Let me set the scene for you: It’s May, I’ve just finished a three-hour philosophy class, and I’m exhausted on the train. With a bit of time to kill before the Thursday night jam sessions at Alcove start, I decide to grab a mango Sparkling Ice before heading down.

I recently had a chance to sit down and chat with local artists from Calgary/Mohkintsis. Have a look at our short conversations about their experiences as artists.

Third places is a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg and refers to places where people spend time between home ('first' place) and work ('second' place). Third places are important as they bring people together with shared interests and make people feel connected to their communities.

Art has been a fundamental part of human expression for as long as we can remember. It's how we communicate and share our stories, whether through poetry, prose, painting, photography, music, or dance. Art is not only a form of self-expression but also a powerful catalyst for change.