Contemporary Calgary Arts Society

Contemporary Calgary Arts Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting contemporary visual art in Calgary, Alberta. It operates a public contemporary art gallery located in the former Centennial Planetarium and Telus World of Science building in downtown Calgary. The organization provides a significant visual arts destination focused on modern and contemporary art, showcasing works by local, national, and international artists.

History and Mission

Contemporary Calgary began as a collaborative effort among local visual arts organizations, including the Institute of Modern and Contemporary Art (IMCA), the Art Gallery of Calgary (AGC), and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MOCA), along with members of Calgary’s visual arts community. The society believes in the transformative power of art to influence places and lives and strives to present art that is relevant, meaningful, and challenging. Through its programming, Contemporary Calgary aims to engage the public with art of the contemporary era and contribute to Calgary's development as a global city of choice.

Programs and Exhibitions

The gallery offers a diverse range of exhibitions and public programming designed to engage and educate the community. Among its initiatives is the Collider artist residency program, which provides an open-studio environment where artists create on site and present public programs, attracting thousands of visitors. Contemporary Calgary also hosts distinguished speaker series, outreach efforts, and education programs aimed at broadening engagement with contemporary art.

Facilities and Development

In 2025, Contemporary Calgary signed a 25-year lease with the City of Calgary to continue its presence in the unique and historically significant facility. The society has embarked on a major renovation and expansion project, with a projected $92-million budget, partially funded by federal and provincial government support as well as private donors. A notable recent development includes the transformation of the former TELUS World of Science Creative Kids Museum into a 7,000 square foot North Gallery, intended to increase the gallery's capacity to mount timely and relevant exhibitions that respond to pressing global and societal issues.

Impact

Contemporary Calgary Arts Society plays a vital role in Calgary's cultural landscape by fostering a vibrant environment for contemporary art that challenges, inspires, and reflects the complexities of the modern world. Its commitment to accessibility and community-building through art continues to position Calgary as a destination for contemporary culture.

Business Registration Number: 118823418RR0001

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemporary_Calgary [2] https://www.contemporarycalgary.com [3] https://calgaryartsdevelopment.com/news-information/directory/contemporary-calgary/ [4] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g154913-d12269806-Reviews-Contemporary_Calgary-Calgary_Alberta.html [5] https://www.contemporarycalgary.com/news