Ready to Be Inspired?
This fall marks the opening of Inspire — Airdrie’s new multi-use facility and home to the Airdrie Public Library. At 73,000 square feet, the space is more than a building — it’s a catalyst for connection, creativity and commerce in the heart of the city.
“Inspire marks an exciting new chapter for our city,” says Mayor Peter Brown. “Council and I are proud to see this vision come to life in the heart of downtown.
“The facility offers welcoming, inclusive spaces for arts and culture, learning and connection. While it serves many purposes beyond the arts, its presence reflects the vibrant and diverse spirit of Airdrie and we’re thrilled to see it become a central gathering place for the entire community.”
Inspire marks a milestone for Airdrie — a dynamic facility offering space for events, programs and meaningful connections. Bringing energy and foot traffic to the core, the facility serves residents, non-profits, artists and local businesses through flexible rentals and partnerships. It provides opportunities for learning, collaboration and community engagement.
Located on Airdrie’s Main Street, Inspire features 10,000 square feet of exterior glass — roughly the size of three tennis courts — that flood the building with natural light and provide views of Nose Creek to the west and the vibrancy of life in Airdrie’s downtown on the east.
Fun fact: more than 35,000 square feet of concrete was poured to build the facility’s parkade, which will provide valuable extra parking for downtown visitors and event-goers.
Facility hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 m. to 5 p.m.
The Airdrie Public Library operates within the facility, offering its own services and programming alongside City-led initiatives.
Inspire Through Art
Inspire is home to two permanent public art pieces.
Landscapes of the Imagination, by Calgary artists Caitlind r.c. Brown and Wayne Garrett, suspends 3D-printed acrylic bubbles above the atrium — each capturing stories shared by community members.
Outside, From Earth to Sky, a 35-foot sculptural tipi by Adrian Stimson and Pierre Poussin, honours Treaty 7 and Métis heritage. The work offers space for reflection and renewal, reinforcing Airdrie’s commitment to reconciliation and the celebration of Indigenous history.
Opening Events – Before the facility becomes , Inspire will host early access public events. Advance registration is required, as space is limited. Visit airdrie.ca/inspire-opening for details.
Public art tour and artist meet-and-greet – Oct. 1, various times starting at 1 p.m.
Meet the faces behind the public art at Inspire: Adrian Stimson and Pierre Poussin, creators of From Earth to Sky, and Caitlind r. c. Brown and Wayne Garrett, creators of Landscapes of the Imagination. Also experience “Inspiring,” a curated visual-arts tour by Ash Slemming.
Community Celebration – Oct. 4, 11 a.m. onwards
Experience a preview of what Inspire has to offer! Explore Treaty 7 digital installations, modern ballet performances, and art and filmmaking workshops, along with comedy, jazz, Indigenous folk music performances and more!
Programming and Events – Starting in November, Inspire comes alive with an exciting mix of programming designed to spark creativity and foster connection.
Inspire’s visual arts classes welcome all ages to connect through creativity. Classes range from fibre art for kids, to creating your very own manga character for youth and “Oil Painting: Inspired by the Greats” for adults. Each program offers hands-on fun and skill building. Registration is open now.
Inspire’s atrium will foster connection, spark artistic imagination and encourage casual gathering with regular drop-in live performances focused on showcasing emerging musicians, including dedicated teen performance evenings.
Interested in performing? Visit airdrie.ca/performatinspire for more information.
Inspire will host six community performances designed to bring the community together in celebration of performing arts experiences. Each week features a different performer:
- Pinocchio – November 8
- Wonderland Dream – November 15
- 6 Minutes Warning – November 22
- Flaysher – November 29
- Spatial Pull – December 6
- Christmas Concert with the Airdrie Choir – December 13
Inspired Speakers
Speakers offer fresh perspectives on creativity, resilience and life. Later this year, watch for six opportunities to dive deeper into thought, explore lived experiences or lighten the mood with a laugh. Seating is limited, reserve now at airdrie.ca/inspiredspeakers.
- Ally Lane: How the Arts Can Save Your Life. Motivational speaker, Friday, November 7, 6:30 p.m.
- Brian Stollery: For Brian Out Loud. Comedian, Friday, November 14, 6:30 p.m.
- Jason Thompson: big LITTLE Moments. Motivational speaker, Friday, November 21, 6:30 p.m.
- Aliya Kanani: Where are You FROM, From? Comedian, Friday, November 28, 6:30 p.m.
- Airdrie Discovery Toastmasters Club: Inspirational Community public speaking group, Friday, December 5, 6:30 p.m.
- Scott Dumas: Scott Dumas Spells Comedian, Friday, December 12, 6:30 p.m.
Inspired Art
The exhibit space at Inspire will feature rotational artworks chosen quarterly by an Art Selection Committee and guest curator. If you’re interested in submitting your work, or participating in the selection committee, visit airdrie.ca/exhibit for information on upcoming opportunities.
Inspire’s Atrium provides a unique opportunity to host artisan markets, with booths intertwined with spaces for social mingling and passive facility foot traffic for classes, studios and the library. Those interested in hosting markets at Inspire are encouraged to visit airdrie.ca/artisanmarket for application information.
Looking for something a bit smaller than a full-scale market? Market booths are available for individual short- term rental. Information is also available at the website above.
Inspire’s opening this fall is just the beginning! For full event schedules and seat registration details, and to explore upcoming programs, events and opportunities, airdrie.ca/inspire.
