Calgary focuses on development of cultural plan

The City of Calgary is developing a cultural plan and is looking for public input. The plan will examine cultural resources as they currently stand, identify gaps, and plan for future needs and opportunities. Throughout November, citizens may participate in person at one of six community sounding sessions across the city, contribute to an online discussion forum through The City’s†engage!†portal, or answer a telephone survey conducted by Forum Research. Input from Calgarians will help the city identify perceptions of culture and its value, as well as collect ideas and aspirations for Calgary’s cultural future. “As our city and its culture continues to grow and evolve, the development of a cultural plan gives us an opportunity to define what makes Calgary special and how we can improve the quality of life for our rapidly growing and diverse population which includes First Nations people as well as newcomers,” said Sarah Iley, manager of culture. A key issue being addressed by the cultural plan is how Calgary can build capacity to “plan culturally,” meaning how both the city and key partner agencies might better integrate cultural priorities, goals and opportunities across a wide range of planning activities, enabling and encouraging considerations of culture to be at the centre of planning initiatives moving forward. The cultural plan for Calgary will support long-term planning, but will also provide specific recommendations and actions to be implemented over the next 10 years.