Blue Sky Arts: How the Bird Team Helped Calgary's Brand Soar to New Heights
April 30, 2026 | Calgary, Events, Creative EconomyFrom interactive art experiences to Indigenous cultural symbols and novel installations, Blue Sky Arts—created to bring Calgary’s exciting city brand “Blue Sky City” to life—brilliantly showcased our city’s distinct brand identity and Bird Creatives was proud to be a part of it.
Blue Sky Arts Banner
Blue Sky Arts transformed spaces across Calgary, while showcasing personal perspectives from our local vibrant arts communities.
Bird’s role in this project
At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to fostering a strong and thriving local creative economy. We do this through constantly seeking new collaborations with artists, community leaders and local businesses. What’s more is that we are always looking for opportunities to forge connections between artists and institutions all to build a stronger local creative community.
Our flock was at the forefront of the Blue Sky City Creative Challenge (launched by Tourism Calgary, with support from Calgary Arts Development and RISE UP Calgary), from coordinating the artist callout, managing program execution, and handling event logistics, bringing to fruition the unique interpretations of Calgary’s new brand. The five selected experiences were not just installations but dynamic invitations to explore what living in a Blue Sky City means.
Launched summer 2025, these interactive works of art were on display across the city throughout the year and into spring 2026, with some works on display during large scale events. We were proud to be able to build bridges between artists, venues, and organizers, allowing locals and visitors alike to explore the city’s vibrant brand identity.
This project is just one example of what we’ve been working to build and a look into what is possible when the arts is treated as essential infrastructure.
Here is a snapshot of all the Blue Sky Arts experiences that we helped bring to life:
“Drop of Sunshine” by Leia Guo
A hands-on with cyanotype printing experience. This sun-powered technique turns Calgary’s iconic blue skies into part of creation. Guided by Leia, participants crafted a personal “drop of sunshine” to take home.
This experience was shared on Canada Day at The Confluence, the Ismaili Stampede Breakfast and on Alberta Day at Heritage Park.
“boundless” by Brenda Luong
The shapes, inspired by the Blue Sky City's brand identity and Indigenous beadwork, reflect the ever changing hues of the vast sky above us, with the beam of the sun represented in the centre. Each time someone's hands touches and interacts with a shape, a new combination is formed.
Displayed at Elliston Park in August, during GlobalFest and at Southcentre mall from January to spring 2026.
“Hinga at Hangin” by Harvey Nichol and Mar Cortez
Standing 12 feet tall, the piece draws inspiration from the Balete tree, a sacred symbol in Filipino folklore believed to connect the mortal and spirit worlds. Visitors are invited to step into a space where myth and memory intertwine, surrounded by swirling, branch-like forms that echo the dance of breath (hinga) and wind (hangin).
Displayed at the Central Library from October 2025 to January 2026.
“Rise Up: Stars, Stories and Connections” by Blackfoot collective
featuring Kristy North Peigan (Piikani), Darren Weaselchild (Siksika), and elder Grant Little Mustache (Piikani).
This immersive installation features an open tipi structure with an engraved plexiglass top showcasing Blackfoot constellations. Teachings from Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Grant Little Mustache and illuminated LED elements bring these stories to life.
Displayed at initially at Calgary City Hall from November 2025 to January 2026 and later The CORE Shopping Centre from January to spring 2026.
“EverBlue Gateway” by Ken Hacke and Contemporary Vice
Inspired by the Chinook Arch and our city’s famous blue skies, this immersive piece blends expressive colour, helix-inspired architecture, and interactive LED lighting that shifts with movement and sound. By day, it’s a bold mural bursting with energy. By night, it transforms into a glowing cascade of light, a beacon of creativity, connection, and community.
Displayed at YYC International Arrivals (Door 15) from late 2025 to spring 2026.
Exciting news! These projects will be available on the RISE UP Calgary Community Activation Catalogue (coming soon)! RISE UP Calgary is an open-source platform our team manages that connects Calgarians to live experiences and events, and supports local artists and businesses. This project is another example of our goal to uplift Calgary’s local creative community.
To learn more about our work, check out our Portfolio.
