The Province of British Columbia is proud to proclaim Local Government Awareness Week, May 15-21, 2016.

The BC Arts Council is distributing over $150,000 through 30 grants to artists and arts organizations in 10 B.C. communities. This funding supports a range of learning, professional development and touring initiatives, including performances, residencies, scholarships, skill development and research.

The Province has approved regulations that will allow elected local government officials to be appointed by their local government to serve on certain society or corporate boards, without risk of disqualification based on financial conflict of interest.

Eleven arts organizations throughout the province are receiving up to $50,000 each to renovate their spaces or purchase specialized equipment, which will result in stronger partnerships, increased innovation and a more robust creative economy.

British Columbia is celebrating the multiple sectors that make up B.C.’s vibrant and flourishing creative industry, including film, television, interactive media, music, magazine and book publishing.

The Province is encouraging more British Columbians to get active with program grants in two areas: those that develop accessible sport in rural communities and those specifically promoting active and healthy lifestyles for girls and women.

British Columbians will enjoy and celebrate our province’s rich cultural scene during BC Arts and Culture Week, proclaimed this year as April 17 to 23, 2016.

It’s another victory for B.C. as the province hosts a new international sporting tournament, the HSBC Women’s World Rugby Sevens Series. The women’s series is one of a number of world-renowned sporting events that are attracting visitors and keeping British Columbia in the global spotlight.

British Columbians are invited to celebrate authors, publishers and the written word on BC Book Day.