Red Deer may add “cool” to its name thanks to a special cultural and arts centre downtown.
CBC Calgary and CBC Edmonton announced on Wednesday that Red Deer will be one of six communities vying for the title of Cultureville 2011. Red Deer was specifically recognized for The Hub on Ross Street, which began as an activity centre for adults with developmental disabilities and has since grown into an arts, cultural and entertainment centre for Red Deer.
Earlier this year, communities in the 780 and the 403 area codes submitted nominations explaining why they were Alberta’s most culturally cool community. Those nominations were adjudicated and narrowed down to three communities from Northern Alberta and three from Southern Alberta. The public will now vote on which of these communities will be named Cultureville 2011.
Other communities nominated are Jasper, Camrose, Peace River, Rosebud and the First Nations Treaty Seven community, Tsuu T’ina Nation, located within the Calgary area.
The provincewide competition, being held as part of CBC’s 75th Anniversary celebrations as well as Alberta Arts Days, recognizes the rich cultural diversity of communities throughout Alberta.
“As one of Canada’s largest cultural institutions, CBC is absolutely thrilled to be showcasing hidden cultural gems from throughout the province during our 75th anniversary year,” said Steve Glassman, executive producer of Cultureville. “I encourage Albertans to show their pride by voting for the community that they feel best reflects Alberta’s cultural spirit.”
Public voting begins online at cbc.ca/Edmonton or cbc.ca/Calgary on Sept. 6. Each community will be profiled on CBC Radio One’s Calgary Eyeopener, 99.1 FM/1010 AM, and Edmonton AM, 93.9 FM/740 AM, from Sept. 6 to 16, as well as on a special CBC TV broadcast on Sept. 29 as part of Alberta Arts Days celebrations.