Creativity shouldn’t require a degree, a studio membership or a reason beyond wanting to make something. That’s the philosophy behind Alcove Centre for the Arts, Calgary’s only recreational arts space, where visitors of all ages are invited to explore their creative side in a casual, welcoming environment right in the heart of downtown. We spoke with Partnerships Lead Laura Bacic about the space they’ve built and the community growing around it.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Alcove Centre for the Arts is Calgary’s only recreational arts space, located in the heart of downtown. We are open to all ages, and visitors can engage with their creativity in a casual, social, and inclusive environment. Alcove is filled with free-to-use art supplies, instruments, and inspiration, where anyone can dabble with their creative instincts.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Alcove is an accessible and barrier-free space where everyone is welcome to embrace their creativity. We understand that being creative, especially as we get older, may feel challenging.
Alcove is a community hub operated by over 70 volunteers, and since our inception, we have supported over 100 local artists, helping them perform, exhibit, and teach their craft!
When did you start/join it?
When Alcove was officially formed in 2020, we wanted to create a place where anyone can express themselves through art. What we ended up building is an accessible and barrier-free space where everyone can enjoy drop-in art & music, workshops, events, jam sessions, and more.
What made you want to get involved?
When I first moved to Calgary a couple of years ago, a friend recommended Alcove as a great space to meet other people who love art. I soon started volunteering at the space and later joined their team. I loved the welcoming space that Alcove creates for visitors, and the people who are involved with the organization are incredible.
What was the situation like when you started?
In 2016, when Alcove’s co-founders were organizing a monthly spoken word event, they noticed many venues were not welcoming to all and began dreaming of a multidisciplinary creative space where people could gather, create, and connect. In 2019, they surveyed over 100 attendees, and the response was unanimous: there was a strong need for an affordable, accessible creative space and overwhelming support to make it happen.
How has it changed since?
In 2021, we launched a series of pop-up art events across Calgary to prototype the idea of a recreational art space, and Alcove quickly grew into something bigger. In 2023, we opened our first full-time Recreational Art Space in the heart of downtown through a partnership with cSPACE. Following its success, we opened a second location in Beltline—a fully bookable satellite space for showcases, gatherings, and events.
What more needs to be done?
Alcove continues to grow year by year, and that means more staff, volunteers, time, and space required to support everything our community wants to do! We are committed to continue growing our offerings and expanding our network throughout the city, while staying true to our mission of providing Calgarians with space that cultivates creativity and builds connections within the community.
How can our readers help?
You can help by visiting Alcove during our open hours, attending an event, buying a Community Card, donating, or simply telling a friend about Alcove!
Do you have any events coming up?
Alcove hosts events every day that we are open! Visit our website’s Calendar to view all events. Our quarterly Creatives Mixer event is on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026. This networking event brings together people that Alcove collaborates with, local creatives, individuals who work in the sector, and supporters! We’d love to see you there.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
