Arts·Commotion

What is going on with the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity?

Globe and Mail Business journalist Josh O'Kane explains why one of Canada's most respected arts organizations is in turmoil.

Business journalist Josh O'Kane shares what we know about the current state of the national arts hub

The Kinnear Centre, located on the Banff Centre campus, is shown during the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival on Nov. 4, 2022. The Alberta government has dismissed the entire board of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and replaced it with a temporary administrator. The centre in the mountain town of Banff, west of Calgary, develops and promotes creative work in the arts, sciences, business and the environment.
The Kinnear Centre, located on the Banff Centre campus, is shown during the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival on Nov. 4, 2022. The Alberta government has dismissed the entire board of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and replaced it with a temporary administrator. The centre in the mountain town of Banff, west of Calgary, develops and promotes creative work in the arts, sciences, business and the environment. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Colette Derworiz)

One of Canada's most respected arts organizations is in turmoil.

The trouble began when the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity started looking for new leadership, with people divided over whether it should stay focused on mentoring artists or move toward tourism and hosting corporate conventions.

Now that the Alberta government has dismissed the whole board, the path forward is anything but clear.

Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud speaks with journalist Josh O'Kane, who has been investigating the saga for the Globe and Mail.

LISTEN | Today's episode on YouTube:

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with Josh O'Kane produced by Jess Low.