The year 2025 proved to be a remarkable period for artistic talent connected to Calgary, with a diverse group of creators across poetry, music, literature, and acting capturing national attention and acclaim. These ten individuals, ranging from established veterans to exciting newcomers, defined the city's cultural output with their outstanding projects and personal breakthroughs.
Social Media Stars and Literary Voices
Calgary's own Josie Balka solidified her status as a multimedia force. Already a familiar voice as co-host of Mornings with Gregg and Josie on Country 105, Balka's relatable poetry on TikTok and Instagram propelled her to new heights. Her debut collection, I Hope You Remember: Poems on Loving, Longing and Living, launched in May 2025, resonated widely. Her work found prestigious fans, with Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore using her unpublished dog ode in their Instagram posts. A reel of her poem I Can’t Remember Anyone at a Public Pool amassed over 12 million views on TikTok, highlighting her powerful connection with a global audience.
In the literary world, journalist and author Marcello Di Cintio, known for his award-winning work in the Calgary Herald's former Swerve Magazine, released a critically important book in 2025. Precarious: The Lives of Migrant Workers offers a meticulously researched and compelling critique of Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker program. The book, which was named one of The Hill Times' Top 100 books of 2025, shares heartbreaking stories that challenge Canada's welcoming reputation and expose systemic issues.
Expatriate writer Scaachi Koul also made waves with her second essay collection, Sucker Punch. Building on the success of her debut, the Calgary-raised journalist and pop-culture commentator delivered another sharply funny yet deeply personal work. The essays delve into challenging topics like body image, racism, and her mother's cancer diagnosis, showcasing her unique voice that has graced publications like the New Yorker and Slate.
Musical Breakthroughs and Acting Dreams
The music scene celebrated a major milestone for singer-songwriter Devon Cole. The former Calgarian, who found initial fame through viral bedroom-pop anthems, had a standout 2025. She released catchy singles like Sorry Mom and Playhouse, but the pinnacle was a career-defining moment: opening for her hero, Shania Twain, at Calgary's Saddledome in July 2025. This dream gig capped a year of significant growth following the release of her second EP, Two Shades Blonder, in 2024.
For actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, 2025 brought the role of a lifetime. The Calgary-based performer landed the high-profile part of the adult Dewey in the Disney+ revival of the beloved sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. Set for release in 2026, the revival reunites much of the original cast, including Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston. Ellsworth-Clark, with his background in theatre and improv, won the role originally played by Erik Per Sullivan, impressing casting directors with both his comedic skill and his striking resemblance to an adult Dewey.
A Testament to a Vibrant Cultural Hub
The achievements of these ten artists in 2025 underscore Calgary's evolving and dynamic cultural landscape. Their success stories—spanning viral social media fame, critical literary acclaim, dream musical stages, and major television roles—demonstrate that the city nurtures talent capable of resonating on both national and international stages. From poets capturing the zeitgeist online to authors tackling pressing social issues and performers reaching iconic venues, these individuals collectively had a very good year, putting Calgary's artistic community firmly in the spotlight.
