Fueling Calgary’s Creative Energy
Calgary’s downtown is quickly evolving and creativity is leading the way. RISE UP Calgary is proud to announce the launch of our 2025–26 funding program, an opportunity designed to support Calgary-based artists, venues, and community groups in delivering unforgettable experiences that celebrate culture, diversity, and connection.
If you have a bold idea that can energize public spaces, unite communities, and showcase our city’s creative identity, this is your moment to realize your vision.
Why We’re Investing
Since its inception, RISE UP Calgary has worked to strengthen Calgary’s downtown vibrancy, cultural identity, and economic resilience. The new funding program builds on that mission; to empower local creators to transform downtown spaces into places
of celebration, belonging, and creativity.
What’s Available
A total of $140,000 in funding is available for this investment program. Individual awards are expected to range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on project size, scope, and impact.
Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for Calgary-based artists, performers, presenters, venues, and community groups who want to transform the downtown core through creative and live experiences.
Whether you’re dreaming up a larger-scale marquee event or a smaller, innovative activation, your project could play a role in shaping Calgary’s downtown identity. We want projects that will bring people to Calgary’s downtown, promote our local tourism scene for local and international visitors, support Calgary’s Music City Strategy, animate public spaces with creativity and connection, and strengthen our downtown vibrancy year-round.
RISE UP encourages applications that reflect the city’s diversity and foster collaboration between creative and business sectors.
Program Partners
This program is made possible with the support of Calgary Arts Development Authority and the Calgary Hotel Association, in partnership with Calgary Economic Development, Tourism Calgary, and the City of Calgary.
Questions?
Contact the RISE UP team at info@birdcreatives.com