PrairiesCan funding of more than $194,000 will enable Banff Centre to modernize processes so it can continue to play a vibrant role in Canada's arts scene

BANFF, AB, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- Across the Prairies, performing arts organizations help build vibrant cities and communities by bringing people together, attracting visitors, supporting local jobs, and creating shared cultural experiences. The Government of Canada has a plan to build the infrastructure needed to make Canada strong, today and for generations to come. This investment supports the continued sustainability and growth of performing arts organizations across the Prairies, including here in Alberta.

Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced $194,949 in federal investment under the Prairies Performing Arts Initiative for Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity to support the move to a single customer relationship management system. This project will help improve customer experiences and strengthen Banff Centre's role in a strong, resilient economy.

The investment will help Banff Centre replace legacy systems, streamline operations, and introduce easier ways for visitors to buy tickets and enjoy services. For the first time, audiences will be able to access memberships, subscriptions, bundled ticket packages with rooms and meals, donor advance sales, exclusive benefits, and merchandise—improving the visitor experience while helping Banff Centre grow revenue.

Quotes

"Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a cornerstone of Alberta's cultural landscape. For generations, it has inspired artists, welcomed visitors from around the world, and contributed to the vitality of communities and local economies. Through this investment, our government is helping the Banff Centre modernize its operations and enhance the visitor experience, ensuring it can continue to showcase Alberta's creativity, attract talent, and create opportunities for years to come."
– The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) 

"As Banff Centre looks toward its 100th anniversary in 2033, strong foundational systems are essential to our long-term success. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Canada and PrairiesCan for this investment, which will modernize our operations, enhance the experience of our audiences and participants, and help ensure Banff Centre continues to thrive for generations to come."
– Chris Lorway, President and CEO, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Quick facts

• The Prairies Performing Arts Initiative (PPAI) is part of Canada's Budget 2024 commitment to create vibrant and inclusive communities. PPAI provides $20 million in one-time support over three years (2024-2025 to 2026-2027).
• This initiative provides non-repayable contributions directly to eligible professional performing arts organizations to support projects that contribute to the financial sustainability and growth of the performing arts sector across the Prairies.
• The intake period for the PPAI is now closed. Applications received and acknowledged by PrairiesCan prior to the intake period closing will be evaluated subject to remaining funding.
• Budget 2024 also provided $31 million over two years to the Canadian Arts Presentation Fund delivered by Canadian Heritage to support organizations that present arts.
• Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a charitable post-secondary institution dedicated to training and development in arts, leadership, Indigenous culture, and mountain culture, located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Its 43-acre campus hosts performance venues, artmaking studios, classrooms and lecture halls, an art gallery, hotels, restaurants, as well as a fitness centre.
• In the 2025-26 season, Banff Centre welcomed over 1,300 participants and 57,000 attendees to a year-long calendar of events and festivals, including the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival and the Banff International String Quartet Competition.

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
• Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity 

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SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada