Alberta's Showcase

Statistics show that participating in arts and culture activities can have an immensely positive impact on the mind, body and soul. Participating in arts and culture, in whatever form it may be, reduces stress and helps to build strong and vibrant communities.

Albertans value the opportunity to enhance our quality of life by enjoying music, theatre, dance, crafts, literature, sporting events and recreational pursuits, the outdoors, language, food, and our heritage.  To help support and promote these arts and culture activities, the Alberta government developed the province’s first cultural policy – The Spirit of Alberta. Building on four keystones of access, capacity, excellence and cultural industries, the cultural policy  helps support the growth and development of arts and culture in Alberta.

Arts and culture is a significant contributor to Alberta’s economy - $4.3 billion in 2001 alone – positively impacting the sectors of tourism, accommodation, transportation, agriculture and educations, just to name a few.

The talent of Alberta artists is as diverse as the landscape stretching across the province. Corb Lund, who played for seminal Alberta punk band The Smalls, is now one of Canada’s most popular country and western artists. And Polaris Prize-nominated rapper Cadence Weapon is Edmonton’s Poet Laureate. These two artists represent the diversity and uniqueness Alberta artists possess.

Whether you’re an award-winning musician, a member of a local dance group, a local actor or writer, the passion Albertans have for the arts and culture is undeniable. In many artistic disciplines, men, women and children who call Alberta home represent the diversity and vibrancy of the province everyday.