The future of Calgary's 112-year-old GRAND Theater is uncertain

The landlord rejects a proposal to keep the historic theater in the downtown arts community

CALGARY, AB, February 7, 2024 /CNW/ – For 112 years, the GRAND Theater has played an important role in the lives of generations of Calgarians. Now the future Western Canada the oldest theater is unknown.

“In 2021, the Calgary GRAND Theater Society agreed to sell the theater to a company that shares our vision. Since then, we have engaged a key community partner in discussions with the new theater to create a sustainable future for the GRAND. Landlord on the proposed partnership agreement. Together, we will bring the GRAND theater space to the Arts Commons ecosystem of downtown venues. “We have created an interesting plan for using shared resources,” he explains. Erin Listerexecutive director.

In mid-January, despite more than a year of fruitful discussions and feasibility planning, the Society was surprised and disappointed to learn that its landlord, Allied Properties REIT, had rejected the offer. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, the Society may have to make a difficult decision later this year.

“With heavy hearts, and as we are running out of time and resources, we feel it is important to inform the community that this is our final act as a steward of the Society. Western Canada The oldest theater is expected to be opened at the end of this year Devon LeClairboard chair.

“Art community Canada We are facing a very fragile and dangerous future, which will be uncertain with unpredictable partners,” he said. Alex Sarian, president and CEO of Arts Commons. “Although our involvement is not clear, we have sought to use our experience and expertise in managing, operating and maximizing arts and gathering spaces on behalf of Calgarians to support the Society's leadership team in their efforts to preserve GRAND as a community art space. To say that we are satisfied with this result is an understatement.”

Over the next several months, the Society will continue to work in good faith with its landlord, Allied Properties REIT, in its tireless effort to save the 112-year-old theater. Calgary's performing arts community.

“We continue to look for ways to collaborate with like-minded organizations to use our community's limited resources in new ways,” says LeClair. “If we can't come up with a permanent plan soon, the Society will be dissolved.”

“Since 2006, our Society's mission has been to provide a platform for artists to share impactful experiences that enrich society,” Lyster noted. “We are committed to fulfilling our mission by protecting the GRAND Theater so it can continue to live on for future generations.”

“When the GRAND opened more than 100 years ago, it was a promise Calgary's bright cultural future. We have delivered on this promise in many ways, most notably through our recent commitment to new cultural infrastructure such as the National Music Centre, Central Library and Glenbow Reimagined. However, big cities aren't just made by big buildings. We need to work together as government, business, arts leaders and citizens to ensure that our cultural infrastructure is protected from market forces, not just by building buildings. Calgary can create our next 100 years of identity as a vibrant cultural city,” he explains Karen Ballcommunity leader and cultural figure.

Opening day February 5, 1912The year the Calgary Stampede opened, the GRAND Theater is part of the downtown Lougheed Block. Calgary. Its remarkable legacy as a community gathering place continues today.

“The Grand is steeped in history – I was surprised by the uncertainty of its future,” he says. Wakefield Brewsterpoet, professional poet and master of the art of spoken word.

Community members interested in supporting The GRAND's sustainability efforts are invited to join its mailing list, which can be accessed at: www.thegrandyyc.ca.

SOURCE Calgary GRAND Theater Society

For more information: Media Contact: Sue Crawford, General Manager, The GRAND, p: 403-681-6610, e: (email protected)