Calgary is having a cultural renaissance
David Leinster leads Contemporary Calgary with a strong vision, a creative mindset, and a focus on community, collaboration, and partnership. Since joining the organisation in 2018, David has been dedicated to advancing the gallery’s mission of making modern and contemporary art accessible to all while fostering a vibrant cultural hub in Calgary.
David’s connection to Contemporary Calgary runs deep. As a key leader in the city’s Expression of Interest process for the Centennial Planetarium, he collaborated with arts community leaders to secure the Planetarium’s future as a home for contemporary art. His dedication to this process cemented his reputation as a creative and strategic thinker, advocating for modern and contemporary art in Calgary. This work followed his involvement with the Institute for Modern and Contemporary Art (IMCA), which later merged with other arts organisations to form Contemporary Calgary in 2014.
Under David’s leadership, Contemporary Calgary has achieved transformative milestones. He secured a 35-year lease of the historic Centennial Planetarium, guaranteeing the gallery’s future in one of Calgary’s most iconic buildings. Additionally, he led efforts to secure a $30 million federal government commitment for future renovations and expansions and has helped raise millions of dollars in private philanthropy, significantly elevating the gallery’s profile locally, nationally, and internationally. In 2024, David’s advocacy was instrumental in achieving Civic Partner status for Contemporary Calgary, aligning it with the City’s major cultural and tourism attractions and ensuring its financial stability.
Before joining Contemporary Calgary, David built a diverse professional background that uniquely prepared him to meet the challenges the gallery faced. At Enbridge, the largest energy transportation company in the world, he oversaw the strategic development and execution of the company’s long-term brand vision. He also led high-profile corporate and nonprofit accounts at Karo Group, a leading Western Canadian branding agency. These roles gave him a deep understanding of the many facets of business, equipping him with the diverse skills needed to lead a complex cultural organization at a pivotal moment.
David’s passion for art stems from his grandmother, an artist who inspired his lifelong appreciation for art, culture and creativity. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier University, where his education also included studies in drawing and painting. This unique combination of artistic insight and business expertise shapes his leadership style and continues to guide his vision for Contemporary Calgary.
Committed to accessibility, collaboration, and innovation, David leads a team of passionate employees who are driving change in Calgary’s arts community and beyond. His work has earned recognition, including being named one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2022..
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