Alex Sarian Profile Banner
Alex Sarian Profile
Alex Sarian

@alexsarian

26,238
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552
Following
872
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Culturally Promiscuous • Artistically Agnostic • Socially Curious • Curiously Social • Leading @YYCarts • Canadian with stints in New York City & Buenos Aires

Canada
Joined April 2010
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
4 years
Science will get us out of this, but the arts will get us through it. Pass it on.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Just 2 days after her win, Mayor Elect @JyotiGondek meets with arts leaders to discuss our city’s future & vibrancy. Her first official meeting: the arts. Let that sink in, Calgary. ❤️ @yycARTS @CalgaryArtsDev @Glenbow @nmc_canada @ContemporaryYYC @TheatreCalgary @CalgaryPhil
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 months
Booing an elected official is the ugliest version of Calgary I have encountered since moving here. I thought we were better than this. There are better ways to engage in democracy than by being petty and ugly towards people whose job it is to fight for our city. Shame on us.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
No more hashtags/memes. Don't change your picture. Get out there & vote & exercise your right to change this country. We let this happen.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
Hey Canada: this is a Freedom Convoy.
@ABC
ABC News
2 years
People attend an anti-war protest in Saint Petersburg, Russia, amid Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. LIVE UPDATES:
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Vote for candidates who believe in public funding for the arts because they are a vehicle for: celebrating cultural identities, building healthy communities, contributing to our economy, attracting/retaining talent & making our cities better. Our ROI/SROI is real.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
Hey Calgary… looks like you’re stuck with me for a little longer ❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Let’s be clear: businesses who choose not ask for proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests are not doing it because they are (all of a sudden) embracing “diversity, equity & inclusion.”
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
I have fallen in love with Calgary. For my birthday I want desperately for Calgarians to pick a mayor & council that have a clear, ambitious vision for our future & the courage—smilingly, non-apologetically—to say ‘no’ to things because our city has a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
I am so damn proud to live in a city that—despite the petty, yet dangerous, hatred of the loud few—finds time to celebrate queer artists & the queer community that makes Calgary such a loving & wonderful place to live, work, & create. Thank you @chinookblast & all the
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
Cancel all my meetings—Arts Commons just welcomed a new family member! Say hi to Benny, everyone. ❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
Arts Commons welcomed the newest member of our staff today—say hi to Fergus, everyone! ❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
6 years
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” - Charles Dickes #arts #ballet #dance #balloons
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
This is Calgary. This is Alberta. I’m in love. ❤️🏳️‍🌈
@mattxdaniel
matt daniels
2 years
So Calgary Pride you ask? The City has pride and isn’t afraid to show it. Pride lives here. #yyc
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
It’s ridiculous how beautiful Calgary is. Thanks for reminder @calgaryfolkfest !
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
This is disgusting. I am disgusted. All Calgarians should be disgusted. If you’re not, then you’re part of the problem. This hate speech cannot be tolerated and those responsible should be held to account.
@TaylorBraat_
Taylor Braat
3 years
Tiki torches here at the ‘anti-restriction’ protest. #yyc @citynewscalgary
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Today @cityofcalgary sent a powerful message to the world: investing in the arts is an investment in a city’s vibrancy & future. Honoured that the Arts Commons expansion is part of Calgary’s vision for a prosperous future.
