The 14th annual BC Arts and Culture Week, April 21-27, will offer British Columbians great opportunities to enjoy exciting arts events in communities throughout the province.

The B.C. government is investing $1.5 million in two new arts programs to help cultural organizations continue to provide quality arts experiences in communities throughout British Columbia.

Eighteen B.C. communities will benefit from government grants geared to the development of local sport programs.

The B.C. government is providing a shorter, simpler application form for local organizations throughout the province re-applying for community gaming grants, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett announced today.

The B.C. government is providing $25,000 to help the Village of Anmore make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 25th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett announced today.

The B.C. government is providing $75,000 to help the township of Esquimalt make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 100th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett announced today.

Vancouver's Honda Celebration of Light festival in English Bay will shine brighter thanks to significant funding from the B.C. government, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Vancouver Opera has received $250,000 from the government of British Columbia, Community Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong announced.

The Province extends its warmest congratulations to Victoria's Ryder Hesjedal for his historic and exhilarating victory at the Giro d'Italia this weekend, announced Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong.