This is a very difficult letter to write but with heavy hearts, and because we are running out of time and options, we feel it’s important to let the community know that the Calgary GRAND Theatre Society’s final act as steward of Western Canada’s oldest theatre may take place later this year.

For over 100 years, The GRAND theatre has played a role in the lives of generations of Calgarians. Now the future of Western Canada’s oldest theatre is uncertain.

For the last three years, we focused on partnering with like-minded organizations to leverage the community’s limited resources in new ways to sustain our city’s historic theatre for future generations.

In 2021 we sold our space to a company that seemed to share our vision. Since then, in an effort to create a sustainable future for the theatre, we engaged a key community partner in discussions with our new landlord about a proposed partnership arrangement. Together, we developed an exciting plan that would have incorporated The GRAND theatre space into the Arts Commons ecosystem of downtown venues.

In mid-January, despite more than a year of productive discussions and feasibility planning, The GRAND was surprised and disappointed to learn our landlord, Allied Properties REIT, rejected the proposal. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, we will likely be forced to make a difficult decision later this year

"Arts communities across Canada are facing a very fragile and precarious future, one which is made more uncertain with unpredictable venue partners. While our involvement wasn't certain, we attempted to leverage our experience and expertise in managing, operating and maximizing arts and gathering spaces on behalf of Calgarians to support the leadership team at the Society in their efforts to retain The GRAND as a community arts space. To say we are disappointed in this outcome is an understatement.

~ Alex Sarian, President & CEO, Arts Commons.

Over the next few months, we will continue to act in good faith with our landlord in our tireless efforts to keep this 112-year-old theatre in Calgary’s performing arts community. 

We will continue to look at ways to cut costs, streamline operations and secure funding options. If we cannot achieve a sustainable financial position soon, the Society will be dissolved.

Since 2006, our Society’s mission has been to offer artists a stage for sharing impactful experiences that enrich the community. We remain committed to fulfilling our mission by advocating for the GRAND theatre to continue bringing life onstage for future generations.

IT'S THE GRAND'S 112th ANNIVERSARY!

This month The GRAND celebrates its 112th anniversary! Over our long tenure The GRAND has served the city of Calgary and beyond as a home for Vaudeville in its earliest days, a cinema throughout the 1930’s 1990’s, a BRIEF stint as golf centre in the early 2000’s and today stands as Western Canada’s Oldest Performing Arts Theatre. It is thanks to the support of our patrons and supporters like you that we have stood the test of time. This is a bittersweet birthday as we face our uncertain future.

Opened on February 5, 1912, the same year as the inaugural Calgary Stampede, the GRAND theatre is part of the Lougheed Block in downtown Calgary. Its remarkable legacy as a community gathering place continues today under the stewardship of the Calgary GRAND Theatre Society. To learn more about The GRAND’s 112 year history please visit “Our Rich History”