I have read the Summary of Findings. The stats on the economic value of festivals to Calgary provide strong evidence of the financial contribution that festivals make to this city. I notice the emphasis on cultural tourism opportunities as a result of expanding the role of festivals.

However, I would not want to lose sight of the other benefits to Calgarians that come from engagement in social and cultural events, such as the opportunities to volunteer and become involved in community development, healthy activity, social action, education, personal development, cultural preservation and exchange, and the overall development of caring and supportive communities. These aspects of cultural festivals are equally important to many Calgarians. I would like to see more emphasis in this discussion around the social benefits of cultural activities. There is almost no analysis of this in the Summary.

Karen Radke

Hi Holly, Peter et all

Enjoyed the meeting and learning more about CAD. I have some comments for your findings.

I run the social club for Imperial Oil and Exxonmobil. I had difficulty finding information in one source on festivals to include in my upcoming newslettter. I hear there is work afoot to get all in once source which is great.

Also re distribution of arts material - I have display racks for brochures that I set up and found I need to go out and get brochures myself most of the time. A central source to distribute brochures to companies or venues that keep information would be useful.