A Grand Concern
The GRAND's Poet in Residence Wakefield Brewster, gives his official statement on the uncertain future of Calgary's 112-year old GRAND theatre.
"It’s a very deflating feeling. Amidst any unknowns or speculations, people took time, brains took storm, and plans took action. Without a doubt, be it foresight and/or contingency, the future of The GRAND – was simply looking quite grand.
I have been the Resident Poet and Spoken Word Artist/Public Speaker at The GRAND since 2019. I have been in the first cohort for artists for the TD INCUBATOR 2 years ago, and I am now this year’s Fellow.
In these 3 years with Arts Commons, I have discovered only wonder and magic, making The Arts thrive in every possible capacity. The pending reality of the two combining made me hopeful, grateful, and excited for what may have been ahead of us all.
This is not just the home of Canada’s second oldest theatre house; it’s also the birthplace of one of Alberta’s first Civil Rights/Discrimination Lawsuits, launched by Charles Daniels, a Black Man with a paid floor ticket to King Lear, a ticket that was not honored – and was forced to sit in the ‘coloured section’.
The rest is a barely-known history that a particular artistic committee was actually working on bringing to present light.
The Grand is absolutely brimming with history – and I am crushed at the uncertainty of its future."
Wakefield Brewster
Calgary Poet Laureate 2022-2024
Professional Poet & Spoken Word Artist
Professional Poetic Interpreter
Community members interested in supporting The GRAND’s sustainability efforts are invited to subscribe to its mailing list at: thegrandyyc.ca
The GRAND cordially invites all community members, including artists, arts organizations, patrons, supporters, community builders, academics, political and corporate leaders to a community conversation on March 13th from 1pm-3pm at the Flanagan Theatre.
Given recent concerns about our long-term financial sustainability, we seek to involve the community and will be sharing next steps and possible paths forward.
🗓 March 13, 2024
⏰ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
📍The GRAND - 608 1st ST SW, Calgary AB
🎟️ RSVP Only
RSVP to the community-conversation
📸 Aryn Toombs - LiveWire Calgary
Photo By Samuel Obadero of Motif Photography