@yycARTS
Arts Commons
3 years
Arts Commons, together with @CalgaryMLC , is thrilled to receive the final $80M towards Phase 1 of Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) as part of the @cityofcalgary Greater Downtown Plan. #DowntownRecovery #yyc #actnowyyc #yyccc #onward Release:
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
As we reflect on 2022, I remain grateful that we moved to a city that @TheEconomist ’s Intelligence Unit has praised as the #1 place to live in North America. We’re not perfect & we have a lot of work to do, but—boy oh boy—do I love Calgary!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
It’s a big year for political elections in Alberta & Canada. I hope we’re all taking a long hard look at what is happening across the US & see it as a cautionary tale of what is bound to happen when we vote for people who don’t lead with love, compassion & kindness for all.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Proud new resident of Calgary here 🙋‍♂️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
It’s almost like Canadians have no idea what just happened in the US from 2017 to 2021 & what led to it. This should be a wake up.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
9 months
This is the version of Calgary I love the best: the one that loves fiercely, loves all, & loves unapologetically. I’m so proud to be a part of a community that stands up to hate. #CalgaryPride
@yycARTS
Arts Commons
9 months
It's not every day that we get to dance in the streets, but when Calgary Pride & our friends across Arts Commons come together to celebrate, it's hard not to show our colours (and dance moves)! 🌈 #WeAreCalgaryPride #PrideAtWork
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
Tonight we celebrated the Calgary arts community at the Mayor’s Celebration for the Arts, hosted by the amazing @JyotiGondek & @CalgaryArtsDev at @yycARTS . I’ve NEVER seen a city embrace its arts sector like in Calgary! ❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
How many more times will I need to post this? An #artist 's response to #violence . #Istanbul
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
The embarrassement I feel by the sickness & violence of people who think they speak for all Albertans is overpowered by how proud I am to call this province home. It’s unacceptable & needs to be condemned by all Albertans. @cafreeland I look forward to welcoming you in Calgary.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
4 years
“Artists are not only indispensable, but also vital, especially now” — Germany Has Rolled Out a Staggering €50 Billion Aid Package for Artists and Cultural Businesses, Putting Other Countries to Shame
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
My ‘out-of-office’ 😍❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 months
This morning we revealed to Calgary & the world our vision for the future of the arts in Canada. Two years of work with the best design team imaginable. So proud of who we are & who we are becoming. Breaking ground later this year! Learn more at
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
THREAD (bear with me): for too long arts organizations have debated whether the “arts for arts’ sake” argument was enough to keep us relevant—IT IS NOT. In fact, to some we have become a luxury good that is over-consumed by too few people. That perception needs to change. (1/10)
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
We moved to YYC from NYC in 2020 & fell in love with a city that was welcoming, clean, efficient. Taxes were the lowest we’d ever experienced from any city we’ve lived in & public services were the highest. While there’s always more work to be done we owe @nenshi so much!
@nenshi
Naheed Nenshi
3 years
Even though today is my final Council session, I didn’t expect it to be emotional - however the rally of supporters surprising me to start my day was so touching. #ThankYouNaheed
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
“Calgary doesn’t do black tie,” they said. That changed tonight as @yycARTS & @TeatroGroupYYC hosted their 1st joint gala celebrating arts education. Thank you to everyone who helped raise a record $250K for our work with students & teachers!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Car-free Sundays in Inglewood sure are wonderful! Lots of happy people, pets & businesses. @InglewoodYYC @cityofcalgary
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
A winter wonderland in Downtown Calgary filled with free arts for all! Thank you @chinookblast & all the partners who made this possible!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
Nothing like a good walk in Calgary’s backyard to get this year started off right!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
4 years
Humbled to join @yycARTS as its next President & CEO. I look forward to building on the great work of all those who have cared for Canada's 3rd largest performing arts center & am eager to see what we accomplish together in the years ahead.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
Hey world… say hi to Willow, the newest addition to the Arts Commons team! ❤️🥰
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
. @MetMuseum generates $94.6M in #tourist spending last year. Now tell me the #arts aren't a wise investment! @artnet
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
9 years
Yellow school buses should come to @LincolnCenter more often. Students need #arts every day. #artsed @NYCSchools
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
At tonight’s free concert for Calgary we announced a giant gift to Calgarians who helped keep us safe… 10,000 free tickets for them & their families. Thank you.
@yycARTS
Arts Commons
3 years
For over a year you have worked tirelessly to take care of us all. Now it's our turn to say thank you. Today we launch Season of Gratitude, providing free tickets to those that identify as essential workers & their families. Learn more at .
