New TransAlta Performing Arts Studios to Cultivate Calgary’s Youth Performers
Calgary – The “We’re Greatest Together” youth campus project is beginning to take shape thanks to an investment from TransAlta Corporation. Construction is underway on the TransAlta Performing Arts Studios – a rehearsal, training and workshop space for Calgary Stampede Foundation programs such as the Young Canadians School of the Performing Arts and Calgary Stampede Showband, and as well as other community groups.
“We have a long history partnering with the Calgary Stampede for the benefit of our community,” says Dawn Farrell, president and CEO, TransAlta Corporation. “It is important to TransAlta that we continue to invest and make a difference in the community- in this case in the lives of our city’s youth performers.”
TransAlta Performing Arts Studios is an integral part of the youth campus initiative – a vital creative and community area on Stampede Park focused on developing strong western cultural roots through education and the performing arts. The new TransAlta Performing Arts Studios is the fruit of a $7 million gift originally pledged by TransAlta in 2011, when the concept of the youth campus project was still on the drawing table.
“We are very grateful to TransAlta and their passion for youth development in performing arts and this facility will go a long way in further developing our youth performers,” says Steve Allan, chairman of the board, Calgary Stampede Foundation.
“Supporting youth achievement in our community is a strategic imperative for the Stampede,” adds Bill Gray, president and chairman of the board, Calgary Stampede. “This gift and creation of TransAlta Performing Arts Studios truly advances that goal.”
Located steps away from the Elbow River, TransAlta Performing Arts Studios is a total transformation of the Victoria Park Community Hall. Local youth will gather at the facility to celebrate the arts through dance, music, and education. Totaling over 10,000 square feet, TransAlta Performing Arts Studios features seven rehearsal studios individually designed to enrich performing arts education and build community citizens for the future.
TransAlta has been a long-time champion level sponsor of the Calgary Stampede. Prior to this significant contribution to the Calgary Stampede Foundation, TransAlta has played a major role in sponsoring the TransAlta Stage on which the Young Canadians perform on each night of the 10 day festival. The TransAlta Grandstand Show is an integral part of the Stampede experience, featuring hundreds of exceptional performers — including many Young Canadians and Calgary Stampede Showband members over the years.
About the Calgary Stampede Foundation
Since its inception in 1994, the Calgary Stampede Foundation has worked to preserve and promote western traditions, culture and heritage through charitable giving as well as promoting and advancing character-building youth programs. Through their successful “We’re Greatest Together” capital campaign, the Foundation and Calgary Stampede worked with community leaders and philanthropists to develop world class programs and facilities that ensure our western legacy is preserved for future generations. For more information regarding the Youth Campus Project, please visit foundation.calgarystampede.com
See more at calgarystampede.com