Calgary has a golden opportunity to celebrate the city’s arts, culture and heritage in 2012 and your participation is essential.

“2012 is a big year for Calgary’s cultural history,” says Tracey Read, Centennial manager, Calgary Stampede. “Many of our city’s cornerstone institutions are celebrating centennial anniversaries including the Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Public Library, the Pumphouse Theatre and the GRAND Theatre.”

Read is part of the Calgary 2012 bid committee heading up a proposal to have Calgary declared the 2012 Cultural Capital of Canada.

Calgary Arts Development Authority and the Calgary Stampede in partnership with the City of Calgary Recreation, the Calgary Public Library, Tourism Calgary and Calgary Economic Development are looking for 100 Calgarians to create an advisory panel that will shape the ideas that go forward in the bid application.

To find out how you can join the advisory panel, go to calgary2012.com. Applications are due Thursday, September 9, 2010.The bid will be submitted in October 2010 with a decision expected in March or April 2011.

There are many ways to be involved in Calgary’s centennial. Interested Calgarians can sign up to receive information and put their great ideas forward at calgary2012.com.