world-renowned concert hall, Arts Commons is a historic building, going green, however. Arts Commons arts education spaces, costume and set it doesn’t mean it has prehistoric is an inclusive space that welcomes all building shops, rehearsal spaces, visual standards when it comes to emissions Calgarians and visitors alike, with open arts galleries, a café, and administrative and saving energy. Upgrades included arms, hearts, and minds. In this spirit, we offices for some of the most ground- work on the air handlers, replacing the undertook a $354K project to upgrade Members of Founders Circle seeing the new breaking and accomplished performing main and secondary electrical switches, several public washrooms throughout boiler and electrical upgrades © Will Young arts companies in Canada. Arts Commons and replacing the aging dimmers and the building to become barrier-free and makes it a priority to maintain, as well stage lighting system in the Max Bell gender neutral. The change rooms for our as enhance our facility to the highest Theatre – crucial work to lowering our Front of House team were also given the possible standard, from seating and carbon footprint. same upgrade. lighting, to backstage rigging and Additionally, Arts Commons gave our improved patron experiences. Finally, our most significant project involved digging up part of 9 Ave SE 2011 timeline mural, located in the hallway Wes Jenkins, one of the longest serving so we could decommission our aging beneath the Martha Cohen Theatre, a employees at Arts Commons, officially heating boilers and tie into the thermal much needed facelift. Local illustrators retired this year, ending a history with heating service provided by ENMAX Lyndon Navalta and Jenny Liski the building that started before it even District Energy. The $2.88M project expanded the original timeline to include Max Bell Theatre stage important moments from Indigenous, lighting dimmer project officially opened! Jenkins started his was funded by the City of Calgary in © Rafal Lichman career welding lighting tracks and making partnership with the Government of immigrant, women, queer, environmental, costume racks in 1984. He became Alberta that provided a $1 million grant and black history, to illustrate a more Director, Facility Operations in 2008, through Culture and Tourism. The move inclusive tapestry of Calgary and Alberta. 6,300 ensuring the upkeep and sustainability of from our own boilers to the ENMAX From the infrastructure that keeps our the facility, providing tours to newcomers, District Energy thermal energy solution Switching from boilers 560,000 square foot facility operating and putting his heart and soul into will improve energy efficiency by 35% at high efficiency, to the comfort of to the District Energy his work. and reduce our annual greenhouse gas our patrons, Arts Commons strives to thermal system in the (GHG) emissions by 1,198 metric tonnes. maintain and constantly improve on the Meanwhile, facility improvement projects Total GHG reduction over the 25-year building has the same City of Calgary-owned assets in our care. this season made leaps and bounds of life span of the new heating system is effect as removing 6,300 progress, thanks to the extraordinary estimated at 29,950 metric tonnes – the Main electrical switch project cars off Alberta’s roads. © Rafal Lichman 8 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 9

