About this project

Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment are more than expressions of culture; they are a vital component of our community's vibrancy and well-being. These sectors foster individual and community connections while offering a sense of identity.

The development of a Medicine Hat Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment Plan aims to strategically nurture and expand these cultural pillars. By aligning this plan with our Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Municipal Development Plan, we are creating a vision for our city's future where culture thrives in Medicine Hat.

Your voice has been crucial to developing the plan. The City has been working with residents, businesses, and community groups of Medicine Hat to participate in shaping a plan that resonates with our community's Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment scene. Together, we can envision and build a city with artistic expression, rich heritage, and diverse entertainment.

The first round of community engagement was conducted in January and February of 2024. The input collected was used to inform the draft Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment plan.

A second round of engagement asking the public to review the draft plan concluded on October 4, 2024. Feedback from the community was used to refine a final Medicine Hat Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment Plan (AHEP).

Actioning the Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment Plan

The Medicine Hat Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment Plan (AHEP) provides a framework for all cultural providers to work towards a common goal.

Community Development is seeking community members interested in participating as part of a focus group composed of various individuals throughout the Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment sector to work through actioning the learnings of the AHEP.

The focus group will meet four times as a group in 2025. Members will be selected to ensure a balance of twelve perspectives (youth, legacy, festival, volunteer, visual art, newcomer, 2SLGBTQ+, theatre and music, marketing, tourism, heritage and Indigenous). Details of the Focus Group can be found here.

The focus group will provide valuable input on:

• Promote the diversity of programming, including Indigenous-related programming, youth engagement, and reimagined offerings for young adults.
• Activate downtown Medicine Hat with cultural activities.
• Increase community access to Co-op Place.
• Support event development and delivery.
• Leverage arts, heritage, and entertainment to support tourism goals.
• Strengthen collaboration through initiatives like a Cultural Forum and the assignment of a Community Cultural Liaison/Facilitator.
• Enhance marketing and promotions.
• Develop an Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment Report Card.
• Support financial accessibility.
• Enhance policy development and volunteer engagement.

Attend the Cultural Forum

The City of Medicine Hat is proud to announce its inaugural Cultural Forum, held Monday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre. The free forum is inspired by the Arts, Heritage and Entertainment Plan, and its vision for a vibrant, connected, and collaborative cultural community.

This engaging inaugural experience offers six unique sessions which blend artists, cultural leaders, organizations, and community stakeholders. Participants will gain practical tools, share perspectives, and help shape collaborative solutions that strengthen cultural programs across our city.

“The Cultural Forum is a space for meaningful dialogue—an opportunity to hear what’s succeeding, uncover what’s needed, and shape our path forward together," said Aaron Nelson, Acting Director, Community Development. "Gathering diverse voices in one place helps us strengthen connections, build shared perspectives, and deepen our collective commitment to a stronger, more unified cultural landscape.”

Sessions

• Welcome, opening reflection
• Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment Plan presentation
• Guided walking tour
• Marketing fundamentals workshop
• Collaborative outreach and event coordination
• Networking

Register
Registration opens to the public on Friday, March 6.

Artists, organizations, businesses, and community members who are passionate about arts, heritage, and entertainment are welcomed to attend and be part of the ongoing conversation. Those interested are encouraged to register and secure their spot while tickets are still available.

Register, view the event schedule, and learn more about the Cultural Forum on the event page at Tixx.ca.