A GRAND Update

Our gratitude to everyone who participated in The GRAND’s community workshop last November. Your insights were invaluable, and the overwhelming attendance—close to 60 individuals representing a plethora of arts organizations—underscored just how much this space means to Calgary’s arts community.

The road to this moment

Four years ago, The GRAND was at a crossroads.

The organization had just undergone major transitions, the building had been sold to eliminate debt, and the pandemic had left operations at a standstill. When the new administration took over, there was no transition or institutional knowledge, and the theatre had to be rebuilt from the ground up.

Since then, we have worked diligently to stabilize operations, rebuild community trust, and strengthen our financial footing.

Some key milestones from the past four years.

This foundation has allowed us to look ahead—to ensure The GRAND remains a thriving arts hub for years to come. The November workshop was a key part of that effort: a step toward shaping the next phase together and ensure The GRAND is meeting the needs of the community.

  • Event revenue has doubled since pre-pandemic levels, reflecting our commitment to sustainability while keeping space affordable for arts organizations.

  • The GRAND has expanded to a full, skilled team, implemented new policies for efficiency, and enhanced the overall experience for artists and renters.

  • We have invested in critical repairs and improvements to better serve audiences and performers.

  • Our board includes new voices and diverse expertise to help shape a stronger future.

  • Rather than relying on words alone, we’ve taken action—strengthening relationships with funders, arts organizations, and the community by prioritizing transparency, accessibility, and open dialogue.

What We Heard

At the workshop, we heard a strong desire for The GRAND to remain accessible, welcoming, and financially sustainable. While past challenges shaped perceptions of The GRAND as unwelcoming and inaccessible, we have worked hard to change that—expanding opportunities for artists, refining pricing structures, and strengthening community relationships.

The discussions reaffirmed that The GRAND is more than a venue—it’s a gathering place, a hub for creative collaboration, and a space that should reflect and serve the diverse artistic voices of our city.

Key themes that emerged

Emotional & Cultural Significance

The GRAND holds deep historical, artistic, and emotional value. It has been a gathering place for creative expression for over a century, and its preservation matters beyond just financial sustainability.

Sustainability & Long-Term Vision

The community wants a clear, actionable plan for The GRAND’s future, and we are committed to delivering on that.

Affordability & Accessibility

Rental costs remain a challenge for artists and small organizations, and we continue to explore ways to balance affordability with financial sustainability.

Community Trust & Engagement

While progress has been made, ongoing communication and transparency remain essential.

You can view the full report here

The report highlights many of the fantastic ideas you shared—many of which have been incorporated into our five-year sustainability plan.

Where We Are Now

Since the workshop, we’ve taken significant steps toward a more stable and sustainable future:

  • In November, we secured a five-year lease that aligns our financial future with our success as a venue. This agreement provides stability but does not eliminate our challenges. We still require an additional $300,000–$500,000 annually to remain viable and accessible.

  • We welcomed 11 new board members, bringing our board to 15 members with deep experience in finance, governance, arts, and community-building.

  • We’ve created a clear five-year plan to grow revenue, expand programming, and ensure The GRAND remains a key arts hub in Calgary.

  • We are exploring a model where organizations and artists can have a more consistent home at The GRAND, with regular space usage and deeper collaboration. This won’t be a traditional “resident company” structure but rather a flexible, long-term partnership model that benefits both artists and the theatre.

What’s Next & How We Move Forward

The GRAND’s future is about more than preserving a building—it’s about ensuring artists, audiences, and arts organizations have a place to create, share, and gather. But we can’t do it alone.

Our long-term success depends on:

  • Artists & Arts Organizations using the space and collaborating with us.

  • Funders & Sponsors investing in the arts and venue infrastructure.

  • The Community showing up—buying tickets, attending events, and spreading the word.

This isn’t about “saving The GRAND”—it’s about ensuring that Calgary continues to have a thriving, independent performing arts venue for years to come. We are committed to this vision, and thank you for your ongoing support. We are excited for what’s ahead and look forward to working together to shape The GRAND’s future!

This workshop was made possible with the support of the Calgary Foundation