Flickr photo credit: kumwai

Here at Calgary is Awesome we have been watching how the city has been embracing its title as the Cultural Capital of Canada in 2012.  And while the association of  “Calgary” and “culture” may still confuse some folks, the Calgary 2012 scene seems to be making that association more obvious.

Take, for instance, Calgary 2012’s Grassroots Inspired Grants, or GIGYYC.  By participating in GIGYYC, everyday Calgarians are making the “Calgary” and “culture” connection more real by identifying specific cultural projects that they think are worthy of support.

To be eligible for a $1200 GIG, Calgarians are submitting projects associated with any part of Calgary’s culture.  (That can include artistic culture, sports culture, heritage culture, ethnic diversity culture, entrepreneurial culture… you name it.)  Eligible projects are showcased online, and winners are selected by based on community votes.  Currently featured projects are as diverse as a queer theatre ensemble, a lantern workshop, and a “Fast Pitch” competition for innovative non-profit organizations.

“One of the reasons that the Grassroots events are so great is that people are putting on these events themselves, they’re making the connections to Calgary culture, and getting involved,” says Alyssa Berry, Calgary 2012 Marketing and Communications Manager.

“These people are going to be the leaders that direct what ‘culture’ in the city means.”

Interested in what your fellow Calgarians are putting forward as awesome “cultural” projects?  Do you want your say in picking the winners?  Or do you have one of your own to submit?  Check out GIGYYC.  Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and 27 GIGs are being awarded each month.