Calgary Archives Field Trip
"View of projectors, Grand Theatre, Calgary, Alberta.", [ca. 1944-1946], (CU1215316) by Rosettis Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
In September, we embarked on a journey to the Calgary Archives. where we were given an insightful and guided tour by an incredibly knowledgeable archivist. Our team delved into Calgary’s past, exploring age-old books, artifacts, and absorbing the rich tapestry of The GRAND’s and Calgary’s history. The highlight of the visit was being granted access to exclusive documents and photographs directly related to the GRAND. This gave us a unique perspective and deeper insight into the roots and evolution of our past.
Thanks to the valuable partnership with Calgary Archives, we were not only allowed to explore the rich history in-depth but also given the privilege to capture some of the exclusive documents and photographs related to the GRAND. These images offer a unique look into our past, showcasing the evolution of our beloved institution.
Celebrating LobbyFest & The Future of Downtown Calgary
Last month, as Western Canada’s oldest theatre, we were honoured to collaborate with LobbyFest and their partners of creators, entrepreneurs, designers, and city-shapers to explore the future of Calgary’s Downtown. A future where The GRAND will continue to be a performing arts venue for the next 100 years –– and beyond.
Between September 13-15 were proud to host a series of events that spoke to The GRAND’s history in Calgary, our future, as well as where we are today.
To Kick off LobbyFest, and back by popular demand, we were proud to host “Pastries and Pastimes” , a historical tour of The GRAND. That morning we explored, with our audience, The GRAND’s 111 year history, covering notable visitors, significant events, and how The GRAND has evolved to meet Calgary's changing landscape, while maintaining its role as a hub for arts, entertainment and culture.
That same day, in the evening we were proud to host the acclaimed speaker series PechaKucha, for PechaKuch #42: The Living City for a fun and fast-paced night filled with lots of great speakers and great ideas about questions like “What is a city? What is this city? And Is it a living organism?”
Finally we wrapped LobbyFest with a bang, by hosting an after party with our good friends Making Treaty 7, and featuring beautiful artwork from Blackfoot indigenous artists and live jazz music from The LWC Standards Trio.
A big thank you to all those who joined us for LobbyFest. We were thrilled by the turn out and for all our patrons who help make The GRAND a space for conversion, community, and creativity - we hope to see you soon!
FLUID FEST
We are thrilled to welcome FluidFest back to The GRAND this month, to present THREE exceptional works from local artists to keep you fluid and inspired!
FluidFest is a longstanding annual arts festival presented by SpringBoard Performance presenting live theatrical experiences, digital performances, artists talks, and a variety of other artistic offerings meant to inspire and champion local artists. As part of our mission and vision to collaborate with Calgary’s art community, we are honoured to share our stage and amplify the voices, stories, and artworks created by the artists of FluidFest.
Playing from October 20-21, at The GRAND for this year’s FluidFest we are proud to welcome TapBassDrum featuring Lisa La Touche, John McCaslin and Dog Rising by Cara Farley in our Flanagan Theatre, as well as an intimate performance from Ashely Mae Johnson titled Dance Adventures: Conversations with a Body in our hidden gem venue - The Vintage Room.