Artspot Calgary; Calgary's Alternative Art Community

Today, I want to talk about Artspot Calgary.



I'm rather tired and hungover, so I'm just gonna copy and paste a description from the "About Us" section;

"ART SPOT is a non profit organization that was created in 2008, to encourage emerging and alternative style artists. Located downtown, ART SPOT is a second “home” to many artists and art lovers. ART SPOT is a members only, artist/volunteer run alternative art space that provides all artists a chance to be seen and heard. ART SPOT is commission free and operates on donations. Please contact us to become a member! ART SPOT caters to an alternative art community, but welcomes everyone to get involved in this growing underground art scene.

ART SPOT holds monthly pARTies, showcasing the works of multiple local visual artists, as well as performance artists, djs and musicians. pARTies are intended to promote local talent, and in appreciation of all ART SPOT’s members and supporters. ART SPOT also hosts private shows for individual artists or collectives. For more information on upcoming shows, workshops, or to inquire about holding your own show, please contact us! With many future projects on the go at ART SPOT and other locations, we are always looking for more artists and volunteers."

As you can tell, an organization like this is right up my alley. Its a for the people, by the people type grassroots community that does for art what the all ages house show does for local music. It increases awareness and provides an outlet. Also, its focus is more so on the sharing of art rather then the ownership and thats a big deal for me. Its so rad to that they focus more on alternative and underground stuff, the kind of art you wont see at a typical gallery. I discovered these guys recently while wandering downtown near 17th Avenue, and I am so stoked to get more involved with them.

Membership is only 25 bones a year, and it includes (once again, copy and pasted from the site;)

"•Coming to all of ART SPOT’s private art events for one year!
•Access to exclusive information on participation in art events through ART SPOT, other art organizations and underground art collectives.
•Free monthly workshops for all of our members. (sign up required)
•Paid gigs for artists! (for facilitating workshops, performing, helping with shows and more!)
•An artist profile on our website (after participation in 5 or more shows, or holding a solo show)
•Most importantly, your 25$ membership is an investment in ART SPOT. All donations and membership fees go into the ART SPOT fund. This fund is not only used by ART SPOT to facilitate shows, but as it grows, we intend to make it accessible for artists to use for their own projects."

If you are a visual artist (or a supporter of visual artists, such as myself,) I highly recomend getting a membership. I'm all about not throwing my money around, but this is one of the few organizations that will put your money to good, constructive use that is not for profit. Please check out the link at the begining of this post for more info, and hopefully I'll be seeing you at the next pARTy!

- Nathan