Kim Cheel believes arts and culture are the soul of a community.
That’s why she’s worked tirelessly for years to advocate for them in Airdrie.
Cheel has sat on the boards of many major cultural movements, such as the Airdrie Film Festival, Airdrie Pride Society, ARTember, Indigenous Month, Black History Month and Alberta Culture Days.
This past year, Cheel helped launch Airdrie Reads to promote literacy in the community and put a spotlight on Albertan authors.
“Reading and writing is a powerful way to find freedom, healing and yourself,” says Cheel.
“That’s also the case with arts and culture itself. It brings everyone together and is an escape to everything going on. It gives that connection that we all crave.”
Cheel even created Airdrie’s Ghost Walk to share stories of those who helped make Airdrie what it is today. She also shares her acting chops with youth while running drama classes.
Nominator Tammy Plunkett works with Cheel on launching new books into the community with Airdrie’s up-and-coming writers. She says Cheel plays an instrumental role in the community.
“Cheel is a spectacular cultural asset in Airdrie,” says Plunkett.