1406177 Alberta Ltd Calgary Catholic Dance Spectrum Jasmin Remoquillo Philippine Cultural Staples Canada Immigration Society Center Foundation Our Mandate is… 8Rojo Devin Haag Jeff Parry Promotions Story Book Theatre Calgary Economic Philippine Festival Adult Recreational Development Disponsible Theatre Jenilly Joseph Council of Alberta Sun Ergos A Company Choir Society of of Theatre and Dance Calgary Calgary International Diversity Dance & Jeunesse Classique Philippine Festival Children’s Festival Performing Arts Ballet Council of Alberta Swallow-a-Bicycle Agency EA Youth Empowerment Theatre Calgary Old Time Diversity Performing Jiajia Li to ensure optimal Alberta Theatre Arts Program TEDx YYC Experience Kapoor Film Projects PREPSKILLS INC. DIY Theatre- Closer The Orchestra Society Ambrose University Kathleen Engel & of Calgary, performing Downstage Daniel Muir Productions Juste College Calgary Philharmonic pour rire II Inc. as The Calgary Civic Orchestra Symphony ANCOP Canada Dr. E.P. Scarlett Music Kathryn Murray Parents Association Prospect Human access and utilization Calgary Pride Planning KBC Indian Folk Dance Services The Wiggles Antonis Remos Committee EJD Production Inc. Theatre Alberta Applause Festival Kevin Jung & Kimberly PwC Management Calgary Queen’s En Corps Dance Chung Services LP Emerge 2018 University Alumni Art of Living Collective Guild Theatre Arts Foundation Association Kris Demeanor Queer Arts Society Encana Corporation Collective for Consent Asian Heritage Calgary Real Estate La Pointe Dance Rachel Soong & and Respect of our assets Ernst & Young, LLP Studio Ltd. Board Brendan Barber Foundation Theatre Calgary ATB Strategic Canada Council For Ethno-Cultural Council Legacy Kitchens Read Jones The Arts of Calgary Christoffersen Ltd. Theatre Outre - Coordination office Live Nation Canada Montparnasse Arts Commons has one thing few other We’re proud of the diverse array of Arts Commons also sponsored Avenue Attic Players Canadian Olympic Experience Church Inc. Red Deer Symphony Committee Tracy Johnston arts organizations in the country have to organizations that hosted their events at Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Gala in the Avant-Garde Music Fairy Tales Maura Shaftoe RedPoint Media & Presentation Society Tundra Swan Dance offer: an abundance of quality space. And Arts Commons during the 2017-18 Season, Jack Singer Concert Hall, which honoured Studio Centre for Newcomers Mawer Investment Marketing Solutions Festival Chorus Management Ltd. Two Towers that’s not just our theatres – we use the including: Beakerhead’s The Ape In You, Calgarians like Jennifer MacDonald, Ballet Classique Chellan Hoffman Rogers Communications Ultimate Dance lobbies, galleries, studios, rehearsal halls, which paired up an expert primatologist Director of Artistic Operations at the Beakerhead Chelsea Michtich & Fire Exit Theatre Mayor’s Cameron Retzlaff Company Environmental Expo Rosebud Centre of Company and even the hallways to accommodate with local improv actors; the Attic Players, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, an Behdad Kamvari the Arts Children’s School of FLC Seniors Club Mayor’s Safety Expo University of Calgary Bernice Wong as many organizations as possible. The who presented Genesis: The Mary Shelley Arts Commons resident company. Dance Foothills Academy Mira Black Rozsa Foundation University of average days of use, per venue, in a North Play; the Just For Laughs: Comedy Tour; Beyond Infinity Choir Alberta SAI Productions Lethbridge Productions Corp Foothills Bluegrass Morin Music Studio American facility of our size, is 189 days and Live Nation’s presentation of the Of course, none of these events would Music Society Urban Stories Chris Ma & May Choi Mount Royal Sankofa Music and be possible without the 1,681 volunteers Big Time Operator Arts Verb Theatre per season. Our venues were filled legendary Bruce Cockburn, just to name LLC Chris Mitchell Jazz Framework University Foundation 229 days by both our resident companies a few of the 179 organizations that used who contributed 25,843 hours of service MOX42, Inc Schizophrenia Society Vertigo Theatre Bishop Carroll High Chromatic Theatre of Alberta to Arts Commons and its resident School Fusion Spirit Viva Musica Studio and organizations who selected our spaces. City of Calgary - Production MS Society of Canada companies. In addition, thousands of Search Tower Ltd. Arts Commons as their preferred venue Boom Goes the Drum Community Standards National Theatre Productions - Reasons H/W School of Ballet Wedding Wire Canada for events. While similar sized facilities We also continued to strengthen visitors came through our doors to have Bow Valley Chorus City of Calgary - IT School For Being Pretty Department Hawk Entertainers West Island College host about 414 total events through the existing relationships. In the Fall of 2017, lunch, grab a coffee, and enjoy the work Bow Valley College New West Symphony Shantero Productions Cloudsway Dance Honens & Chorus Western Canada High year, we hosted 866 events in our six Arts Commons sponsored the Calgary presented in the visual arts galleries, Bridges Story Telling Show Time Dance Theatre Husky Energy Nexen Energy ULC School International Film Festival, that held adding energy to the daily vibrancy Skipping Stone major venues. Many more were also held Burnet Duckworth & CNL Resources Ltd. Westwinds Music Palmer LLP Illuminating Next Level Foundation in some of the more unconventional their second opening gala in the Jack of the building. Engineering Society Entertainment Service Society Columbia College Sled Island Festival spaces throughout the building. Singer Concert Hall with the filmMaudie . Calgary Association Inc. Wild Rose Dance Arts for the Development Indigenous Resilience in Music/Drum Beat O2 Dance Company Soul to Sole Dance Association of Music Education Curiously Canadian Company Ltd. Improv Guild Informa Oliver Miguel Woezo Africa Music Spiritus Chamber and Dance Dance on Edge Inside Out Theatre One Yellow Rabbit Choir WordFest 1,681 Institute for Canadian Opportunity Springbank Dancers Citizenship International Canada World Beauty Fitness volunteers engaged Springboard & Fashion Inc Investors Group Orff the Wall Performance Financial Services Inc. Zaina Peermohamed 1,510 179 Palo Alto Networks Stage Coach Theatre organizations made Arts Calgary Zdob si Zdub events booked by Zurich Canada Arts Commons Event 25,843 use of Arts Commons’ Services in all spaces volunteer hours facilities Mezzanine at Happenings 12 contributed © Melanie Boisvert 10 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 11

Lightbox Studio artist Jake Walker © Ariane Carlos

“Absolutely amazing, engaging, energetic and just beautiful and fun. Loved it. Beyond my Performers for Truck Stop by Machine de Cirque expectations. Couldn’t have on © Will Young been more enjoyable” ~ Patron from PIAF! The Show Arts Commons Presents

Founders Circle members meet with Mr. Sipp at the Engineered Air Theatre © Will Young

