CKUA Radio Network is thrilled to announce a $200,000 gift from Dean and Barb Prodan.
The Prodans are longtime listeners and CKUA supporters who live in Calgary. Dean is an independent businessman and a key figure in the Calgary arts and investment sectors. He has been active in the not-for-profit sector, serving such organizations as Calgary Arts Development, Calgary Foundation, Quest Theatre Company, the Calgary Stampede Foundation, and Platform Calgary.
His reasons for supporting CKUA are rooted in a desire to support artists and the cultural sector.
“I’ve been a supporter of CKUA for many years, so this isn’t something new for me,” says Dean. “It’s an ongoing commitment, to support the organization that supports so many artists in the province and in the country.”
Dean was born and raised in Calgary, and has been a CKUA listener for more than 30 years. Summers spent on a farm, east of Hanna, made CKUA connections that went beyond the music. “I remember, at lunch time, hearing the farm report.”
Now, decades later, Dean says the musical programming continues to interest him. “I love being introduced to new music,” he says, mentioning Wide Cut Country, hosted by Allison Brock, as a favourite program. “And like everyone else, I just love the variety.”
“Music is such an important part of the human experience, and I see CKUA as a social enterprise. It’s a business, but it also supports, directly and indirectly, other businesses. Artists, venues, and festivals benefit when CKUA is strong.”
One thing that’s important to Dean is supporting the artists who make music. “CKUA introduces music to people who might not hear it otherwise. It all comes back to doing our best to help musicians get paid for their work. All the work I do in the arts is about making sure artists can make a living wage. And CKUA gets musicians on the air, gets them airtime.”
Dean knows that the changing landscape of music and broadcasting is challenging, but he trusts that the board and leadership of CKUA will adapt and grow beyond its 100th anniversary in 2027.
“The work that CKUA does to support live performances and adjusting to the changing world of music is important. I’m happy to be part of watching CKUA evolve.”
Kevin Fitzgerald, CKUA’s Chief Development Officer, says, “We are grateful to Dean and Barb Prodan for their truly generous support. This donation reflects their commitment to a long term sustainable CKUA. It is a tangible way for Dean and Barb to participate in the celebration of CKUA’s upcoming 100th anniversary and to help CKUA plan for its future. We are deeply appreciative!”