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
7 years
Proud to return to @LincolnCenter as @LincolnCenterEd ’s Senior Director! Here’s to making great arts accessible to all! #artsed
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
Visiting @whitneymuseum during the holidays gives me renewed faith in #art 's ability to bring people together in conversation. #thankyou
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
I know Calgary is a music town, but oh boy was its dance talent on full display for the entire city to enjoy tonight! Congrats @DecidedlyJazz & thank you for a magical evening! You have two more weekends to enjoy this free performance!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
Oh hey, look… we made an announcement today! 😉
@CalgaryMLC
CMLC
2 years
Alongside our partners @cityofcalgary and @yycarts we are excited to announce KPMB (Toronto), Hindle Architects (Calgary), Tawaw Architecture Collective (USA) and SLA (Denmark) as the prime design team for the Arts Commons Transformation. /1
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Smart kids become smart adults. The world needs smarter adults these days. The arts will save us. Pass it on.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
6 months
Merry Christmas, Calgary! You’re looking real pretty tonight! ❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
6 months
Hey Canada, I honestly don’t think you’re ready for what we’re going to unveil in 2024. Arts Commons is dreaming up the future of the arts—and all eyes will be on Calgary as we chart a new path with the largest cultural infrastructure project in Canadian history.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
I’m here for this version of 2022. We should all be more like @dinnerwithjulie . ❤️
@dinnerwithjulie
Julie Van Rosendaal
2 years
Kids! I know many of you are already in bed. (LUCKY!!) Because there has been such incredible interest in this week's at-home cooking camp, I'm going to do two of each class each day, one at 10 MT, and another at 2 MT. Zoom link + recipes will be the same!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
Many care about the arts & our economic/social impact on Alberta. I’ve long encouraged ALL parties to articulate their commitment to our sector’s success. Here’s a platform that was released today. I’m grateful & look forward to more debates on this topic.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Because it’s the right thing to do. So proud of the Arts Commons community.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
7 years
If you do 1 thing in #NYC during the next 6 weeks, go see @IndecentBway . Please. Just do it.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Please watch this. Less than 2 minutes.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
4 years
As someone who’s lived in cities & countries around the world, I’m feeling particularly privileged & blessed to call Calgary, Canada home on this, our first #CanadaDay . Thank you for welcoming us into your community.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas at Arts Commons! The holidays look good on you, Calgary! @cityofcalgary @downtowncalgary @yycARTS ❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
An evening of live performances doesn’t just bring much needed respite to audiences of all ages—it provides outlets for entire workforces to bring their expertise & passions to life. Sending love to all the artists, crew members & arts organizations having to cancel shows. ❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
My out-of-office 😍
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Nonprofits are vital to the health of communities across Calgary. Let's make it known that #nonprofitsvote !
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
For the holidays this year give the gift of artistic experiences with loved ones. Whether it’s tickets, a membership, or a donation in someone’s name, there are amazing arts organizations in your community that are doing incredible work. ❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
There is no arts sector without arts educators. Thank you. #Oscars
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Oh hey @PMJofficial —welcome to Calgary & @yycARTS ! We’ve gathered 1,200 of our closest, masked & vaccinated friends to celebrate the return of the arts.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Maybe if I stop weighing myself I’ll stop putting on weight. Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
9 years
Our reply to violence: make #music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before. #PrayForPeace
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
As an Armenian/Jewish couple who lives in Inglewood, the “genocide” signs are particularly offensive & just highlight how out of touch, uneducated & insensitive these people really are.
@dinnerwithjulie
Julie Van Rosendaal
3 years
Without Papers + POW Pizza are still holding anti mask/vaxx rallies every Thursday aft/eve, spilling into the ParkPark lot on the corner. In response @CalgaryParking is closing the lot on Thursdays-limiting parking for local business-and their holiday kickoff is this Thurs👎🏻 #yyc
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
“The arts are the opposite of a diversion from reality; they might just be the most realistic glimpse we get into the meaning of life. If you make time for art—the same way you make time for work & exercise & family—you’ll find your life getting fuller.”
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
10 months
This is the version of Calgary I like the best: Summer. Music. Incredible artists. 53,000 of our neighbors building community together in and around the arts. Congrats @calgaryfolkfest on an incredible 44th Festival! I can’t wait for next year!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
4 years
#Science will get us out of this; but the #arts will get us through it.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
Celebrating @LincolnCenterEd 's 40th Anniversary gala w/ incredible performances by @LAPhil & @GustavoDudamel !
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
Arts Commons making its HBO debut in The Last Of Us!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Arts Commons does not succeed if our local artist community does not succeed. If our resident companies suffer—we suffer. If artists are forced to leave YYC, we stand to lose. That is why organizations like ours need to invest in programs like this 👇 Help us spread the word.
