Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore named Calgary a 2012 Cultural Capital of Canada today.

The designation and support from Canadian Heritage will augment the $2 million commitment made to Calgary 2012 by Calgary City Council in April of this year. Today’s designation will enhance the celebrations and investment programs planned by Calgary 2012 which include the recently announced granting programs and grassroots engagement activities.

Elements of the celebration outlined in Calgary’s bid include an artist in residence program, a national and international cultural exchange program, a mass participation spectacle event and the creation of a municipal cultural plan. These programs foster creativity, facilitate connections and build community.

A family-friendly celebratory launch will be held at the start of the Cultural Capital year, April 2012. The formal completion of the Cultural Capital celebration will be March 2013.

Visit Calgary 2012 to read the full press release.