British Columbians are celebrating the 13th annual Arts and Culture Week, April 22-28, in recognition of the province's talented artists and diverse arts and cultural organizations.

Events in every region throughout British Columbia will help British Columbians of all ages enjoy Arts and Culture Week this year. Art walks, public art projects, art exhibitions and performances featuring work by more than 20,000 B.C. artists will inspire provincewide celebrations of the arts in communities large and small.

The BC Arts Council initiated Arts and Culture Week in 1999 to raise the profile of B.C. artists and arts organizations. Arts and Culture Week highlights the social, cultural and economic value of the arts in B.C. communities. Participation in Arts and Culture Week activities helps connect artists with existing audiences and fosters opportunities in the arts for a new generation of creative British Columbians.

Council works closely with partners, ArtsBC and ArtStarts in Schools to deliver the week-long awareness campaign.

The BC Arts Council, an independent agency of the provincial government, supports arts throughout the province by consulting with the arts and cultural community to develop cultural policy and a long-term strategy for the development of the creative sector.

Quotes:

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

"British Columbia inspires outstanding arts and culture, from the ancient traditions of First Nations to exciting, creative innovations in contemporary art."

"By celebrating Arts and Culture Week, we recognize the diverse cultural heritage and ongoing artistic excellence emblematic of British Columbia. Arts and culture will continue to flourish into the future, enriching the lives of British Columbians in communities throughout the province."

Stan Hamilton, chair, BC Arts Council -

"Arts and Culture Week provides one more opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions of British Columbia's amazing arts sector, while acknowledging the cultural and economic value of the arts to families and communities across the province."

Quick Facts:

• The Province provided more than $53 million in arts funding during 2011-12.
• Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has granted $169 million to artists and cultural organizations in British Columbia.
• Since 2001, the provincial government has provided more than $2.6 billion in support for arts and culture in British Columbia, including the screen-based entertainment industry.

For more information on Arts and Culture Week, visit:

http://bcartsweek.org/promo-downloads

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

Contact:

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