International Avenue Arts and Culture Community

The International Avenue Arts and Culture Community (IAACC) is a Canadian nonprofit organization with a registration number of 869328310RR0001. Established to foster arts and cultural development in East Calgary, particularly within the Greater Forest Lawn area, IAACC has been an integral part of the community since its inception in 2001.

History

IAACC was formed following a series of representations by citizens of East Calgary communities to the International Avenue Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) in the late 1990s. Key figures involved in its establishment include Dr. Paul Maas, Alison Karim-McSwiney, Mike Pierson, Cecelia and David Grimsted, as well as music teachers from local schools. After conducting a needs assessment with the IBI Group in 2000, IAACC was registered as a non-profit company in Alberta in 2001. The first executive director, Doug Lauchlan, played a crucial role in planning and strategizing for the organization, which also received charitable status in its early years.

Mission and Mandate

IAACC's mission is to promote arts and culture, providing opportunities for artists and facilitating a thriving arts community in East Calgary. The organization aims to create an inclusive environment where diverse members of the community can engage in various cultural activities.

Initiatives and Activities

IAACC supports a range of community-led and artist-driven initiatives, fostering collaboration and creative expression throughout Greater Forest Lawn. The organization hosts various events and programs designed to enhance the cultural landscape of the area. In recent years, IAACC has also been involved in fundraising efforts, including partnerships with programs like Rogers Birdies for Kids, which matches donations to support community programming.

In addition to its cultural initiatives, IAACC encourages community participation through volunteer opportunities at events such as GlobalFest. It also organizes activities like pop-up thrift stores, aiming to collect and reuse art supplies and materials, further engaging the community in creative pursuits.

Funding and Support

IAACC relies on donations and fundraising activities to continue its work. Donations are tax-deductible for qualified contributions over a certain amount, reflecting the organization's status as a registered charitable entity. Individuals can support IAACC through membership and by participating in fundraising events.

Impact

By promoting arts and cultural activities, IAACC has contributed significantly to enriching the community life in East Calgary. Its inclusive approach ensures that diverse groups within the area have opportunities to participate in cultural initiatives, reflecting the organization's commitment to building a vibrant local arts scene.

[1] https://iaacc.ca [2] https://iaacc.ca/funding/ [3] https://iaacc.ca/history-of-iaacc/ [4] https://calgaryartsdevelopment.com/news-information/directory/international-avenue-arts-and-culture-community/ [5] https://iaacc.ca/initiatives/past-initiatives/