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CONTEXT: Each Music Driver, Priority Direction and Tactic listed below comes from Resonant Energies: A Music City Strategy for Calgary. To get a sense of where there is progress (or challenges), we collected a number of updates (white background) that are organized according to what tactic and priority area they relate most closely—indicated by the number(s) at the beginning of each update. Please use what we've already collected to find actions, partners and synergy on things that matter to you. Reach out with information you want included in future updates (use subject "UPDATE" to info@westanthem.com).
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Music City Updates by Priority and Tactic - Calgary
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Last updated October 1, 2025
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Music Driver | Infrastructure
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1. Priority Direction | Increase use of and access to available spaces in Calgary for diverse music activities
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 1.1 Create a music spaces directory
1.2 Increase music use of empty or underutilized City and province-owned spaces
1.3 Facilitate private spaces to make affordable rental options available for individual artists and musical groups
1.4 Build capacity for year round music programming of outdoor spaces—leveraging the combined attraction of the outdoors and music events
1.5 Review the report Building on Our Momentum: Arts and Culture Infrastructure, determine what tactics have been implemented and what still requires follow-up
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UPDATES
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 1.1 cSPACE Space Matching (for all cultural/art space seekers) is still active. Dependent on space owners signing up. No music-specific spaces directory currently available.
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Learn More: cSPACE Space Matching
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 1.1 Interesting to note that CADA's recent Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report mentions that "Market place efforts delivered through various listings platforms (e.g. Spacefinder) [ended in 2020] have not been effective and lack consistent resourcing." (p. 134) There is the additional hurdle in identifying music-appropriate spaces because there can be more restrictions for some music purposes (owing to sound bylaws and/or equipment needs).
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Learn More: Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report
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 1.2 Interestingly, the Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report found that over 1/4 of the 870 buildings listed in Heritage Calgary’s Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources are cultural spaces (includes, but not exclusively music). They propose an audit of City-owned heritage properties within downtown and then "policy amendments for directing City-owned surplus land disposition to cSPACE and other non-profit entities that advance the development or preservation of long-term affordable cultural space" (p. 136).
IMPORTANT CONTEXT: cSPACE is set up a a specific purpose entity that is mandated is to "promote, coordinate and facilitate real estate projects that establish affordable facilities, accommodations and education opportunities for artists and registered non-profit organizations operating in the arts or community sector.”
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Learn More: Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report
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 1.2 If cSPACE's pilot 'meanwhile' space program is expanded/continued, there is an opportunity to work more strategically with surplus public properties. Additionaly, there is an open survey for non-profit arts & culture organizations who need space and building owner/operators who would like to learn more.
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Learn More: cSpace Pilot
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Learn More: Art Space Survey
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 1.2 and 1.3 CADA's recent Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report proposes multiple social purpose real estate strategies for cultural space development (p. 135), although most are dependent on an SPRE (single-purpose entity) supporting (e.g., cSPACE).
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Learn More: Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report
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 1.3 Between 2023 and 2025, "cSPACE Projects was funded by Calgary Arts Development and Alberta Real Estate Foundation to develop and execute a pilot ‘meanwhile’ space program. Approximately 69,156 sq. ft. have been secured for 30 short term leases with 12 separate land/property owners. The pilot initiative has supported a broad range of space for organizations with affordable short-term leases such as Sled Island, Stride Gallery and Alcove Centre for the Arts." (p. 133, Report)
So far, the program has been able to leverage the Community Organization Property Tax Exemption Regulation (COPTER)—whereby the non-profit renting space and using it for cultural purposes qualifies the landowner in the leasehold to obtain a property tax reduction, incentivizing them to rent at below-market rates on triple-net leases) (p.29)—although this points to a gap as spaces for for-profit music businesses are still harder to come by.
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Learn More: Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report
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 1.4 The redesigned Eau Claire Plaza recently opened (allowing for more flexible year-round uses)—this will be well tested for winter conditions as Chinook Blast announced Eau Claire Plaza as the central festival location for the next two years (Chinook Blast has previously included multiple live outdoor music performances).
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Learn More: Eau Claire Plaza
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Learn More: Chinook Blast location announced
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 1.4 Olympic Plaza construction is underway, but is expected to result in a public space readily equipped for year-round public events.
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 1.5 CADA recently published the Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report — Strategic Update (2025)—while there are no guaranteed actions as yet from this report, we did see a lot of alignment with concerns and priorities in the Resonant Energies: A Music City Strategy for Calgary (e.g., the lack of affordable performance and rehearsal spaces, the insecurity of arts organizations in renting, etc.)