Anne Carrere performs in PIAF! The Show © Will Young

“There are no words in English or any other language to describe how outstanding this show was. Utterly amazing and mesmerizing performance!!! On a scale

of 0 to 10, 10 being best, I Carolina Slim performs on the Duet Stage ahead of Lila give it 20!!” Downs © Melanie Boisvert ~ Patron from Che Malambo National Geographic Live Explorer and Photographer Cristina Mittermeier with Explorers Circle members © J.Ashley Nixon 12 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 13

Arts Commons Presents…

Celebrating National Indigenous People Day in creates Olympic Plaza © Diane + Mike Photography connections

Arts Commons is a community space organized by Indigenous Resilience in video project called Women of Colour: that’s constantly evolving and Music, Sled Island, and Drum Beat. After A Sisterhood, presented at an informal Arts Commons Presents ensures the Pow-Wow, there was a free, all-ages open house at the end of her residency. that evolution by reaching out to our event focused on Indigenous identity and Face Painting for Dia de Muertos community. This year we put a renewed resurgence in electronic music, featuring Other programs included the Youth © Ariane Carlos focus on our Equity, Diversity, and a discussion panel, rotating workshops, Empowerment Program initiative to Inclusion initiatives to better support and the positive bass-face vibes of DJ bring Filipino and non-Filipino youth marginalized voices, facilitate more Kookum. It was a fun way to engage closer to Philippines heritage and connections, and reach beyond our those within and outside the Indigenous celebrate multiculturalism; and Love traditional network to connect new community – most stayed until the sun Notes and Coffee, a free spoken word communities, artists, and audiences. began to fall, watching films presented event featuring some of Calgary’s most by ImagineNATIVE and enjoying compelling local artists, hosted by poet, In November, Arts Commons Presents performances by hip-hop artists Mob author, and social media influencer, partnered with Casa Mexico to host a Bounce and the Snotty Nose Rez Kids. Harpreet M. Dayal. special celebration of Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Yes, there was face For one week, artist Iman Bukhari Arts Commons Presents also continued painting and live performances, but it demonstrated the potency of the Preamp its commitment to help promote and wasn’t just about getting into costumes. Short Term Residency pilot program. employ rising local musicians by offering Attendees learned the history of La Armed with a camera, creative lighting, them performance opportunities on our Catrina and the traditional costumes that and the capacity to empathise and listen, duet stage, located in the Jack Singer 18,951 mark this occasion, and walked away Bukhari welcomed nine women from Concert Hall lobby, or as openers before with a deeper understanding of Mexican diverse backgrounds to the Arts Learning Arts Commons Presents headlining people attended a free culture – along with beaming smiles Centre, which became her studio for the artists, right on the Jack Singer Concert event put on by Arts underneath their calavera painted faces. week. Building on her passion for social Hall stage. Calgary jazz musician Ellen Commons Presents justice, she guided audiences through Doty took to the Jack Singer stage, We celebrated National Indigenous her subjects’ complicated relationships opening for Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Peoples Day with a bright and energetic with feminine beauty, identity, and race. Baton, one of our TD Jazz headlining Pow-Wow in Olympic Plaza, which Subjects included a queer woman, a artists, just weeks after her album Come 720 not only gathered a crowd but had transgender woman, one who had never Fall charted number one on the iTunes artists hired for Arts Calgarians joining in, having fun, and cut her hair because of her religious jazz charts. learning about the oldest culture in beliefs, and one who shaved it all off. Commons Presents Canada’s mosaic. Supported by Arts The result was a thought-provoking programming Commons Presents, the event was

Local artist Harpreet M. Dayal and performers at Love Notes & Coffee © Jennifer Friesen 14 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 15

