The Calgary Stampede proudly unveiled the 2024 Stampede Poster artwork, created by 22-year-old Calgarian Lloyd Templeton.
The Poster offers a unique view of the historic Stampede Parade. Stoney Nakoda Tipi Holder Duane Mark is shown riding in the foreground, while a diverse group of Parade participants and spectators comprise a landscape along the downtown Calgary Parade route.
Duane is a Stoney language and cultural instructor who is passionate about preserving and sharing the Stoney Nakoda language. He collaborated with the artist on the title of the piece, which is ‘Wîchîspa Skadabi Odâginabi’ and the two formed a friendship. The phrase translates to ‘Celebrating the Calgary Stampede’ and the composition captures the community spirit and storied history of the Parade.
“The Stampede has always been a place where First Nations people of Treaty 7 could speak their languages, share their traditions, and have ceremonies,” says Will Osler, President & Chair of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors. “To have the 2024 Poster so beautifully capture that relationship and the importance of continuing to celebrate language and culture is incredibly meaningful, and a representation of what the Calgary Stampede stands for.”
“My memories of the parade from when I was a little boy are vivid,” says Lloyd, who is a recent Alberta University of the Arts graduate. “I can feel the warmth of the rising sun, the anticipation, and how the spectacle of horses filling the city streets evoked awe in me. I felt very much a part of the community and the celebration. I hope to evoke similar warm memories in others, or spark a desire in them to experience that awe for themselves.”
This is the sixth straight year the Calgary Stampede has engaged youth in a unique learning and development opportunity. The Calgary Stampede Poster Competition is one of the largest art scholarships in Canada. This is the third time Lloyd has competed in the process and says the experience has helped him develop as an illustrator and painter.
As the winning artist of the Youth Poster Competition, Lloyd receives the $10,000 Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship, generously funded by the Brandon Flock Foundation. The Brandon Flock Foundation provides an additional $10,000 in scholarships to the top eight in the competition annually making the competition one of the largest art scholarships in Canada with $20,000 distributed among the top eight finalists.
Youth across Alberta were invited to enter for their chance to design the 2024 Stampede Poster and participate in a youth achievement opportunity of a lifetime. Successful applicants participated in unique hands-on learning and development experiences, which included one-on-one time spent with local western artists and mentors.
The Calgary Stampede is currently accepting applications from Alberta youth, ages 15 – 24, for the 2025 Poster Competition. The application deadline is Friday, December 1, 2023. Apply to be part of the Youth Poster Competition or find more information about the process here.
Tickets are also now on sale for the 2024 Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show, July 5-14. For the best seats in the house, get yours today by visiting CalgaryStampede.com/tickets.