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Learn More: Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report — Strategic Update (2025)
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Learn More: Resonant Energies: A Music City Strategy for Calgary
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2. Priority Direction | Maximize the positive impact of digital tools, particularly for sharing industry information and resources
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 2.1 Create an annually updated, search-friendly database of music industry funding opportunities
2.2 Consolidate and centralize show listings, annual music festivals, and music events information to a single online source to streamline the audience experience of finding shows (for both locals and visitors)
2.3 Create an annually updated, search- friendly database of professional development opportunities (locally and online) for different roles and career stages within the music industry
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UPDATES
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 2.1 West Anthem is supporting the Rozsa Foundation to expand and enhance their Alberta Grant Calendar. This resource is for all Albertan arts organizations and artists and provides an organized overview of upcoming funding deadlines from public funders (municipal, provincial, and federal levels) and private foundations. The intention is to establish a new website or widget that allows for better integration of the tool into various websites while improving searchability and useability.
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Link: Alberta Grant Calendar
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 2.2 Show listings are many! Compared to Edmonton, there are more locally based music-specific event listings (e.g., Calgary Classical, Jazz YYC) in addition to those that exist across municipalities (BandsinTown, Songkick) and many local event listings that include musical events among others (e.g., Downtown Calgary, Tourism Calgary, YYC Whats On, The Scene Calgary, Music Calgary).
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Link: Calgary Classical
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Link: Jazz YYC
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Link: BandsinTown
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Link: Songkick
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Link: Downtown Calgary
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Link: Tourism Calgary
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Link: YYC Whats On
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Link: The Scene Calgary
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Link: Music Calgary
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 2.2 CKUA continues to dedicate resources toward their Events Calendar: "a listing of music, arts, and culture happenings for the whole province."
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Link: Events Calendar
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 2.3 No centralized list currently exists. General searches of "professional development in music, opportunities Alberta" bring up workshops and training focused on music educators and teachers and "music career training opportunities Alberta" bring up postsecondary or private training programs in various roles.
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 2.3 Alberta Music news page and newsletter share information on upcoming training offered by Alberta Music and other organizations in Alberta.
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Link: Alberta Music news page
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3. Priority Direction | Forge connections between music and other industries
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 3.1 Integrate music into Calgary’s unique identity to maximize its impact on tourism and talent attraction
3.2 Expand connections between the local music community and the broader business community
3.3 Enhance collaboration between Calgary’s film and television industry and the music industry
3.4 Seek and support collaborations between music businesses/organizations and technology and innovation companies to develop key digital tools or databases with advanced searchability
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UPDATES
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 3.1 While not a new development, the Calgary Stampede remains a fixture of Calgary's identity on the international stage and, importantly, also kicks off a key performance time for local artists. Stampede itself hosts several concerts and music events. Additionally, local businesses hire local artists for their own Stampede related events producing an intense period of paid gigs across the City.
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 3.1 Blue Sky City Competition opened in 2024 (hosted by RISE UP Calgary with funding from Tourism Calgary and CADA) paying artists to produce works representing Calgary's new slogan "The Blue Sky City", including music in acceptable artistic formats. Positive to see applications open to diverse artistic methods.
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Link: Blue Sky City Competition
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 3.1 The National Music Centre is hosting the Alberta Music Cities Convention in Calgary for 2026.
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Link: Alberta Music Cities Convention
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 3.2 There may be some potential to intentionally expand partnerships with local businesses with the return of the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2026. Additionally, hosting national events like this add to Calgary's reputation as a centre for creativity not only technologically, but also artistically.
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Link: Canadian Folk Music Awards
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 3.3 3.3 Re: Alberta's expanding film and television industry—2025 is the second year that Alberta Music has put on a small showcase of Alberta-based artists for music supervisors at the Banff International Film Festival.
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Link: Fill Yer Boots Music Showcase
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 3.3 and 3.4 Calgary Economic Development put out an RFP for a Creative Economy Innovation Hub Feasibility Study in December 2024 (it was awarded, final report not publicly available). Difficult to know how music may be integrated/impacted, but creative hubs can be important catalysts for cross sectoral collaboration.
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Link: RFP Call Out
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 3.4 Stagehand is an Alberta-based business creating innovative ways for organizations and artists to work together. Their platform connects artists to performance opportunities and venues to artists. Additionally - they support public spaces (e.g., malls, airports, etc.) in hosting live music. Scheduling, payment and contracts and even widgets that organziations can embed on their websites are taken care of through the platform, making a smooth process.
