It was four months of hard work, focused energy and a deep commitment to making a difference and last night, Linda Hawke, president of the board of directors for This is My City, stood in front of an audience and graciously thanked those who supported the This is My City Festival that was held between January and May of this year to celebrate, Arts from the Margins.

And what an event it was.

You can check out the happenings on the This is My City website here.

When Beth Gignac and her amazing team at the City of Calgary Arts & Culture department conceived of This is My City 4 years ago, it was impossible to see just what would happen when artists and homeless agencies and those with the lived experience of homelessness came together to explore — what it means to co-create from every side of the street.

In that co-creation, miracles happened. Lives changed and dreams came true and continue to be lived in vibrant, life-giving colour.

One man with the lived experience of homelessness, had a book of his paintings published with a Calgary Poet. Reg’s Trees

Jordan from the DI gets ready to ‘tag’

Another man, who took part in the world premiere production of Two Bit Oper Eh Shun? as part of the original This is My City project, is on his way to New York to participate with the amazingly talented and deep-hearted Onalea Gilbertson in the remounting of the oratorio when it will be staged as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival in July under the new name — Requiem for a Lost Girl.

And there are countless other stories of change and miracles unfolding, not just of those with the homeless experience, but for those who participated as artist mentors, volunteers and contributors to the events over the course of the first year pilot project managed and funded by the City of Calgary, Arts & Culture department, and now under the banner of the This is My City Art Society.

This is My City is making a big and important difference in our city, and in the lives of those who participate, contribute and come out to support this important initiative.

Last night I attended the Festival closing ceremonies and was in awe of how one idea has grown into such a wondrous, exciting and important initiative.

And, I am grateful. As This is My City grew into the wonder of its presence on our streets, in the shelters, our homes and hearts today, I was able to contribute and participate in its growth. And in my participation, I too was changed. I too experienced wonder, growth and miracles happening in my life.

This is My City makes a difference.

Thank you everyone who helped make the difference shine throughout the festival this year. You are the difference we make when we act together with commitment and love towards making the world a better place for everyone, no matter what side of the street they walk on.