Calgary's art scene
Challenges & Opportunities
Calgary’s art scene has long been criticized for not reflecting the spirit of local artists
For many years, local artists have criticized Calgary’s public art developments. Calgarian artists state that there is a lack of support for local artists and that murals are often outsourced (Baychu & Abubaker, 2018). This has created tension within the arts community in Calgary, as local artists feel that opportunities to showcase the culture and stories of artists in the area are being missed. ARTYYC capitalizes on this opportunity by giving room for authentic and meaningful storytelling - curated by Calgarians for Calgarians (Baychu, 2018).
The time is now -
Calgary is working to empower local city artists
Calgary has recently launched an initiative to display local artists’ work through the “International Avenue Public Art” project (“International Avenue Public Art”, n.d.). ARTYYC aims to build on this momentum to create a space where artists can showcase their work in more intimate, smaller-scale ways (City of Calgary, 2021).
Neighborhoods thrive with diversity - especially socially
Adding to 17th Ave’s diverse ecosystem is not easy given the variety that already exists - however, there is a distinct shortage of social ventures on 17th Ave. Creating a social venture will enable cross-pollination between non-profit, social enterprise, and for-profit businesses. This brings forth the opportunity to creatively strategize and co-create solutions from various perspectives.
Art tells stories and integrates communities through shared expression
Art is a powerful medium to express sentiments which words cannot. Local artists in Calgary want the opportunity to meaningfully share back to the community (Baychu & Abubaker, 2018) yet there are no clear avenues for this. There are a large number of immigrants in the downtown areas. In 2016, 30% of Beltline residents were immigrants (“Beltline profile”, n.d.). ARTYYC would enable immigrants to access and interact with Canadian art and stories, helping to build connection with newcomers to Canada.
ART YYC
OUR SOLUTION
ART YYC
Concept
The Arts Hub is a social enterprise and accelerator for local artists to exhibit and sell their artwork within Calgary and beyond.
We are passionate about curating art for Calgarians as Calgarians ourselves. The stories we tell as a city are worth sharing and we want to give artists a platform to represent Calgary through this unique medium. We plan to hire a fresh and dedicated Marketing and Communications team to create exposure and excitement around our local artists and their work. We also plan to host community events to bring our neighborhood together, to collect feedback, and also create a social space for individuals to gather outside of the bar scene on 17th Ave.
Impact
17th Ave needs a platform where people can explore local artists and their work in a modern outlet.
Moreover, arts and culture boosts local economies in five key ways: attracting visitors; creating jobs and developing skills; attracting and retaining businesses revitalising places; and developing talent. There is strong evidence that participation in the arts can contribute to community cohesion, reduce social exclusion and isolation, and/or make communities feel safer and stronger. ART YYC will create a stronger Calgary starting on 17th Ave.
Calgary's small business growth
Challenges & Opportunities
Lean startups -
COVID-19 emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses
The Farmer’s Market @ The Red Mile builds on this noble purpose by offering a space for small, local business owners to test their products and offerings before committing expensive business start-up costs without proof of concept. Failing, learning and adapting fast are all opportunities we provide to local business owners through live coaching and workshopping with the Red Mile Innovation Centre.
Accessibility Issues
Many farmers’ markets in Calgary are not accessible by foot or transit
Calgary’s most popular farmers’ markets are quite inaccessible. The bus routes are inefficient and limit patronage to those who own a car. Hosting a market on 17th Ave will allow us to reach a new target market - young Millennials and older Generation Z individuals - who seek new experiences and wish to connect with the vendors they support (“Meet Generation Z: Shaping the future of shopping”, 2020).
We’re building a point of meaningful collision on 17th Ave
Through our primary research, entrepreneurs have shared that there is abundant opportunity to have conversations on the streets of 17th Ave - especially in dedicated spaces such as co-working offices (C. Forest, personal communication (p.c.), June 2, 2021). We want to provide a similar opportunity to connect diverse business owners and patrons through a farmers’ market.
Farmer's Market @ The Red Mile
OUR SOLUTION
Farmer's Market @ The Red Mile
Concept
The Farmer’s Market @ The Red Mile is a physical embodiment of innovation on 17th Ave. Here, entrepreneurs are provided with an inexpensive way to test their products, while gaining the benefits of the bustling and vibrant community on 17th Ave. Entrepreneurs who have a bold idea or an interesting offering to contribute to the community should apply to become a vendor at The Farmer’s Market @ The Red Mile. Our Farmer’s Market is inclusive to coffee shops, restaurants, fashion, jewelry and accessories vendors, and home goods retailers. With flexible terms and costs, we enable meaningful interactions between business and customer. We see The Farmer’s Market @ The Red Mile as a key enabler of entrepreneurship on 17th Ave.
The Farmer’s Market @ The Red Mile is unique to other farmers’ markets as it is a community hub which focuses on empowering local business owners opposed to growers. Our selection process is tailored to accelerating businesses which may establish themselves on 17th Ave and can add diversity and culture to the community.
Every week, The Farmer’s Market @ The Red Mile will collaborate with The Red Mile Innovation Centre to deliver entrepreneurial thinking and skill development workshops to local entrepreneurs.
Value
Build, measure, learn - these steps describe an essential and iterative process in engaging with customers, gathering feedback, testing new solutions, and failing fast. Business startup costs such as hiring and training staff, procuring a retail location, and developing a branding and marketing strategy can be costly for local businesses. Gaining proof of concept before committing these funds to development is invaluable - especially as we recover from a global pandemic. The live feedback that The Farmer’s Market @ The Red Mile provides is valuable input for entrepreneurs in designing and improving existing business offerings and operations. It is also a great opportunity to enjoy the energy of 17th Ave and get to know fellow business owners!