‘Life-changing money’: Feds announce $40M funding boost in major renovation of Contemporary Calgary

Rendition of new entrance area to Contemporary Calgary, as part of $40 million in federal funding announced Friday.

A $40 million investment from the federal government will help Contemporary Calgary complete its transformation into a leader in contemporary art and education.

It’s located in the old Centennial Planetarium.

“That is going to be life-changing money, I think, for a lot of Calgary,” said Calgary Liberal MP Corey Hogan, “and because they’ll be able to engage with the arts in updated facilities, it’s just going to support an ecosystem that’s so vital to Calgary’s vibrancy, -- and so it’s a great day for our community.”

Once completed, Contemporary Calgary will have more than 39,000 square feet of gallery space and education space.

“This project is the next step in helping Contemporary Calgary continue to deliver high-quality programming events, (and) exhibitions to Calgary,” Hogan added. “It integrates it with the community. This project will further drive visitors to our city with the installation of Canada’s first flat-floor LED dome, first of its kind, dedicated entirely to contemporary art installations.”

Contemporary Calgary CEO David Leinster thanked the feds for their assistance in helping to upgrade and preserve one of Calgary’s most iconic buildings.

“The Centennial Planetarium was originally built through a remarkable partnership among governments to celebrate Canada’s Centennial,” Leinster said in a media release.

“Today’s investment ensures that legacy continues for generations to come.

“This building has served Calgarians as a planetarium, a science centre and, today, as Contemporary Calgary. Together we are transforming one of our city’s most important civic gathering places into a globally significant destination for contemporary art.

“This project demonstrates how heritage preservation, adaptive reuse and environmental leadership can come together to build stronger communities while creating a lasting cultural legacy for Calgary and Canada.”

For more about Contemporary Calgary, go here.