From free concerts and performances to digital exhibition tours, the local Calgary art scene is going digital!
At this time, Calgary is still in a state of local emergency. Hundreds of annual Calgary events have been cancelled, and community gathering places are closed. However, several YYC artists and organizations have found creative ways to offer their content online.
Arts & Culture Exhibits Online and By Appointment in Calgary
Art exhibitions are going to look a little different in the City of Calgary this year. Many art galleries have opted to create virtual tours as an alternate space for showcasing exhibits.
In some ways, this has made emerging and established artists more accessible to seasoned art lovers and newcomers alike. Most of these exhibits are free for the public and easy to access, so why not take a peek?
Winter Exhibitions at Esker Foundation
Explore new mini-documentaries, exhibition montages, and behind the scenes experiences, all available on the Esker Foundation’s website.
Where: Esker Foundation, Calgary
When: January 23rd, 2021 – May 2nd, 2021
Admission: FREE
Jarvis Hall Gallery Online Viewing Rooms
Jarvis Hall Gallery, located just south of the downtown core, is currently offering an ‘Online Viewing Room’ experience. These digital rooms showcase their two newest editions, double-bodied by Larissa Tiggelers and upfront with Yvonne Mullock.
While the gallery will be offering showings by appointment only, this is an interesting peek inside what alternatives to contemporary YYC galleries have to offer.
Where: Online
When: November 20th, 2020 – January 16th, 2021
Admission: FREE
Hand Pic’d Virtual Walking Tour
Perhaps one of the most ambitious virtual exhibits on this list, Hand Pic’d 2020 is a 360° video experience. Take a walk around the exhibit room and click on pieces that interest you. The exhibit is designed to be explored at your leisure.
Where: Online
When: Available Now
Admission: FREE
Experience Glenbow From Home
Glenbow Museum has been producing virtual tours, online collections, educational videos, activity ideas, webinars and more! If you’re looking for a wide variety of content to absorb at your own pace and family-friendly activities, check out Glenbow From Home.
Where: Online
When: Ongoing With New Content Added Regularly
Admission: FREE
Contemporary Calgary: Art Where You Are
Contemporary Calgary has launched a new series of online programming entitled ‘Art Where You Are.’ The activities have included artist talks via Zoom, challenges and other unique showcases.
Many of these activities occur during specific showing times or are challenges open to the public for a specific period of time. All of which makes it highly interactive.
Where: Online
When: Archived
Admission: FREE
Virtual/Online Calgary Productions
Cozy up with online entertainment from Storybook Theatre or stream Radio Shows from Vertigo Theatre and many other YYC based production companies, all from the comfort of your own home.
Storybook Theatre presents Annie the Musical
Despite setbacks, the incredible cast over at Storybook Theatre will be presenting the much-anticipated performance of Annie the Musical this season. Unlike in previous years, we’ll be watching the play unfold Online.
If you’ve always wanted to witness the classic story of how little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts in a 1930s New York City setting, in the medium it was made for, this is your chance.
Where: Online
When: December 12th, 2020 – January 31st, 2021
Admission: $32 per viewing code
String Theory Music Collective Presents Starry Nights
A unique combination of celtic harp, baroque strings and percussion, Calgary’s own String Theory Music Collective has made its Christmas performance of Starry Night available online.
The itinerary covers various genres, from folk music to ancient carols, hymns, and baroque masters, making it a delight for classical music lovers.
Where: Online
When: Available Now
Admission: Free
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra All Access
There is no question that the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is a shining example of Calgary’s art and culture scene. Thankfully, although Calgary Phil isn’t performing live right now, you can still enjoy it’s music online.
Enjoy orchestral performances covering Beethoven, Brahms and many others, and more contemporary artists like Paul Brandt, Renee Fleming, and Measha Brueggergosman.
All uploaded to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Youtube Page.
Where: Online
When: Available Now
Admission: Free
Isolation Point Virtual Concert Series
The Mountain View International Festival of Song and Chamber Music Society has created an online performance project, the Isolation Point Virtual Concert Series. The Isolation Point Virtual Concert showcases talented local artists from YYC and area.
All of which can be viewed on the Mountain View Festival of Song Youtube Channel.
Where: Online
When: Available Now
Admission: Free
Honens @ Home
For many, music is an essential part of the human experience. That’s why Honens is gathering piano concerts you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. And with new content added regularly, Honens @ Home is a fantastic introduction to piano’s sheer versatility as both an instrument and an art form.
Where: Online
When: Ongoing With New Content Added Regularly
Admission: Free
TC Takeout: The Arts Delivered
Theatre Calgary’s stage might be dark now, but they still want to reach out and share entertaining content with Calgary and the world. TC Takeout provides artists with an opportunity to share their talents with you, the audience.
What makes this series notable is it’s accessibility for general audiences. Many of these short ‘episodes’ are designed to be interactive and present different aspects of art that you would see on a theatre Calgary stage in a friendly and easy to digest format.
Where: Online
When: Ongoing With New Content Added Regularly
Admission: Free
If you’re looking to stretch your legs, check out this list of fun and safe things to do outside in and around Calgary this January.
