YYC/LRT Project drawing to a close with a celebration

Two years ago, Contemporary Calgary, the University of Calgary, the City of Calgary, and artist and UCalgary alumnus Bryan Faubert (MFA’20) had collaborated to bring together the YYC/LRT project - a public sculpture, shadow projection device, satellite studio and place for creative public engagement. Part of the City of Calgary’s Activate + Experiment phase as the City re-imagines Stephen Avenue from City Hall to Mewata Armoury, this project was a symbol of unity, vision, and creativity and brought an art studio to the heart of the city. It became a hub of events and workshops that sparked a love for art and exploration in hundreds of Calgarians.

After more than 20 events and workshops, the two-year initiative is ending on July 31. After the date, the studio will be moved to the ContainR park in Sunnyside form its current location on 8^th Avenue.

“What we have found is that when an art gallery partners with local businesses and organizations, engaging folks in community-based art, perceptions about a neighbourhood can change,” says Dr. Jennifer Eiserman, PhD, an associate professor of art education in the Department of Art and Art History who co-led the project with Faubert. “The socially engaged nature of contemporary art provides opportunities for artists, galleries and community partners to build community together.”

A celebration of collaboration and creativity will take place at Contemporary Calgary on Wednesday, July 26, to celebrate this milestone. The celebration is a fitting tribute to a project that had touched the lives of so many Calgarians, and will present a lineup of fantastic presentations from Bryan Faubert, program leaders, participants, community partners, as well as representatives from the City, UCalgary, and Contemporary Calgary.

Mark your calendar and attend this event to engage in vibrant discussions about the project, its conclusion, and the future of the art and culture scene in Calgary.