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Link: Stagehand
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 3.4 Recognize that AI poses several opportunities and risks for music in Calgary (e.g., promoting in-house AI bands reduces the royalties companies like Spotify need to pay to real artists; potentially replacing music related jobs with AI)
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Link: Article re: promoting in-house AI bands
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Music Driver | Regulatory & Government Support
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4. Priority Direction | Implement Music-Friendly Bylaws, Policies, and Programs
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 4.1 Work with the music community to identify liquor and business licensing issues that impede business growth
4.2 Address parking issues around music venues and recording studios in high traffic areas
4.3 Consider adapting a form of the Agent of Change principle that can support existing music venues in densifying neighbourhoods
4.4 Explore the creation of after-hours venue permits or late night noise zoning bylaws (or both) to support after hour venues in continuing entertainment offerings
4.5 Ensure music venues and after-hour venues are considered in future transit planning (e.g., later service or creative service options for night- time activity participants and workers)
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UPDATES
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 4. COPTER (Community Organization Property Taxation Exemption Regulation) - changes to COPTER will take effect Jan 1, 2026 expiring on December 31, 2030. The continuation of this program and additional clarity around the inclusion of NPOs primarily serving "disadvanatged people" is great news as this tax exemption has been used to "substantively reduce the operating cost burden (estimated between $2.50/sq. ft. for industrial spaces to $5.50/sq. ft. for office spaces) on many arts and cultural venues"(Report, p. 29).
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Link: Changes to COPTER
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Link: CED Report
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 4.1 A survey of cultural venue operators in Calgary (n=63) reported that their high frequency issues include alcohol regulations (28% face regular issues) and license requirements (23% face regualr challenges) (p. 89, Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report)—indicating there is still a need to address issues in this area.
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Link: Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report
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 4.2 Since 2022 Calgary Folk Music Festival has had an all-site alcohol license, allowing attendees to escape the beer gardens and bring their beverages of choice anywhere on the grounds. This can be very important when food and/or beverages are a main source of profit for a music event.
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Link: 2022 Calgary Folk Music Festival
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 4.2 A survey of venue operators in Calgary (n=63) showed 40% of them reported frequent/occassional encounters related to parking (their most common challenge) (p. 89, Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report)—indicating there is still a need to address issues in this area. (WA's focus is on things like load-in/load-out zones, and parking for tour buses that will help performances happen).
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Link: Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report
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 4.3 In an unfortunate trend, Calgary has seen multiple moves and/or closures of dedicated music venues owing to redevelopment (e.g., Mikey's on 12th, The Blues Can, etc.). Additionally, the Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report showed that in terms of stability of tenure/ownership "venue organizations are highly vulnerable due to low levels of property ownership. Lease/License arrangements dominate at 73% of venues with only 27% owned by their operators" and "Lease tenures for venues are predominantly short-term, creating instability" and, finally, live performance venues specifically "face the highest immediate threat with 53% reporting recent changes/threats to leases, with 13% expecting no renewal in the next 2 years." (p. 8, Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report)—while this will not necessarily be solved by an Agent of Change principle, this does point to a growing need for the value of cultural and arts spaces in neighbourhoods to be accounted for in development.
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Link: Mikey's on 12th
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Link: The Blues Can
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Link: Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report
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 4.5 CADA's recent Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report shows that 38% of cultural spaces are within a 10-15 minute walk of a CTrain Station. When breaking out type of space, it is especially high for presentation (60%) and live performance spaces (63%), indicating how important an impact good transit policies can have on a plethora of arts spaces, especially where art is consumed. (The future Green Line will bring even more cultural spaces within walking distance of a CTrain Station).
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Link: Cultural Spaces Infrastructure Report
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5. Priority Direction | Protect music-dedicated funding
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 5.1 Where possible, increase funding for musicians and music organizations—engagement revealed Calgary-based music industry members consider music funding generally lacking in the city
5.2 Expand funding options to music businesses (e.g., venues, recording studios, promoters, music publishers, artist managers, record labels, etc.) to increase capacity in Calgary’s music industry
5.3 Collaborate and advocate across all three levels of government to increase dedicated funding to arts and culture, in particular music
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UPDATES
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 5.1 Canada Council for the Arts launched Alberta Focus Initiative with two Alberta Liaisons - potentially increasing access to funding as more people are informed on existing funding and how to apply (not solely focused on music, but including music).
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Link: Aberta Focus Initiative
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Link: Alberta Liaisons
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 5.1 Although CADA's operating support to venues through multi-year grants has kept up with inflation, this has not happened for operating funding from the Province and Canada Council (affecting music spaces relying on these grants).
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 5.2 West Anthem hosted the West Anthem Music Cities Grant Program (launched late 2024 and awarded in early 2025). It was open to music businesses and for-profits alongside individuals and non-profits. There was a strong response with 42 applications from Calgary out of a total of 94 (including 23 ineligible). 9 projects were funded.
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Link: West Anthem Music Cities Grant Program
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6. Priority Direction | Improve ongoing communication between the music industry, policy makers, and funders