Arts Commons Transformation Project
Priority Capital Projects Arts Commons Transformation
The project
The Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project is part of a $660 million campus transformation. This includes the expansion and modernization of Calgary’s premier performing arts centre, alongside the adjacent Olympic Plaza Transformation project.
This project is a timely response to the community’s growing demand for flexible, accessible arts and performance venues that support diverse and relevant programming. As a catalyst project, ACT aligns with The City’s Greater Downtown Plan, reinforcing the vision to creating a thriving, future-focused downtown.
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) is serving as the development manager for ACT on behalf of the project partners Arts Commons and The City. The CMLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The City and steward of the Rivers District Master Plan.
As the largest arts-focused infrastructure project currently underway in Canada, ACT will be carried out in two phases:
- Phase one: Expansion
This phase will see the development of a three-level building located adjacent to Olympic Plaza. It will include 162,000 square feet of modern features and amenities. The building will feature a new 1,000-seat theatre and 200-seat studio theatre.
- Phase two: Modernization
This phase will see a renovation of the existing Arts Commons facility. Post renovation, the facility will be more accessible with upgraded amenities and technology.
The adjacent Olympic Plaza Transformation project will revitalize the aging cultural asset. It will be modernized into an arts-focused gathering space. The new space will be integrated seamlessly into the Arts Commons campus.
Details about the design team and overall investment are available on Arts Commons Transformation page.
Video and image renderings
Click image to expand.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek“Building on the momentum of the investment and work already underway through The City of Calgary’s Downtown Strategy, the Arts Commons Transformation is at the heart of how we bring Calgary’s downtown to life with the creative economy. A thriving creative sector is essential to making the city more resilient and diverse, for both economic and community-building reasons. The expansion of Arts Commons will further elevate Calgary’s stature on the world stage and draw even more people to the downtown core.”
Project timeline
Council approved financial strategy.
City Council approved $25 M of MSI funds.
Tri-party development agreement announced between The City, CMLC, and Arts Commons.
ACT expansion funding announced.
Prime Design Team announced.
Government of Alberta announced $103 million over seven years to support ACT and OPT.
Architectural design renderings unveiled.
$75 million gift from Dave Werklund and his family announced.
ACT expansion is expected to be complete by 2028-29.
Investment details
The Province announced through Budget 2024 that it would provide $103 million over seven years to support the project. The $660 million transformation of the Arts Commons campus includes a $50 million Arts Commons endowment and anticipated project costs of:
$270 million
towards the ACT expansion (new building). The project is fully funded by City of Calgary and CMLC’s Community Revitalization Levy.
$270 million
towards the ACT modernization (renovation of the existing Arts Commons building).
$70 million
towards the Olympic Plaza –
partially funded with The City of Calgary Downtown Strategy investing $40 million.
Benefits to Calgarians
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Job creation
During the construction of both phases of Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) 3,155 jobs will be created. These jobs will generate $239 million in Labour Income. [1]
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Invest in Calgarians
Arts Commons is one of several major infrastructure projects in Calgary. These projects will have a positive impact on the revitalization of the downtown core. They will contribute to the diversification of our economy and the future of our City.
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Economic growth
Once complete, Arts Commons and their resident companies will annually generate $53 million to Calgary's GDP. In addition, they will support 683 jobs which will generate $34 million in Labour income.
Project partners
Other projects
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Calgary’s new Event Centre will situate the city as a destination for visitors from around the world. It will become a gathering place and key cornerstone in the Culture + Entertainment district.
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The expansion of the BMO Centre has increased the facility’s total floor space to more than one million square feet and elevated Calgary to top-tier destination status in the global meetings and conventions market.
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A multi-sport field house at Foothills Athletic Park addresses the need for indoor practice and play space. It also offers space to attract major sporting competitions.