Arts Commons Presents… Students participating in a Drumming Circle © Ariane Carlos inspires “Before I came here I thought there was no point learning of this field trip – but this week was so much fun! Our teachers were so nice!” The heart of Arts Commons Presents In our Hub for Inspired Learning program, to grow their support and assume the title beats in our passion to educate and 18 different classes from Grades 1 – 6 each sponsorship of the ConocoPhillips Hub ~Twelve Mile Coulee Student inspire children. It is our strong belief spent a week of on-site learning with arts for Inspired Learning as of the 2018-19 that kids with creative opportunities professionals in a variety of behind-the- Season – a partnership both the Calgary lead to well-rounded citizens, and scenes spaces throughout Arts Commons. Board of Education and the Calgary education within the arts grows common The Arts Commons Presents Education Catholic School District have said they’re understanding, empathy, and tolerance. team worked with teachers to explore excited about. Through programs like the Hub for their curriculum using arts-based learning. Inspired Learning (a Campus Calgary Grade 1 students from Griffith Woods The Artist in Residence program Open Minds initiative) and National School dove into the science curriculum broke boundaries this season – City of Geographic Live, we engaged more than by learning how animals prepare for Calgary boundaries to be precise. The 10,665 teachers and students this season! winter – then they produced a play about program reached two new communities it, creating puppets of bunnies, bears, – beginning with Oyen, Alberta, which Thanks to help from National Geographic and other woodland creatures to act as had no official music program. Arts Live Series Presenting Sponsor, Royal their cast. Commons Presents customized a project Bank of Canada (RBC), as well as Student and connected the school with Juno- Engagement Sponsors and EXPLORE Meanwhile the students from Twelve nominated musician Scott Henderson. National Geographic sponsors, students Mile Coulee school created a viral hit The program also found its way to Grande were welcomed to engage with National in October by contributing to the Pina Prairie, where Arts Commons Presents Geographic Explorers like marine biologist, Bausch Nelken Line project. People all organized a puppet residency, teaching photographer, and Sea Legacy co-founder over the world have contributed to this kids how to create and control puppets as Cristina Mittermeier; astronaut and former project, each group creating a single file a way to express themselves. International Space Station Commander Nelken dance performance, taking part in Terry Virts; and wildlife photographer a global community event which includes Finally, SummerACT celebrated the Bertie Gregory – who elicited giggles and dancers from France and Ireland to Spain pop-infused 80s, with participants awe among the kids when he revealed and Germany. The students learned the creating their own musical, while learning Students listening to National Geographic Live Explorer and NASA his favourite animal was the penguin. choreography and filmed their dance in about the arts. The kids, aged 7 to 13, Astronaut Terry Virts © Alex Bonyun A total of five student engagement the halls of Arts Commons – and even wrote the plot and chose the songs, Students learn some events brought relevance and context taught others the dance when they performing their show for a real audience Ukrainian dance moves with Campus Calgary Education to curriculum teachings on: biodiversity, returned to their school. in the Engineered Air Theatre. Our Arts © Ariane Carlos global citizenship, space exploration, Commons Presents Education team environmental sustainability, and more, to Near the end of the season, we were beams when they share how formerly 10,665 over 8,500 teachers and students. thrilled that ConocoPhillips Canada shy kids came out of their shell, gaining Resources Corp. announced their decision confidence and friendship along the way. students and teachers engaged 16 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 17

Arts Commons Presents…

Lila Downs performs at the Jack Singer Concert Hall © Melanie Boisvert uplifts and energizes

Our visual and media arts galleries Arts Commons still hosts one of the only With Lila Downs in town and the continued to program impactful and permanent soundscape exhibitions in just a +15 walk away, innovative content, free and accessible Canada in our +15 walkway, this year a natural partnership was formed to to all. Visual artists Khrysta Lloren featuring creations by Shawn Pinchbeck, host a special event with Downs in their and Nine Kennedy started the season Tona Ohama, and synthesizer duo exhibit of another feminist and prominent strong in The Ledge Galley with Invasion SH-2000. defender of human rights – Frida Kahlo. of Body Dysmorphia – a multimedia Attendees learned about Frida’s art project which looked at the potential of The Broadcast Lab also hosted an and activism of the mid-1900s, and Lila gender subversion and queer theory to exciting new partnership with the Treaty Down’s work of the present. manipulate interactions in public and 7 Film Collective to wrap up the 2017-18 personal spaces. visual and media arts season. Artists from Our TD Jazz series also had its highlights, the collective tackled: substance abuse, including Grammy Award-winning In the Lightbox Studio, Tamara Lee-Anne digital living, and the history of women, American jazz composer and pianist, Cardinal created an evocative multimedia through their unique lens. Ramsey Lewis, and Hudson, an all-star research exhibit around the fate of our band named after the Hudson River nations within nations, including the In addition to partnering with Casa Valley, led by one of the most influential Dawn Tyler Watson performs at the Engineered First Nations, LGBTQ2+, and immigrant Mexico on the Dia de Muertos celebration, jazz drummers of the 20th century, Air Theatre © Tasha Komery communities. Topics included diversity, Arts Commons Presents also worked Jack DeJohnette. equality, and allyship, which informed her with them to highlight one of our most later exhibit at the Glenbow Museum. important artists of the season: Lila In our PCL Blues series, Toronzo Cannon Downs, presented as part of our BD&P took the stage for a special presentation “This was my first visit to World Music series. Dubbed “peligrosa,” in the Martha Cohen Theatre, filling the the Engineered Air Theatre. or “dangerous woman,” Lila Downs house with stories, song, and many is lauded in Mexico and the Spanish- smiles, over this 2-night engagement. Hudson performs at the Jack Singer I loved the warm cosy Concert Hall © Will Young speaking world for her Grammy-award atmosphere. You feel more winning music, and boundary-pushing, Finally, in our ongoing efforts to create connected to the artists feminist lyrics. We were thrilled to share inclusive spaces, we welcomed American Sign Language interpreters to the in these smaller concert this experience with Calgary’s passionate Spanish-speaking community and other stage for National Geographic Live’s 38,717 events. Especially so, when Calgarians who didn’t stay seated for presentation of Cristina Mittermeier’s total attendance to ticketed the performer chats with the long, enjoying a night of dancing and Standing at the Water’s Edge, allowing singing. our deaf and hard of hearing patrons to Arts Commons Presents audience between songs.” fully experience the show. performances ~Patron from Dawn Tyler Watson Lightbox Studio multimedia exhibit by artist Tamara Lee-Anne Cardinal © Ariane Carlos 18 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 19

