Arts Commons Transformation (ACT)

Tapping the transformative and city-building power of the arts

Dramatically transforming Calgary's creative future.

Overview

A catalyst project—and a big boon to Calgary’s arts community

ACT is a $480-million expansion and modernization of Calgary’s premier performing arts centre—a timely response to the community’s swelling demand for flexible, accessible arts and performance venues that support diverse, relevant programming. A catalyst project, ACT supports The City of Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan—a vision and commitment to build a thriving, future-focused downtown.

Location

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    $270 million Phase 1 expansion is fully funded

    CMLC is now leading the project team through schematic design for a new building and expects a public reveal by early 2024.

  • 2

    Extensive modernization of Arts Commons up next

    Modernization of the existing facility—built in 1985—will follow once the next phase of funding is secured.

  • 3

    Connected to the Olympic Plaza Transformation

    The campus is being designed to capitalize on its intimate connection with Olympic Plaza , whose redevelopment CMLC is also overseeing.

  • 4

    1,000-seat performance hall in a new building

    The expansion also includes a studio theatre and plenty of lobby spaces and gathering places for patrons and the public to connect.

Timeline

Next steps along the path to project delivery

The ACT team completed the concept design in 2022 and is now focused on the more detailed schematic design for the expansion. The first phase of construction is scheduled to begin in 2025. To follow along as this exciting catalyst project unfolds, subscribe to our newsletter.

Triparty Agreement Signed

October 2020

Expansion Funding Announced

April 2021

Prime Design Team Announced

February 2022

Construction Manager Announced

September 2022

Expansion Design Reveal

Q1, 2024

Expansion Construction Begins

2025

Design

Construction

Media & Recognition

CBC
Logo for CBC.

Arts Commons expansion project moves ahead to design process Read More

Calgary Herald
Avenue Magazine
Avenue Magazine

How Indigenous Architecture is Shaping the Future of Arts Commons Read More

District

Partners

  • Arts Commons
    Arts Commons Logo
  • The City of Calgary
    The City of Calgary

Project Team9

  • KPMB
    KPMB
    Prime Design Consultant
  • Hindle Architects
    Hindle Architects
    Prime Design Consultant
  • Tawaw
    Tawaw
    Prime Design Consultant
  • SLA
    SLA
    Prime Design Consultant
  • Colliers Project Leaders
    Colliers Project Leaders
    Project Manager
  • EllisDon
    EllisDon
    Construction Manager
  • Level Playing Field
    Level Playing Field
    Accessibility Consultant
  • Reinbold/Altieri Sebor Wieber
    Reinbold/Altieri Sebor Wieber
    Mechanical Engineer
  • Crossey Engineering with Designcore
    Crossey Engineering with Designcore
    Electrical Engineer

Articles12

  • Year in Review Collage

    A look back at 2023 as we ready ourselves for the year ahead

  • City-Building in 2022 Underscored by Diversity and Healing

  • Placemakers - A CMLC Speaker Series

  • First Phase of Arts Commons Transformation Gets Funding Go-Ahead

  • Help Shape the Future of Arts Commons!

  • Building Resilient Communities

  • CMLC Year in Review

  • Arts Commons Transformation Project takes major step forward

Resources2

  • Cover of the Arts Commons Transformation: Report: What We Heard

    Arts Commons Transformation Engagement

    Published

  • Cover of the Arts Commons Transformation: Report: What We Heard

    Arts Commons Transformation Responses

    Published