Creative celebrations and community involvement highlighted Arts and Culture Week in communities throughout British Columbia this year.

The 13th annual Arts and Culture Week, April 22-28, featured a wide variety of events, performances and participatory activities reflecting the amazing diversity of British Columbia's artists, local arts groups and cultural organizations.

Initiated by the BC Arts Council in 1999, Arts and Culture Week has grown into a provincewide celebration in communities large and small, urban and rural throughout British Columbia. Local events in schools, community centres, art galleries, theatres and various venues provided inspiring and entertaining artistic and cultural experiences.

This year's activities included music, visual arts, writing, dance, film/video, drama, storytelling and interdisciplinary arts. In celebration of Arts and Culture Week, British Columbians enjoyed art walks, art classes, arts fairs, arts festivals, community arts awards presentations, open houses, recitals, ballet presentations, cabarets, hip-hop, music theatre and much more.

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.

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

Quotes:

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

"Arts and culture have the power to inspire and educate. I'm inspired by the commitment, energy and success of arts and culture organizations, as well as artists, in communities throughout our province."

"Once again, Arts and Culture Week has provided a great showcase abundantly demonstrating that the arts are thriving in British Columbia."

"Congratulations to the arts and culture sector for creating wonderful local events in their communities. I want to thank British Columbians for making the 13th annual Arts and Culture Week a great success."

Stan Hamilton, chair, BC Arts Council -

"Arts and Culture Week always succeeds in showcasing the incredible profusion of creative community-based arts and culture in British Columbia. Arts and cultural organizations - and artists in communities throughout B.C. - deserve recognition and thanks for sharing their imagination and talent with British Columbians of all ages."

Navida Nuraney, executive director, ArtStarts in Schools -

"B.C. Arts and Culture Week offers British Columbians of all ages a chance to engage in artistic experiences that stimulate creativity and imagination. We strive to ensure that young people across the province receive opportunities to enjoy and participate in meaningful artistic activities in their schools and communities."

"Each year, we look forward to presenting this week-long celebration that turns the spotlight on the role the arts play in learning and in life."

Sheryl McGraw, executive director, ArtsBC -

"British Columbians appreciate opportunities to enjoy inspiring and informative arts and culture experiences in their local communities. Every year, B.C. Arts and Culture Week offers a delightful variety of community-based arts and culture events."

"Congratulations to all the artists and to the many local arts and cultural organizations for making B.C. Arts and Culture Week an outstanding success across British Columbia."

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.

Learn More:

For more information on Arts and Culture Week, visit:

http://bcartsweek.org/promo-downloads

Check out the provincial government's role in supporting artists and 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