Bubble making at Happenings 13 in Olympic Plaza © Will Young Arts Commons Presents… is for you 551 volunteers engaged with Arts Commons

Arts Commons Presents celebrated its was our own take on the big top, with warmth from the stage, welcoming the third year of Happenings, a free quarterly roving performers, a dance-worthy community to join her in song. One 1,884 event that offers hands-on, immersive, DJ, and several craft stations where couple strode out of the event lost in volunteer hours and fun activities while celebrating the everyone was welcome to participate. each others’ eyes, stopping to tell local artists exhibiting in the building. The free circus performance spilled out Arts Commons staff how they originally contributed to Being a free centre-wide event, our onto Olympic Plaza from a single trailer, met a decade ago at a Lila Downs Arts Commons featured artists were able to provide a revealing high-flying acrobats, music, and concert in South America – and new perspective on our spaces to many a healthy dose of hilarity. celebrated their anniversary with her who had never stepped foot in our performance at Arts Commons. building before. The Happenings events, Arts Commons Presents also launched a new series that will become a staple of Arts Commons Presents provides Happenings 12 performer Slamda BD open to all ages, are aimed at connecting © Melanie Boisver Calgary’s diverse communities, like at the ACP lineup: Classic Albums Live. Note opportunities for all walks of life to Happenings 12 when kids and adults for note, cut for cut™, Classic Albums Live attend, with the ongoing support of learned about gender identity while recreated two very famous albums this TD Bank. Through the TD Arts Access reading with royalty – specifically their season: Fleetwood Mac – Rumours, and Pass, we partner with the Institute for The Beatles – Abbey Road, both of which Canadian Citizenship (Cultural Access majesties, drag king and queen, Slamda +15 Windows Gallery featuring artist BD and the Marvelous Mo B Dick. packed the house with music fans young Pass) and the Calgary Public Library Madeleine Mayo © Melanie Boisvert and experienced. Long-standing series’ to provide more than 1,500 tickets to The Happenings events also transformed such as BD&P World Music, TD Jazz, PCL students, new Canadian citizens, and areas of the building, turning the +15 into Blues, and National Geographic Live also families challenged by a variety of an arts-centric mini golf course, creating had our audiences grinning from ear to circumstances, to attend Arts Commons an intricately woven cardboard tunnel ear, and the performers just as happy to Presents concerts and special events in The Hub, setting up miniature puppet perform on our stages. at no cost to them. This allows more shows with elaborate dioramas in the Calgarians to experience and be impacted 1,734 landing adjacent to the Martha Cohen We love to reflect on how intimate some by the arts, and allows Arts Commons to people were Theatre, and even bringing the circus to of our presentations can feel. Audiences reach more members of our community. Olympic Plaza. certainly couldn’t get much closer to Roy As an example, 40% of Cultural Access introduced to Arts Book Binder, who mingled with fans in Pass patrons attending the TD Jazz: Commons Presents Happenings 13 capped off the season the lobby during intermission and after Ramsey Lewis performance had never performances at no with more than 1,000 attendees and his PCL Blues presentation. Terry Virts, heard of Arts Commons before they 28 local artists. Inspired by the free like many of our National Geographic got an invitation to the show. After the cost, through the presentation of Machine de Cirque’s Explorers, stayed to sign books, take performance, 73% said they would attend TD Arts Access Pass Truckstop, in partnership with the Calgary photos, and chat with a winding lineup another performance at Arts Commons – Downtown Association, Happenings 13 of fans. Lila Downs spread an aura of even without the free admission. Program 20 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 21

4% 3% 1% 61 Facilities Marketing & Admin increase in 10% Arts Commons Demonstrates Programming contributed salaried staff sustainability revenues (YOY)

Revenues 2% $12,508,831 Journey to Sustainability Overall Programming increase

In our 2009-10 year we were facing Our consolidated working capital One of our best tools in engaging in earned a looming $900K deficit and had to reserves at the end of the 2009-10 fiscal patrons, donors, and sponsors is revenues (YOY) Venue Utilization make difficult decisions to cut expenses year were a mere $38K. At fiscal year end the richness of our programming. In significantly in order to survive. At 2017-18 our reserves were sitting at $1.3M 2009-10 our programming resulted 50% the end of the year we were left with – a solid foundation for the future. in a loss of over $400K. In seven a small reserve and the realization of the eight years since, we have Revenue Growth Development * that continuing to cut our activities, posted surpluses, increased our programming, staff, and maintenance Earned revenues nine years ago were programming activity (and resulting 2% 35% costs was not the answer. We embarked hovering around $4.7M dropping to ticket sales) from $400K to $1.2M in 7% 24% increase in Facilities on a journey to develop strategies for $4.4M in 2011. It was clear that we 2017-18. This has not only resulted Development * expenses (YOY) long term sustainability not through cost had to diversify and increase earned in many happy patrons but has also controls and cutting, but through growth revenues in order to keep the doors allowed us to spend over $960K to and diversification. open. By maximizing venue utilization, expand our visual arts programs, 13% adding revenue streams such as ticketing support hundreds of local artists, Programming As we look back over the last nine years and shared services, and increasing provide community groups with under the leadership of our President programming we have been able to bring access to our venues, and introduce & CEO Johann Zietsman, the following revenues to the $7.5M level. a significant number of free public are just some of the quantitative results programming initiatives. Expenses of our work to create a compassionate Similarly, our focus on deepening Capital spend $12,445,731 society through the arts. relationships with our partners has resulted in philanthropic giving None of this is meaningful without a increasing from $132K in 2009-10 safe, efficient, and well maintained to $208K in 2017-18 and corporate building. Over the past nine years $8.9M sponsorship more than doubling in the we have been successful in attaining was raised in addition to our same time period to $839K. over $17.5M in grants from all three operating revenue, in support levels of government to help fund over $21.9M in capital improvement of Arts Commons’ life-cycle Marketing & Admin Venue Utilization and life cycle projects. projects 22% 34%

