When Was the Last Time You Experienced Art Just for Joy?
By Ciza Zoya
Recently, a friend mentioned she wanted to introduce me to her sister, who was interested in pursuing a career in the arts. She explained that I was one of the few people in her circle who was working in the arts and building a career in the sector.
It was a passing comment, but it stayed with me.
Growing up in Kerala, India, I was taught that the arts weren't necessarily a practical career choice. Art was something you could enjoy, appreciate, or pursue as a hobby, but building a sustainable career around it? That was a different conversation altogether.
So, hearing someone else describe me as someone building a career in the arts felt a little surreal. It made me think about how my relationship with art has changed over the years, from something I simply loved to something that now shapes much of my professional life.
When art becomes your work
There's something wonderful about building a career around something you're passionate about. I get to work with creative people, contribute to meaningful projects, and be part of conversations that shape the cultural life of my community. And I feel fortunate to be able to do that.
But somewhere along the way, I've noticed that my relationship with art has started to change.
I might attend an exhibition and find myself thinking about the curatorial decisions. I might go to a performance and notice how the audience is being engaged. Or I might visit a festival and wonder about the planning, funding, and logistics that made it all possible. Sometimes, instead of simply enjoying the experience, I catch myself mentally taking notes.
And perhaps that's inevitable. Our professional experiences shape how we see the world. But it makes me wonder: When something we love becomes something we do for a living, do we forget how to enjoy it without a purpose?
When I think about my own connection to the arts, I realize it began long before I ever considered pursuing it as a career. One of my fondest childhood memories is attending Thrissur Pooram with my dad in Kerala. I still remember the music, the colours, the crowds, and the incredible energy of it all.
You might have a similar memory. Perhaps it was your first dance performance, a visit to a museum, a favourite song, a class trip to the theatre, or an artwork that made you feel something you couldn't quite put into words. Back then, I certainly wasn't thinking about funding models, organizational sustainability, or audience development. I was simply enjoying art for what it was and how it made me feel. And lately, I wonder if I need to find my way back to that feeling.
Seeing art through the audience's eyes
In arts programming and administration, we spend a lot of time thinking about audiences. How do we attract new people? How do we make arts experiences more accessible? How do we encourage people to keep coming back?
These are important questions, and ones we've explored through the Rozsa Foundation's Spotlight on Arts Audiences research. Understanding audiences and what shapes their experiences continues to inform conversations and work across the arts sector.
But how often do we put ourselves in the audience's shoes?
In the years since COVID-19, theatres, galleries, and cultural spaces have come back to life, with a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and festivals to explore. There's so much happening around us, yet it's easy to get caught up in our busy schedules and forget to make time for it ourselves.
And perhaps we overthink what an arts experience needs to be. Not everyone goes to a performance hoping for a life-changing moment. Sometimes, it's simply about having a good evening with friends, discovering something new, or enjoying a little time away from everyday routines.
A little invitation for the busy arts season
To answer my own question, I recently had the chance to explore As Seen Below – The Dome, a Skyspace by James Turrell, during my trip to Aarhus, Denmark. I attended ODE at Fluid Fest with my mentee, a beautiful pop-pagan performance wrapped in a love letter to the collective. I was also delighted to catch Houdini's Legacy: Calgary's Masters of Magic at The GRAND.
These experiences reminded me how wonderful it feels to simply embrace the joy of art, to be present in the moment.
That conversation with my friend reminded me how fortunate I am to have built a career in the arts. But it also made me realize that being an arts professional is only one part of my relationship with creativity. Before art became something I worked in, it was something I loved. And I'd like to make sure I never lose sight of that.
So, as Calgary's 2026–27 arts season is in its full swing, here's a little invitation to experience something simply because it interests you.
If you're looking for somewhere to start, here are a few Calgary arts organizations and events to explore this season:
Theatre Calgary — Explore the 2026–27 theatre season.
Calgary Philharmonic — Discover upcoming concerts and performances.
Fluid Fest — Experience contemporary dance and performance.
Werklund Centre — Explore performances and cultural experiences.
Pick something that sparks your curiosity, bring a friend, and enjoy the experience.
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