‘We’re all hurting’: Calgary arts cut to the bone as corporate funds dry up
Calgary’s performing arts scene has become a casualty of corporate cost-cutting as the city’s economic doldrums drag into a third year, prompting organizations to band together to seek more municipal support.
The energy sector has long been a stalwart patron of the arts in the white-collar heart of the oilpatch. But weak energy markets have forced firms to tighten their spending, leaving less for sponsorships.
The issue came into stark relief earlier this month when Alberta Theatre Projects, a 45-year-old institution, put out an urgent plea for donations. It said it wasn’t sure it could survive past the upcoming season without a significant cash infusion by May 1.
“There’s a level of uncertainty in the corporate environment and we get it. We understand,” said Vicki Stroich, ATP executive director.