The new year is now in full swing, and Calgary’s literary scene has shaken off its holiday dust for a dazzling complement of new events.

Fresh on the heels of Jean-Daniel Lafond’s Art Matters forum, another great thinker visits Calgary to examine the role of the cultural sector. John Holden is the head of culture at Demos, a leading U.K. think tank, and this week he offers The Value of Culture, a lecture that examines how to measure the investment value of art in society. Presented by Calgary Arts Development, the lecture takes place at the Glenbow Museum (130 9 Ave. S.E.) on January 24, 6 p.m.

Dr. James Black continues plugging away at his Monday Night Shakespeare series with its latest instalment, Upsidedownsizing Royalty, an exploration of Henry VI: Parts 1, 2 and 3. It’ll be a rollicking voyage through one of the Bard’s greatest epics, held in the Boris Roubakine Recital Hall (Craigie Hall, University of Calgary) on January 28, 7:30 p.m.

Also at the university, Dominique Perron, an associate professor in the Department of French, Italian and Spanish, discusses her latest publication, Energy, identities and confusion(s): the case of Hydro-Quebec — and the one for Alberta aussi, a followup to her debut book, Le nouveau roman de l’énergie nationale. Join her for a political talk in Social Sciences 1339 (University of Calgary) on January 29, 4 p.m.

Because you simply can’t get enough of the university, stick around for the launch of NoD issue seven, the U of C’s undergraduate literary magazine. With four student readers — Monique T. Fournier, Helen Hajnoczky, Ian Sampson and Michael Yip — plus music, snacks and, of course, the brand-new magazine, it promises to be a good time on the ol’ campus. Check it out at That Empty Space (MacEwan Hall, University of Calgary) on January 29, 7 p.m.

It has been thrilling to watch how, increasingly, sustainable living has become a theme in this column, and this week is no exception as Lauren Maris signs copies of her new book, Live Green Calgary. Maris offers practical and affordable tips to help kick-start your sustainable lifestyle, with topics ranging from transportation to water, electricity to recycling. Get in on the action at McNally Robinson (120 8 Ave. S.W.) on January 30, noon.

In a small-town saloon, a group of beer-drinking old-timers effectively skewer political double-talk, hypocrisy and laziness. Since its launch, Ron Woods’s book, And God Created Manyberries, has caused a stir across Canada with launches throughout Alberta and Ontario. To get your copy signed, head down to McNally Robinson on January 31, noon.

Last year, Möe Clark took home the prize. Who will it be this year? The CBC Poetry Face-Off has become an institution in Canadian literature, bringing together dozens of poets in a national competition. This year, the local competitors are Shone Abet, ryan fitzpatrick, Jill Hartman, Dale Lee Kwong and Sabo, each vying for a chance to represent Calgary on a national level. For an evening of passionate poetry and electric energy, check out the Auburn Saloon (163-115 9 Ave. S.E.) on January 31, 7 p.m.