The Province is providing $75,000 to help the City of Duncan make local arts and culture an important part of its centennial anniversary celebrations, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong announced.

Funding will come from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy, established to carry on the spirit of community celebration that played such a key role in the success of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This funding is part of the $800,000 announced last month to help B.C. communities incorporate local arts and culture into their upcoming milestone anniversary festivities.

An Intercultural Day and family dance, a 100-km motorcycle ride, a Guinness Book of World Records fitness challenge, geocaching and the creation of a time capsule to be opened in 25 years are among the activities taking place in the coming months to celebrate Duncan's centennial anniversary.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"This funding is helping a number of B.C. communities to include local arts and culture in their celebrations of significant anniversaries, fostering an even greater sense of pride and identity. The City of Totems has a wealth of local artisans and a diverse cultural mosaic that I'm sure will bring an exciting flair to its festivities."

Sharon Jackson, councillor and chair of the Centennial Celebrations Committee for the City of Duncan -

"This is great news for the City of Duncan. The whole committee is delighted to get this funding boost, which will help expand our centennial celebrations. We look forward to spotlighting the community's rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts community."

Quick Facts:

• The Province will maintain funding levels to arts and culture in 2012-13, spending more than $53 million on artists and arts and culture organizations.
• Government is also maintaining funding to arts and culture through the Community Gaming Grant Program. In 2012-13, the Province anticipates that $17.5 million will once again be distributed to the arts and culture sector.
• Since 2001, the provincial government has provided more than $2.6 billion in support of arts and culture in British Columbia, including the screen-based entertainment industry.

Learn More:

Check out the provincial government's role in supporting artists, arts and cultural organizations through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

For more information on Duncan's centennial celebrations, go to http://duncancentennial.ca/

Contacts:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 208-4028

Sharon Jackson
Councillor, chair of Centennial Celebrations Committee
jacksononcouncil@live.com
250 746-9451