@yycARTS
Arts Commons
3 years
Applications are #OPEN for a first-of-its-kind professional artist development program: Arts Commons Incubator is set to elevate the artists who reflect the diversity & vibrancy of Treaty 7 territory. Deadline Aug 31, 2021. Visit:
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
4 years
It’s no secret that these are difficult times. An investment by all orders of government to create 1000s of construction jobs in Calgary to build a home that will create a hub for artistic, economic & social activity is a beacon of hope.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
Great meeting w/ @philharmonie staff. In 1 year they've accomplished more than most global #arts organizations!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
Thanks @ArtHiveMagazine for recognizing that #artsed & #innovation go hand in hand!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
4 years
Day 1 of leading & serving this great institution of ours. We have lots of great work ahead of us—let’s roll up our sleeves & get to it! The arts are getting us through self-isolation & will help us heal through collective experiences of joy! The world needs us more than ever!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
"It is time to have a national conversation about #kindness ." Thank you @SesameWorkshop @NPR
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Happy #WorldTheatreDay from our home to yours. I can’t wait until we’re able to safely gather in these beautiful venues again. Cheers and thanks to all theatre professionals around the world, and to all those who make our work possible. ❤️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
The arts teach critical thinking. They allow us to see others’ perspectives & empower us to observe beyond the obvious. If we are going to evolve through community & conversation, we need more arts for all.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
4 years
Today we announced #artsXpedition as #ArtsCommons ’ gift to @cityofcalgary . Unexpected outdoor performances across the city where Calgarians can reconnect with the arts in safe & physically-distant ways. Follow @yycARTS for more info!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
If the #arts don't stop for a storm neither does @LincolnCenter . Happy Monday everyone! #blizzard2016 #jonas2016
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
10 months
I’m so excited for what this means for Arts Commons, for the Calgary arts community, and the evolution of the Canadian arts scene. Please join me in welcoming out new Vice President of Programming!
@yycARTS
Arts Commons
10 months
Following an international executive search, #ArtsCommons is thrilled to announce an acclaimed creative industry leader as our new VP of Programming, @sarahgstanley . Read the full release here:
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
11 months
Being invited to flip pancakes with @ddyedlin & @JyotiGondek to help kick off the 2023 Calgary Stampede was surprisingly moving & emotional. Calgary never stops amazing with its kindness, warmth & hospitality. #yahoo
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
As we think about the future of vibrant cities, let’s not forget that the arts have an impact on the economy, education, life long learning, community development, infrastructure, livability & so much more. We’re not just the icing—we’re the cake. (Thx @jonHinojosa for the pic!)
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
Arts Commons brought the arts to Calgary this summer: - 22 neighborhoods - 78 performances - 100+ local artists Now go vote for someone who supports a thriving arts community!
@yycARTS
Arts Commons
3 years
22 neighbourhoods, 100+ local artists, 78 performances, & 1 thriving summer of #ArtsXpeditions ! We had a blast popping up all around #YYC & can't wait to bring it back next year. Until then, enjoy a few of our favourite snapshots from the summer ☀️
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
Today we introduced the world to the mind-blowing team of architects that will reimagine the future of the arts in Canada. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure as we embark on the largest cultural infrastructure project in recent Canadian history!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. Happy New Year, friends!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
Thank you @AvenueMagazine for shining a light on how Indigenous architecture is shaping Canada’s largest cultural infrastructure project & the future of Downtown Calgary! So excited to reveal the Arts Commons Transformation design later this year!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
6 years
Did you know that in 1984 @LincolnCenter served as a voter registration site?? Also, did you #vote today?
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
4 years
Someone pinch me.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
6 years
Let me be 1 more person to share @bamuthi ’s powerful truth. Let’s normalize talking about racism & the collective creation of pathways for young people to lead. “Racism is so American that when we protest RACISM, the average American thinks we’re protesting AMERICA.” #artssummit
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
Spending my Friday night with @Alancumming & @sesamestreet . I don't have kids. Bring on #blizzard2016 #ff
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
5 years
“Creativity takes courage.” - Henri Matisse #danceforpeace #neverforget
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
1 year
These are the partners, architects, theatre designers, accousticians & construction experts that are pouring their souls into Canada’s largest cultural infrastructure project. Breaking bread with them reinforced how lucky I am to be surrounded by such vision & kindness!
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
8 years
How many more times will I have to post this? An #artist 's response to violence. #SanBernadino
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 months
What a day for Arts Commons. What a day for Calgary and Alberta. What a day for the arts in Canada! It truly took a village to get this far. More work to be done—but for now, we celebrate! ❤️
@yycARTS
Arts Commons
2 months
@ABDanielleSmith @YourAlberta @tanya_fir The size of ACT and OPT has now exceed $420 million in funding with this announcement from the province, says @alexsarian , which will let Albertans “experience firsthand what it means to build community through the arts.”
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
3 years
This is why funding the arts should be a municipal, provincial & federal priority. The urgency to boost empathy is palpable.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
2 years
No city is perfect & we have a lot of work to do—but living/working/creating in Calgary is the privilege of a lifetime.
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@alexsarian
Alex Sarian
9 years
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