Contemporary Calgary

Creating a bold identity and flexible design system

It’s not often you get to see an organization through a rebrand—twice.

For over 20 years I had the opportunity to work with Contemporary Calgary (formerly known as IMCA) as they evolved from a group of arts advocates into the respected art gallery and organization they are today. I consulted and worked with their executive and board on two identities as the not-for-profit responded to changing political, environmental and market conditions. 

In 2013 IMCA respond to the City of Calgary’s request for interest in the historic Planetarium building site. I led the Frank team in this initiative and over 14-days the team wrote a business case, crafted a visually assertive design and delivered a powerful and strategic document that solidified the organization’s plans for the dormant site. The pitch invited Calgarians to “Get Ready for Change” and embrace the power of a contemporary art gallery. Our messaging and the manner in which it told the story was a milestone for the organization and its board. The pitch to the City of Calgary was successful and IMCA was granted a lease to the site. 

IMCA underwent further evolution when they merged with the Art Gallery of Calgary and Triangle Gallery (MOCA) to form Contemporary Calgary. I creative directed the design team and coached the client and board through the rebrand process. The result was a rename, design strategy for fund development and a flexible dynamic design system for communications and advertising. Contemporary Calgary (commonly known as C) was born and has become an iconic Western Canadian arts organization.

project role: Client Manager, Brand Strategy, Creative Director, Designer, Content Development & Writing