How much do the arts and culture impact our lives on a daily basis? For those of us who work outside the realm of creating, performing, or being on stage every day, it can be a challenge to assess if indeed we are part of an aesthetic network. However, my experience at the media launch of Calgary2012 on Wednesday morning proved that very few people can escape that labyrinth.
As I headed into the Jack Singer lobby, I ran into a representative of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts - absolutely appropriate that he should be there. My next conversation was with the curator of an historic house here in Calgary; no surprise there either, but it was a great chance to catch up with him. Through our conversation, I was introduced to a number of people who might be considered to be bureaucrats or even paper pushers. You could tell that they felt slightly uncomfortable, slightly ill at ease with so many "artists" around them; they were outside of their comfort zones. Yet each of them was there in anticipation of a huge opportunity for Calgary to up the ante regarding cultural activity.
The co-chairs, Lois and Doug Mitchell, gave a brief rundown of what the ideals and expectations of the year entail. With over 350 cultural ambassadors, the possibilities grow every minute. Granted, the idea of singing "Sweet City Woman" for the next twelve months may cause many to cringe, for others it is the possibility of just throwing everything into it and having, at the end of the day, a wonderfully creative time. In fact, watching one of the civil servants feel completely out of place as those around him sang along to the song, was an endearing moment. I truly believe that by the time we get around to the fantastic Lip-Dub Project and Street Party (http://www.calgary2012.com/whats-happening/calendar/month/calgary-2012-celebrations) that very bureaucrat will be joining in with great gusto.
The whole idea of inclusion, of bringing as many people as possible together during the Year of Culture, will impact the community for years to come. This isn't about elitism and trying to convert the masses to appreciate high-brow arts. It's about providing opportunities for everyone to create, participate, and appreciate what our city has to offer. Check out the website!! www.calgary2012
