Calgary could be striking a relationship with its eastern cultural counterpart as both Cowtown and Niagara Region undertake their year as the shared Cultural Capitals of 2012.

Both areas were dubbed as cultural hubs last year, prompting project manager Terri Donia from Niagara Region to extend an invitation to Calgary seeking partnership opportunities.

“It’s always good to see what the other side of the country is doing,” she said with a laugh. “I think it would be good to make it kind of a national celebration.”

Niagara Regional chairman Gary Burroughs said he thinks there’s potential for cross-promotion, trading ideas and potentially exchanging staff.

“I think there’s an opportunity for us both to benefit from working together,” said Burroughs. “I’ve cooked breakfast at the Calgary Stampede … and it’s so fabulous, the whole city becomes magic during Stampede. Not enough of our residents know about that so they should.”

Executive director of Calgary 2012 Karen Ball said one of their goals is to share Calgary with the rest of the country so a partnership with Niagara is a definite possibility.

“I think it’s always beneficial to build Calgary’s reputation as a vibrant cultural centre outside of the city,” she said. “I can see mutually beneficial exchanges on both sides.”