Living a Creative Life 2023 Congress

Our Chairperson has supported the 2023 Living a Creative Life Congress as an extension of our commitment to supporting the Art for Social Change Network: Calgary. Part of our mandate to support the local artist ecosystem is to learn how we can create a meaningful impact through our projects. This is because the presentation of our designs facilitates “creation as revolution,” as engaging with the local artist community is as important as the work created through these partnerships. The knowledge gathering through participation and observation has been incredible. By supporting this collective from early 2022 and then participating in the 2023 Planning Committee, we’ve deepened our understanding through the process and realized there’s so much more to demonstrate a different way of working together.

It’s easy to over-promise, and while we are excited, we trust that many small steps in the right direction are a start. Towards a brighter future for artists who influence policy change for the better, affect patterns of distrust, and help shape a world that more closely reflects the best parts of us.

“The 2023 Living a Creative Life Congress focuses on Art for Social Change as we explore the question: How might artists lead the way to a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible city where everyone belongs?

Get inspired, hear about some of the amazing work being done by Calgary artists, exchange ideas, enjoy good food and possibly find new collaborators for future projects. We also have an online option available for those who can’t attend in person.

The congress opens on the evening of Tuesday, November 14, 2023 with a keynote address by arts activist and spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph, VP of Social Impact at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington, D.C., followed by a panel discussion. The Congress continues all day on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, including a presentation and panel discussion in the morning, followed by a break for lunch, then an afternoon of learning labs (you’ll find a detailed schedule and list of speakers on the CADA website).”

Whether you can make the keynote on Tuesday evening or the day’s program on Wednesday, there’s a wealth to capture and benefit from. The event was designed for artists, community builders, leaders, and creatives. You’re invited to find yourself in the various practices and approaches, see where you can welcome these experiences into your projects, and celebrate the work already happening in Calgary.