Performing Arts Panel Feedback

After much preparation and anticipation for the community panel’s feedback of our design, the day finally arrived - what were the judges going to say? Would they like our concept as much as we did? Would we have to restart from scratch? All these questions stirred within us as open ended possibilities.

We presented our design with the aim of trying to challenge the notions of “there is nothing to do in Calgary” and “all the action is at the core” with a calendar and map prototype to inform participants. We also focused on  bringing awareness to perceptions of the cost of performance arts, as cost presented itself as a self-identified barrier for people in not being able to attend performance arts. 

We felt discouraged as the feedback focus started to shift away from our concept and into areas we had previously explored, but deemed too challenging and complex to pursue. While the panel brought up great information, it also left us at a crossroads - What were we going to do next?

The feedback explored the possibilities of where our design could go if we addressed the barrier of “not having someone to attend with”. People are willing to take risks by spending on performance arts if they are informed, and have someone to go with. Simply, the price begins to matter less. We also received feedback directing us towards the engagement of local performing arts companies to be a part of our piece. This could include our team using their posters and promotional materials to cover one side of our structure. As well, we were encouraged to find out pricing promotions production companies have and even to include free events happening in Calgary. Overall, the feedback we received from the panel provided further insight, sparked creativity, and pushed our team to make the adjustments as necessary.

With the current Covid-19 outbreak, we have had to cancel our showcase, along with the exhibition of our display at the Central library. Much time, effort, and energy has been invested into this project, and it is disappointing to say the least, that our public engagement piece will not come to fruition in this course.