Since that day ten years ago, we have done everything we could to become a home where every Bow Valley resident feels they belong.
As we celebrate the 10-year mark, we can’t help but reflect on the past decade of bringing community and creativity together, within and beyond our walls.
To help us look back at this milestone, we asked six artists who have been with us from the very beginning to share a few words about what the opening of artsPlace meant to them.
Here’s what they wanted to say.
"artsPlace has had a profound effect on my creative growth. My husband and I were asked to be the theatrical example at the opening in 2015, where we were able to showcase some of our puppetry works. Since that time, artsPlace has consistently provided us a venue to share our work with the community as well as to grow as artists.”
“I can honestly say that I would not be the artist I am today without artsPlace. The place it holds in our community and the opportunities it creates are invaluable. I look forward to seeing what the next 10 years will bring, and I hope to continue to be a part of it.”
“I have had the opportunity to teach many workshops through artsPlace over the last 10 years. Some of the highlights would be mini melodies—a music program for families with children—and the Right from the HeArt program, which explores mental health through the arts in Bow Valley schools. Both these programs support the creative and intellectual development of the youngest members of our communities while allowing me as an artist to explore the edges of my own creative practice and discover ways that my art can be applied to directly benefit my community.”
“artsPlace has also provided a venue for me to create and share shows with the community. Even during covid—some of the hardest moments for artists—artsPlace found ways to support us and give us a platform to share a message of hope and positivity.”
“As a member of the community, I have attended concerts, movies and festivals over the years and I'm constantly impressed with the diversity of programming that our art center offers, enriching the fabric of our town.”
“Attending the 10-year anniversary during the Festival of Art & Creativity this September felt really special. I felt personally recognized, but it was also obvious to me what an important impact artsPlace has on our community in creating a sense of belonging and celebration.”
“There's this electric moment that happens at artsPlace—you walk out of a performance and catch the eyes of strangers in the lobby, and you realize you've all just been transported to the exact same emotional place."
"Since 2015, I've watched artsPlace transform from a venue into something far more powerful: a heartbeat for our community. I've laughed until my sides hurt, cried openly in the dark, learned things that changed how I see the world – all while surrounded by neighbors who were feeling it right alongside me."
"What artsPlace has built over this past decade isn't just programming; it's created those rare, shimmering moments where art reminds us that we're not alone. That's pure magic, and it's become the soul of what makes the Bow Valley's arts scene so extraordinary.”
“I joined the Board of Directors when artsPlace was just a seed of an idea and thought that if this project could actually be realized, I wanted to be a part of it!"
"I am a firm believer in the power of art to change lives - I know it changed mine. Looking back on the 10 years since the artsPlace doors opened, it is truly amazing to see how the community has been transformed and to witness the impact artsPlace has in changing lives through art everyday."
"I'm so proud to have been a part of building this dream and truly in awe of all those who keep it going. Here's to the next 10, 20, 30+ years!”
Photo Credit: Colin Way
“Reflecting on the past decade, artsPlace has fulfilled the dreams and vision of the founding Board and has become an integral part of the Bow Valley community since opening in 2015. The variety of programming is beyond all expectations and offers literally something for everyone. Hats off to the amazing staff for their commitment and accomplishments over the past 10 years.”
“artsPlace is like a second home to me. Over the years, I have met amazing people working here and I feel like they are my extended family. artsPlace is a safe space to me. As a mentor, teacher or participant... it doesn't matter what I’m here for, I am ALWAYS having a good time!”
Photo Credit: Kelsey Conway
“The long running dream of a Canmore community arts centre had its roots several decades ago, with different iterations over the years… from the visioning for a ‘Mineside Cultural Centre’ in the 1980’s to the planning for the Lamphouse Centre for the Arts in the early 2000’s. All of these earlier community discussions led ultimately to inform and vitalize the artsPlace planning, which has delivered on so many of the goals that we had imagined over the years."
“Many community members worked together with Council and Town Administration, facing challenges and finding solutions. artsPlace was the result of all the dedicated input from dozens of Canmore residents – a facility that now benefits the whole community and will continue to benefit future generations of Canmore residents and visitors for years to come.”
Photo Credit: Alexis McKeown
The building that houses artsPlace was originally built and operated by the provincial government in the late 70’s to serve as the ALCB liquor store for Canmore – on the site of the original fire hall and town offices. The site was then repurposed in 1995 to serve Canmore readers as our public library. The building served well in that capacity, until the library was relocated to Elevation Place in 2013, and construction plans for artsPlace began.
On the photo: the grand opening of artsPlace with MLA Cameron Westhead, Premier Rachel Notley, and Canmore Mayor John Borrowman, Sept. 24, 2015.
