Our Story
A Brief History of artsPlace
2015
Opening our doors to the Bow Valley
On September 24, 2015, hundreds of community members gathered to celebrate the opening of Canmore’s community arts centre, with former Premier Rachel Notley cutting the ribbon. Today, artsPlace welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to gather, create, and connect in a space built by and for the Bow Valley.
2015
Building opportunity for emerging artists
The first RISE Emerging Artist exhibitions introduced Bow Valley audiences to emerging Alberta artists Frederic Burragano, John Gerrard, and Marina DiMaio. Every year, the RISE Emerging Artist program offers three early-career artists a professional platform to learn, exhibit, sell, and promote their work, while inviting residents and visitors to attend free, public exhibitions.
2016
Bringing creativity into the community
More than 500 children and youth took part in artsPlace’s first school outreach programs. These programs paved the way for community-based programs that bring arts activities beyond our four walls and into the community, reaching people where they are and reducing barriers to participation.
2017
Increasing access through community support
The Discover Art Access Program launched as a way to help remove cost as a barrier to participation in the arts. Thanks to support from the community, the Discover Art Fund backs free workshops, outreach programs, and subsidies so more kids, youth, and families can experience arts and culture in Canmore.
2017
Advancing reconciliation through cultural sharing
The Indigenous Connections program launched as a commitment to reconciliation through cultural sharing. Today, Indigenous-led programming at artsPlace spans all genres, including film, theatre, visual arts, language and culture courses, Cultural Learning Circles, and more.
2018
Listening to our community
artsPlace launched a community-wide consultation to better understand what Bow Valley residents wanted from their community arts centre and what barriers stood in the way. This feedback continues to shape programming, helping artsPlace respond to community needs and create more inclusive ways for people to participate in arts and culture.
2019
Celebrating the Bow Valley’s longest-running music festival
The Vic Lewis Festival returned to artsPlace for its 24th year, bringing together hundreds of high school concert and jazz students from across Alberta and beyond. Through performances and workshops led by professional musicians, the annual festival continues to help students refine their skills, showcase their dedication, and build industry connections.
2019
Expanding free arts experiences for families
artsPlace introduced more free and low-cost programming for children, youth, and families, including monthly family movies, family programming in French, and music classes for kids under 5. Today, programs like Family Sunday artsPlay and Mini Melodies help kids and caregivers spend meaningful time together while developing their creativity and confidence.
2020
Staying connected through creativity
As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life, the Bow Valley turned to the arts for comfort, connection, and mental wellness. Within the first month, more than 27,000 people tuned in to 80+ online creativity videos and concerts by local artists. When in-person programming became possible, limited spots filled quickly—proof of how much people needed shared creative moments.
2021
Supporting student wellbeing through the arts
Local students and teachers in the Canadian Rockies Public Schools division gained new tools to support mental well-being through a partnership between Right from the Start and artsPlace. The program continues to run annually, bringing arts-based activities into classrooms to help kids find new ways to overcome challenges, build confidence, and connect with their peers.
2022
Celebrating diversity at the Festival of Art and Creativity
The first Multicultural Celebration took place at the Festival of Art and Creativity, creating space for residents to share music, movement, stories, and traditions. Today, the annual celebration continues to honour the many cultures that make up the Bow Valley, bringing thousands of community members together through the arts.
2023
Deepening our commitment to IDEA
artsPlace conducted a comprehensive IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) audit with SLD Consulting, inviting community members to share honest feedback through surveys and Listening Circles. The findings continue to guide action across the organization to build a space where everyone feels they truly belong.
2024
Exploring ways to reach more people across the Bow Valley
artsPlace began exploring options to reach more people across the Bow Valley, including understanding our current capacity and assessing opportunities in the community. Today, this information is helping us put the resources, partnerships, and plans in place to expand our physical capacity as demand for arts programming continues to rise.
2025
Celebrating 10 years of community and creativity
Thousands gathered for performances, exhibitions, and hands-on creative experiences (and birthday cake!) at the Festival of Art and Creativity, marking a decade of community and creativity in the Bow Valley.
