Patti Pon: How Arts Shape Calgary's Identity Amid Rapid Growth
Calgary is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the city approaching the significant milestone of two million residents. This demographic shift brings an exciting transformation: more than half of Calgarians will soon belong to visible minority groups. According to Patti Pon, president and CEO of Calgary Arts Development, this evolution presents a remarkable opportunity for the arts to flourish and celebrate the city's expanding diversity.
The Power of Arts in Building Community Connections
As Calgary's population becomes increasingly diverse, there exists a genuine risk of disconnection and detachment among residents. Differences can sometimes create divisions, but Pon emphasizes that the arts serve as a powerful unifying force. Artists possess a unique ability to connect people with each other and their community, helping residents recognize their shared humanity despite surface differences.
The arts are one of the most effective ways to help us realize that deep down we are more similar than different, Pon writes. Through storytelling, artistic expression, and cultural reflection, artists help Calgarians make meaning of their world and strengthen community bonds.
A Lifelong Calgarian's Perspective
As a lifelong resident who has deepened her connection to Calgary through artistic experiences, Pon has personally witnessed how the arts transform community identity. I have experienced music, dance, fashion, stories, food, artworks, theatre pieces and films from every corner of the world right here in Calgary, she shares. These diverse cultural experiences have enriched her understanding of what makes Calgary unique.
Pon treasures how her personal story intertwines with these artistic moments, believing that when all Calgarians see themselves reflected in the city's cultural narrative, the community becomes stronger and more vibrant.
Calgary's Maverick Spirit and Creative Potential
Reflecting on her family's immigration story and Calgary's history, Pon describes the city as a place of boundless possibilities that attracts talented, creative individuals from around the world. Calgary has that maverick spirit, likes to be on the cutting edge and is a hub of innovation, she observes. The city serves as a magnet for people with talent, skills, creativity and ambition who want to make a difference while building their lives.
Pon envisions Calgary realizing its full potential as a creative city filled with color, sound, movement, innovation, and imagination. She wants to see a community where all stories are valued and contribute to the city's identity.
Shared Artistic Experiences That Unite
The transformative power of the arts becomes most apparent during shared cultural experiences. Whether attending the Folk Festival, watching performances by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, marveling at ballet dancers or powwow performers, enjoying cultural festivals, laughing at comedy shows, viewing films at local festivals, or attending theater productions, these moments create connections that transcend differences.
- Music events like the Folk Festival or Calgary Philharmonic performances
- Dance performances ranging from ballet to traditional powwows
- Cultural festivals featuring pageantry and diverse cuisines
- Comedy and improv shows that bring laughter to diverse audiences
- Film festivals where strangers share cinematic experiences
- Theater productions across Calgary's many performance venues
For that moment you're together, sharing an experience and making a memory, Pon emphasizes. These artistic encounters remind Calgarians that they belong to a shared community, regardless of background, appearance, or perspective.
As Calgary continues its rapid growth toward two million residents, Pon believes embracing the arts represents the most promising path toward building a cohesive, vibrant community that celebrates diversity as its greatest strength.
