Contemporary Calgary partners with Library to provide free gallery access for patrons

Calgary Public Library is excited to announce a new partnership with Contemporary Calgary art gallery. The Contemporary Calgary Art Pass will give Library patrons free access to visit Contemporary Calgary as often as they would like over a three-week loan period. 

The Art Pass was designed in collaboration with Contemporary Calgary as an interactive book. Patrons can check out the Art Pass book from Service Points at all Library locations. They can then take the book to Contemporary Calgary to get free access to the gallery and add their own creations to the book. There will also be a digital version available on Libby. 

Over time, the Art Pass books will become a collection of thoughts and reflections from our community and will showcase how art brings joy and reflection to our lives.   

“We are bringing art and literacy together, building bridges to deeper connections and understanding in our community,” says Sarah Meilleur, CEO of Calgary Public Library. “Through partnerships like this one with Contemporary Calgary, we can welcome everyone to spaces for sharing ideas and opportunities. All you need do is check out the Art Pass book from your local public Library.” 

The project is funded by a generous donor from Contemporary Calgary and will run initially as a six-month pilot project.  

“We want everyone in Calgary to have an opportunity to come to the gallery and be inspired by the amazing art that is on display without barriers,” says David Leinster, CEO of Contemporary Calgary. “We hope these membership books make space for reflection and to encourage conversation and dialogue within its pages as they are passed from person to person over time.”     

Arts and culture play an important role in our community. They enrich our society by providing avenues for expression and understanding across diverse perspectives. This partnership with Contemporary Calgary is one more opportunity for us to give people space to learn and discover something they may not have considered before. 

Art Pass books will be available to borrow from all 21 Calgary Public Library locations by Friday, March 8.