“In 2018, eye-catching new arts and culture projects are continuing to add vibrancy to our city”
Enhancing arts and culture in Airdrie
What makes Airdrie an ideal place to live and work? What enhances your well-being and quality of life? There are many contributing factors, one being arts and culture. The City of Airdrie believes cultivating arts and culture turns public spaces into places where people like to gather, enjoy our city and build community.
In 2018, eye-catching new arts and culture projects are continuing to add vibrancy to our city.
Canada 150 Legacy Public Art & Time Capsule 
At the entrance of Nose Creek Park you will notice an eye-catching tribute to Canadian heritage. Spearheaded by the City of Airdrie, the Canada 150 Committee, and sculpted by Canadian artist James C. Smith and Bill Doef (a fabricator who contributes with design engineering and logistics), the project is titled 150 Branches. The bright red sculpture acknowledges Canada’s 150 years of nationhood and 13 provinces and territories.
What makes this installation even more unique is the Canada 150 Time Capsule located underground where the sculpture stands. In early 2018, residents were asked to contribute special mementos that represented their life in Airdrie. The time capsule will remain underground for the next 50 years, to be opened on Canada’s bicentennial in 2067.
Airdrie’s Art in Transit 
Normally an unremarkable functional structure, Airdrie’s transit shelters have come to life with the Art in Transit program. Original pieces of artwork commissioned by local artists are featured in 24 shelters around the city. In 2017, a community-based jury selected 24 finalists to have their artwork displayed publicly for up to three years. Pieces vary greatly in styles and mediums but all of them brighten up these spaces for all residents to enjoy.
Airdrie’s Street Art Galleries
Originally hosted at Nose Creek Park’s sport court, the Airdrie Street Art Gallery has moved to three locations throughout the city — Nose Creek Park, Highland Park and East Lake Regional Park. These galleries have been set up as a space for street artists to showcase their work. They were launched in June of 2018 with a workshop led by urban artist ‘Toner,’ where residents learned about aerosol art history, and tips and techniques for working with spray paint. The original location of the gallery played host to several ARTember workshops where ethical and safe street art was promoted and practiced by the community.