*Includes $198,975 of goods and services in kind National Geographic Live Explorer and Photographer Bertie Gregory © Lucia Juliao 22 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18 Report to the Community 2017-18 Arts Commons 23

Private and Public Sector Support Arts Commons wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the following corporations, foundations, governments, Thank You and passionate community leaders that gave generously to support Arts Commons throughout the 2017-18 Season. Corporate Sponsors and Foundation Partners

Supporting Sponsor, Official Brewery Title Sponsor, Gift from the Media Sponsor Official Printer BD&P World Music BD&P World Music Arts Commons and TD Jazz Endowment Fund

Through the ongoing support and a better place to live by continuing to generosity of corporations, foundations, invest in our programming priorities. governments, and individuals, Calgarians – as well as visitors to our wonderful It’s only because of the ongoing generosity of our citizens, Calgary’s Student Engagement Sponsor, Hub for Inspired Sponsor, EXPLORE Title Sponsor, Media Sponsor Series Presenting city – have access to Arts Commons, Sponsor, National Learning National Geographic, PCL Blues Sponsor, National corporate community, local foundations, Geographic Live National Geographic Live Geographic Live Calgary’s preeminent gathering space. Student Engagement Arts Commons is where creativity comes all three levels of government, and our Sponsor, National Geographic Live to life, remarkable experiences are Explorers Circle and Founders Circle shared, and meaningful memories are members that Arts Commons is able made to last a lifetime. to continue to be a key contributor to the social, economic, cultural, and We are extremely grateful to those that intellectual life and well-being of Sponsor, EXPLORE Sponsor, EXPLORE Supporting Sponsor, Title Sponsor, National Geographic, National Geographic, BD&P World Music TD Arts Access Pass believe in the vital role Arts Commons Calgarians and visitors. National Geographic Live National Geographic Live Title Sponsor, plays in helping to make our community TD Jazz

Bob Benzen, Explorers Circle and Founders Circle member with National “A great community is built Geographic Live Explorer and NASA Astronaut, Terry Virts © Will Young Corporate Sponsors and Corporate Philanthropic Sponsored Goods Government on its citizens’ contributions Foundation Partners Cont. Donors Or Services Operating/Program Support Dinner Optimist Club of Calgary BP Canada Energy Group - CBC to it. Arts Commons provides Government of Canada through “The arts play a pivotal Supporting Partner, Employee Matching Gift Program Media Sponsor the Departments of Canadian Calgary with a needed, Hub for Inspired Learning Heritage, and Service Canada role in building vibrant Callow & Associates Great Events Catering vibrant cultural connection. Harry & Martha Cohen Foundation Management Consultants Inc. Sponsor, VIP Receptions, TD Jazz Government of Alberta through the Supporting Partner, Departments of Culture and Tourism, communities and Hub for Inspired Learning Cenovus Energy - Employee Matching Hotel Arts and Labour, and the Alberta Why would you not give back Foundation for the Arts Gift Program Sponsor, VIP Receptions, strengthening economies, Kinder Morgan Foundation National Geographic Live The City of Calgary through the if you are able to? It is our Supporting Partner, ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Department of Community and Arts Commons is a Hub for Inspired Learning Corp. - Employee Matching Our Daily Brett Services, and the Council Strategic responsibility to add on to Gift Program Sponsor, VIP Receptions, Initiatives Fund terrific partner that provides Norreen Baker Fund at BD&P World Music what we already have, and Calgary Foundation Engineered Air – Resman Capital Support Teatro Restaurant Group artists, from every genre, Supporting Partner, Community Services Government of Canada through make the city better going Hub for Inspired Learning Sponsor, Founders Circle the Departments of Canadian Heritage opportunities to bring their Helcim Inc. in honour of and Infrastructure Canada forward.” SOCAN Foundation Anthony Thomasson Supporting Partner, Government of Alberta through the talent and vision to life.” Department of Culture and Tourism ~ Bob Benzen, MP - Calgary Heritage, Duet Stage Royal Bank of Canada - Employee and Sue Benzen, Explorers Circle, Matching Gift Program The City of Calgary through the ~ Jeff Boyd, Regional President, Department of Community Services Engagement Sponsors, and Founders Alberta & The Territories, Royal Terra Ferma Holdings Ltd. Circle, Platinum Tier Members Bank of Canada 24 Arts Commons Report to the Community 2017-18

We wish to express our gratitude to the following who give generously through their membership in Founders Circle that supports Arts Commons in our efforts to present remarkable artists through Arts Commons Presents and to foster impactful arts education initiatives in our community.

