Irfhan Rawji
Managing Partner, Relay Ventures & Creative Calgary Co-Chair
“Chris is a purpose-driven, high-performing executive who excels at business strategy, stakeholder management and partnership development on high-stakes projects. We brought him to Calgary as the lead strategist and manager of Creative Calgary. In a matter of weeks, he had formed a team that convened Calgary's leading arts organizations and gained buy-in on a campaign plan, brand and community organizing strategy that delivered a major win for the City. The campaign grew into a movement of artists, arts administrators, and arts advocates and the overall effort resulted in municipal arts funding increasing from $6.4M to $12.4M in 2019 and up to $15.5M by 2022. Creative Calgary has grown from a movement into a going concern that continues to advocate for a thriving arts sector, which is a testament to the solid foundation and brand that was established under Chris' leadership. I am grateful we met and thankful for everything he did for us and all Calgarians!”
Prior to the Calgary municipal election, Groundforce Digital was engaged to build a coalition of arts sector organizations and advocates, along with an organizing platform to campaign for increased municipal investment in the local arts sector. The campaign raised awareness about both the economic contributions and intrinsic value that artists and arts organizations bring to the City of Calgary.
The campaign's efforts led to substantial funding increases for Calgary Arts Development (CADA), from $6.4M to $12.4M in 2019, with further growth to $15.5M by 2022.