Blue Sky City Creative Challenge

The Blue Sky City brand was developed as a collaboration between the City of Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, and Tourism Calgary. It was unveiled to the public on April 17, 2024 after extensive engagement and research.

During the engagement, it was found that Calgarians wanted an update from the existing ‘Be Part of the Energy’ brand that had been in place for several years. Citizens wanted a brand that honours our past but embraces the Calgary of today and our aspirations for the future.  

Calgary is a bold, vibrant, and evolving city, consistently ranked among the top in the world for livability, affordability, and quality of life. Now is the time for us to represent the diversity, excitement, and limitless possibilities that exist here … under our famous blue skies.

Please visit brand microsite to learn more about the Blue Sky City brand. 

Here are some other key considerations when you are thinking about the Blue Sky City’s Brand:

• Calgary’s people are genuine enthusiasts and enthusiastic hosts

• Our city is a place of diverse people, experiences and industries

• Calgary is a place where peoples, lands, cultures and ideas converge to create what’s possible

• We are a place of Unexpected Possibilities

• We believe we are limitless together

We encourage applicants to submit multiple art piece options at various price points, as our budget is limited and we aim to showcase as many artists as possible.

For more details, please refer to the criteria below. 

Evaluation of Rated Criteria:

15 points for Experience

• Does the individual or team consist of a diverse group with varied creative backgrounds and experiences?
• Does the piece (art installation, performance, etc.) have the potential to adapt to Calgary’s climate and seasons?
• Does the proposal clearly specify design and logistical needs (e.g., power requirements, performance space, installation footprint)?
• Does the contribution explore  sensory experiences (e.g., does the tactility, auditory, visual, etc. elements encourage interaction to create an interactive experience)?

15 points for Originality and Creativeness

• Are these designs/performances original and creative?
• Does the work uniquely capture the spirit of Calgary’s Blue Sky City values ? Does it allow people to experience  Unexpected Possibilities? Does the work highlight Calgary as a place of diverse people, experiences and industries?
• Does the art piece/installation take risks and offer  new ideas and perspectives?
• Are unique materials, sounds, experiences incorporated?
• Is this work new to Calgarians?
  

15 points for Clarity of Concept

• Concept drawings, descriptions, or performance scripts should clearly illustrate the work and its intended function or interaction.
• The completed work should closely align with the proposed concept.

15 points for Impact on event attendees 

• Does the work encourage engagement and interaction, creating memorable experiences that embodies the Blue Sky City brand?
• Does the work inspire a sense of wonder and optimism, encouraging people to connect with Calgary’s spirit and Blue Sky ideals?
• Does the design or performance consider safety for the audience?

10 points for Budget

• Does your budget include all necessary costs (artist compensation, materials, performance fees, etc.)?
• Are costs clearly itemized and within the allocated budget?

10 points for Individual or Team Composition

• List the individual or team members along with their experience and professional backgrounds. Collaboration is key to finding innovative and safe ways to engage and share audiences for everyone’s benefit, moving beyond the status quo.

10 points for Accessibility and Flexibility

• Does the work engage a diverse demographic to gather and interact with one another?
• Is the work accessible to people of varying abilities?
  

10 points for Sustainability

• Can the work be reused or evolved for the future?
• Are materials recyclable or reusable?
• Does the contribution produce minimal waste?

The below outlines required project criteria for each submission. Scoring ‘No’ on any of the below may result in the submission being rejected or subjected to requests for modifications.

Yes / No = Feasibility

• Feasibility of production, performance, or presentation within the given timeframe and budget
• Adaptability to different locations and conditions, whether indoors or outdoors
• Safety is considered for everyone involved in the creation, performance, and audience interaction
• Proposed work is suitable for presentation without requiring extensive infrastructure or security
• The work is feasible from concept to completion, considering the resources available
  

Yes / No = Provides Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessibility provides accessible signage, incorporating audio or visual aids for individuals with disabilities, and ensuring safe and unobstructed access for all

Yes / No = Experience & Technical or Artistic Background

• Does the individual or team have credible experience in the relevant creative field (e.g., performance, visual arts, music, etc.)?
• Is there a qualified specialist overseeing the creative, technical, or performance aspects of the work?
• Does the team demonstrate the ability to execute the proposed work effectively?

What mediums are you looking for? 

We are open to a variety of mediums, including visual arts, performances (such as music, theatre, or dance), mixed media, film, and more. We encourage you to propose pieces that can adapt to different environments and spaces, bringing creativity and engagement in multiple ways.

Where will my proposed work be placed or showcased?

We’re looking for creative contributions that can be activated in different parts of the city and at major events, bringing vibrancy to a range of urban spaces. The exact locations will be determined based on the type of contribution and its interaction with the environment.

Where can I learn more about the Blue Sky City brand?

Visit the Tourism Calgary brand microsite to learn more about the Blue Sky City brand.

Will my art or performance be displayed outside or inside?

The display or performance location will vary depending on the nature of the piece. We are considering both indoor and outdoor locations, depending on what best suits each contribution.

Who is responsible for storage of physical art pieces in between activations? 

While Blue Sky City will retain access as first right of refusal for re-activations, , the art belongs to the artist and as such would need to be stored at the artist’s expense for an agreed upon period of time. 

Any additional reactivation costs beyond maintenance for future installations or reactivation will be discussed and agreed in advance of future presentations beyond the first initial use.

Please send your questions here.