HONOURARY Greg Epton & Greg Jane Golubev & Igor FELLOWS ASSOCIATES MEMBERS Robertson Tesker Tim Beattie Ari Agha Dr. Martha Cohen, CM, Ken Havard Brian & Annette Torben Bech-Hensen Tracy Blow LLD (in memoriam) Hester JoAnn McCaig Daniel Mills Jeff Cahil Sandra LeBlanc Wes Jenkins John McWilliams, QC James Cameron Vera Swanson, OC (in & Susan McWilliams Jennifer Johnson & Devon Cranstone memoriam Brian Mills & Susan Trev Habekost FRIENDS Tyrrell Arun & Roopa Lakra Anonymous Kathleen Dixon Ellen Gasser FOUNDERS - Randy & Luba Nicole Latimer & Linda Anderson PLATINUM TIER Pettipas David Gustafson Yolanda Arambarri Penny Hajdu Bob & Sue Benzen C.A. Siebens M. Ann McCaig Irene Bakker Kerrie Hale Betty & David Smith Roderick Villanueva & Rodney & Karen Bonnie Borys-Bresee Chris Kloster Jennifer Kingsbury McCann Laurier Caron Shane Kroetsch Tharrie & Johann James & Janice Dan Larabie FOUNDERS - Zietsman Morton Wiliam & Marie Davidson Sylvia Madder Founders Circle members GOLD TIER Chadwick & Jillian interacting with Classic Albums Don Douglas & Betty Newcombe Donna Driedger Dr. Mark Migotti BENEFACTORS Live artists © Will Young Dunphy Douglas Joe & Judy Osinski Mallory Flynn Linda O’Hanlon Anonymous (2) David & Roxanne Dr. Jeremy Quickfall Janet Hutchinson Masako Pazdan Dunlop Colin & Wendy Carol Jaques Sharon Radomsky Anderson Stuart & Vicki Reid R. Scott Hutcheson Ada Ng Mike Robinson Leslie Biles & Robert Holly Schile & David Greg & Alexa Kudar Armstrong Nielsen Cyndi Ruff Leanne Roemer Henry Sykes, QC & Carri Clarke Alane Smith Peter & Christine Alex Scholfield Molly Naber-Sykes Sammon Patricia Dalk & Terry Marg Southern Diane Strome Maureen Williams Burton Daryl & Cindy Elmer & Lilian Smith Patti Tartal Norm & Colleen Stepanic William & Colleen Ray Walker Tobman FOUNDERS - Dickson Shone Thistle & Ashley Weeks SILVER TIER Heather Shaw Lantry Vaughan Leslie & Joe Dort Gary Willson Anonymous Leianne Vye-Rogers Vonny & Liz Frazer- Tanya Woodruff Fast Winter’s Turkeys Explorer Circle members Lesley Conway © Will Young

We wish to express our gratitude to the following who give generously through their membership in Explorers Circle that supports Arts Commons in our effort to presentNational Geographic Live, which is an unparalleled source of inspiration for adult and student audiences; and, National Geographic in their effort to inspire people to care about the planet.

ENGAGEMENT Standing at the Cabra Consulting Ltd. Janine LaBossiere Patricia Dalk & Terry Holly Schile & David SPONSORS Water’s Edge by Antony, Kathleen & Jordan & Nyssa Moore Burton Nielsen marine biologist and Bob & Sue Benzen, Alexander Deakin Shone Thistle & Paul English & Marion Gary & Roxanne Steen photographer Pink Boots and David & Roxanne Heather Shaw Woodman Kevin Treptau & Tracy a Machete by Cristina Mittermeier Dunlop Joyce Warren & Brenda Fick Brenner primatologist Ken Havard, Jane Durango & Dr. Vanessa Arrate Cathy Fulton & Jim Tharrie & Johann Mireya Mayor View From Above by Beverly Frizzell Smellie Zietsman Michel Bourque & NASA astronaut Greg Epton & Greg Tasha Komery ASSOCIATE Bryan Clarke Terry Virts Robertson EXPLORERS Nicole Liboiron-Coles FRIENDS A Wild Life by EXPLORERS Lloyd & Riona & Warren Coles photographer Bertie Anonymous (2) Christine Hagarman Maureen Armitage & Freeman Dr. Michael Massie Gregory Holly Clark & Jon Doug & Laura Thorp Shane Matthews Jane Golubev & Igor Handforth John & Phyllis Peters Doug Flaig & Helen Tesker Simon & Susan Barker Andrew & Sarah-Jane Timmons, Brian & Annette Hester Petti Please note that only donors of gifts valued at $20 and above are listed. Arts Commons has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this directory of public and private sector supporters. If we have made an error or there is an omission, please accept our sincere apologies and contact us at [email protected]. .

