I don't think I'd be alone in saying that one of the biggest irritants in the lives of Calgary artists and cultural workers is the persistence of false and damaging stereotypes that liken our city to a cultural backwater.

The past week has been a good time for setting the record straight. A recent study cited Calgary as Canada's most cultured city, news that was happily plastered on the front cover of Macleans magazines everywhere - our city is ranked highest for percentage of households who spend money to attend museums with those who spend to attend the live performing arts. A significant public art piece installed in one of our best neighbourhoods. New investment from the provincial government for Alberta artists and the Calgary's Lunchbox Theatre. And big news from one of our flagship cultural institutions. 

It's wonderful to see new investment flowing into the sector and it is a constant inspiration to see Calgary's arts community growing and striving to be ever more amazing. And it's great when glossy magazines tell the nation we're #1 for culture.

But you know what's even better?

Spontaneous, grassroots discussion about art museums and Calgary culture on a local hockey blog.

That's the stuff that dreams are made of in our world.