Featured Member: Arts Commons

For nearly four decades, Arts Commons has been an artistic and civic cornerstone of Calgary’s downtown, offering a dynamic space where creativity thrives and community connections are forged.

Since assuming the role of President and CEO of Arts Commons in May 2020, Alex Sarian has channeled his deep passion for the arts to spearhead initiatives to expand accessibility and foster inclusivity within Calgary's artistic community.

Following the recent announcement from the provincial government of a monumental $103-million investment towards the expansion of Arts Commons, the arts centre is set for a transformation that will not only aid in elevating the arts scene in the city, but will provide enhanced accessibility and fresh avenues for Calgarians to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of local culture and art.

Leading with purpose

From his roots as a child performer in Argentina to his role as a champion for arts education and accessibility, Alex Sarian’s career has been marked by a commitment to empower others through creativity.

With a background in education, it eventually led Alex to oversee education at institutions in New York City such as the Lincoln Centre and various Broadway theatre companies. Living in New York at the time, Alex notes the lack of accessibility when it came to engaging in local art and culture activities and explained how this further informed his entrance into an administrative role.

"I went into administration, but always with that commitment to making sure that access to the arts was a basic human right," Alex says. "And that’s why I was always focused on education."

While transitioning from education to administration, Alex’s commitment to making the arts accessible to all began to take root as he began to enact his commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone by allowing kids to experience the arts in their curriculum.

"It doesn’t matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter what your household income is. If kids can go to public school and receive an incredible arts education, then I’d be doing for those kids what someone did for me."

Although this position provided opportunity to make meaningful change within the arts community, it wasn't until recent years that Alex considered taking on a leadership role as CEO, when the opportunity presented itself in Calgary at Arts Commons.

“I've been able to challenge myself and others by asking the question, what would it look like if somebody with my background and my commitment to access wasn't just overseeing education, but was in the CEO’s office? And I think Arts Commons is a beautiful answer to that question, and not at all because of me, but because of the team I am able to surround myself with.”

The legacy of Arts Commons

Since its inception in 1985, Arts Commons has served as a renowned artistic destination in Western Canada, welcoming patrons from all walks of life. Known as Canada's third- largest performing arts center, Arts Commons is home to six resident companies and hosts nearly 2000 events annually.

"Our mission is to be an inspirational force where artists, community audiences and organizations celebrate cultural identities, experience the full breadth of human emotion and together ignite positive change,” says Alex.

In addition to supporting community groups and local artists, Arts Commons also supports their resident companies who each host and present various unique shows and programs.

"We don’t just bring in touring companies," Sarian explains. "We are deeply committed to the sustainability of our resident companies: Calgary Philharmonic Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, Downstage and One Yellow Rabbit."

Redefining cultural spaces

Thanks to recent investments from the provincial government, Arts Commons is set for a transformative expansion. When it comes to how the plans will come to fruition, Alex envisions the expansion as more than just physical growth but an opportunity to expand the reach of cultural experiences.

With an emphasis on inclusivity and innovation, Alex challenges his team and the community to reimagine their relationship to the arts.

"The transformation needs to be philosophical and programmatic," he says. "Anybody with the right amount of money can build a building. The biggest challenge is: will this building mean anything to Calgarians, particularly those that have been historically excluded from the downtown arts community?"

With these questions in mind, Alex looks forward to the transformation that lies ahead, acknowledging that this investment will provide ample opportunity to add to the vibrancy currently budding in Calgary’s downtown arts and culture scene.

"It’s beautiful to watch a place like Arts Commons be able to both respond and contribute to who it is that Calgary’s becoming," says Alex.

Hosting Business After Hours

On April 16, Arts Commons hosted the Calgary Chamber's latest Business After Hours event. The event provided attendees with a presentation from Alex regarding the highly anticipated upcoming transformation and was followed by a tour of its renowned arts center, theatres and state of the art Jack Singer Concert Hall.

"We look forward to many more opportunities like this," says Alex, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships with the business community and civic leaders.

With collaborative events like these underscoring Arts Commons' commitment to fostering meaningful connections, it has also provided an opportunity for community members to express their excitement and support towards the upcoming transformation project.

“One of the ways I know we’re on the right track with the Arts Commons Transformation project is because of how excited Calgarians are about our impact on the city­—they feel a beautiful sense of ownership over who we are and who we’re becoming.”

Looking forward

As Arts Commons looks to the future, Alex envisions a center that serves as a destination for all Calgarians, regardless of background or identity.

With initiatives like the TD Incubator Program and partnerships with resident companies, Arts Commons continues to be a catalyst for innovation and community engagement. With the expansion soon underway, Alex notes that the internal environment of Arts Commons is already transforming with new ideas on how to welcome new patrons and communities.

“The building's exciting, but a lot of those partnerships—whether it's within this building or beyond this building—that to me is even more exciting.”

In the coming years, Arts Commons aims to strengthen its role as a civic and cultural cornerstone, continuing to foster social cohesion and bridging diverse communities.

"From a civic discourse perspective, I don’t think there’s ever been a more urgent time to start building that community," says Alex.

"And we don’t need a building to do that, but it’ll certainly make it a lot easier."

For more information about Arts Commons, visit artscommons.ca