Our Vision: Arts Commons Arts Commons A creative and Board of Directors Staff compassionate society, inspired SEPT 2017 - AUG 2018 SEPT 2017 - AUG 2018 Jeff Boyd Terry Aalders Keith Day Wes Jenkins Donnie Osler through the arts. Regional President, Alberta and the Alternate Head Facility Maintenance Director, Facility Head Stage Carpenter Territories, RBC Sound Technician Operations Colleen Dickson Ekaterina Pervakova Heather Campbell (DS) Jordan Alvarez Chief Financial Officer Natasha Jensen Finance Accountant Energy Professional Facility Maintenance Visual & Media Arts Kaija Dirkson Specialist Jenny Peters Carri Clarke (CICF) Phil Banks Creative Manager Arts Learning Our Mission: VP Finance & Director, Production Systems Jennifer Johnson Education Associate Resources, Ltd. Technician Greg Epton Director, Director, Development To bring the arts Programming Cody Rilling David Dunlop Anita Banks and External Relations Stage Door/Security Senior Manager, BU Controller, Pembina House Manager Tasha Komery Supervisor …to life. Pipeline Corporation Busola Fapojuwo Director, Marketing & Social Media Timothy Beattie Communications Aleks Rodic Greg Forrest (OYR) Senior Finance Marketing Coordinator Manager, Client & Professional Corporation Barrister & Solicitor Administrator Annette Kozicki Patron Services Megan Fox Receptionist Scott Hutcheson, Chair of the Board Erin Belton House Manager Terry Rowley Chairman & CEO, Aspen Properties Graphic Designer Mirna Kragulj Desktop Support Dave Garson Strategic Marketing & Analyst Production Manager Greg Kudar, Treasurer and Secretary of the Chandria Bentley Sales Associate Board Accounting Reka Santha Matt Gilbutowicz Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company Coordinator Kris Ladd Senior Accountant Alternate Head Head Lighting Lighting Technician Arun Lakra Leslie Biles Technician Rikki Schlosser Ophthalmologist, Private Practice Director, Venue Alternate Head Stage Tuled Giovanazzi Operations Nikki Latimer Carpenter Manager, Events & Alex MacWilliam (ATP) Development Officer Partner, Dentons Canada, LLP Alex Bonyun Sales Emma Sinclair Manager, Rafal Lichman Arts Learning Rodney McCann Communications Dylan Griffiths Project Manager Coordinator President, North American Resource Digital Marketing Management Inc. Samir Boubenna Specialist Jodi Lucas Taylor Solberg Manager, IT Presenting Associate Ticketing Services James Morton (CPO) David Gustafson Supervisor Audrey Burke Stage Door/Security Sunny Mand Director & Portfolio Manager, Jarislowsky Ticketing Services Supervisor Tessitura Database Alynn Spence Fraser Global Investment Management Associate Administrator Executive Assistant Niels Hagen Chadwick Newcombe (TC) Blair Burrows Manager, Customer Brian Mason Ariane Terado Counsel, Kahane Law Office Beverage & Supply Service & Events Stage Door/Security Marketing Coordinator Randy Pettipas Coordinator Supervisor Juan Hurtado Shone Thistle President & CEO, Global Public Affairs Faith Casement EAT Technical David McDougall Corporate J.A. Stuart Reid Event Services Coordinator JSCH Technical Development Officer Fundraising Coordinator Director Karen Hynes Celina Vides Holly Schile Laura Castle House Manager Glennl Miguel Volunteers and Fine Arts Consultant K-12, Calgary Catholic Ticketing Services Human Resources Customer Service Kim Imhoff School Division Associate Advisor Specialist Finance Administrator David Smith Aaron Chatha David Mikkelsen Ken Wieder Jen Jamer President & CEO, Keyera Manager, Manager, Security & Facility Maintenance Manager, Ticketing Communications Life Safety Daryl Stepanic Services Johann Zietsman Vice President, Engineering, Fractal Energy Kevin Chin Daniel Mills President & CEO Jack Jamieson Resource Holdings Inc. Stage Door/Security Development Officer Head Sound Technician Supervisor Henry Sykes Lance Olson Michaela Jeffery Corporate Director (Past Chair) Joshua Dalledonne Manager, Facility Development Producing and Operations Associate Patricia van de Sande Engagement Associate VP, Finance, Parland Fuel Corporation Arts Commons 205 – 8th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0K9 403-294-7455 / artscommons.ca

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Cover: BD&P World Music, Lila Downs performing on the Jack Singer Concert Hall stage © Melanie Boisvert Back cover: TD Jazz, Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton performing on the Jack Singer Concert Hall stage © Will Young