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

The grant comes from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy, created to continue the celebration of excellence and community spirit so evident during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

As Canada's second largest opera company, Vancouver Opera brings stellar performing arts to one of the world's great cities. Since its founding in 1960, Vancouver Opera has earned an international reputation for excellence, innovation and an ongoing commitment to community involvement.

More than 1.6 million children and their families have participated in Vancouver Opera educational programs. In addition, the company organizes public forums devoted to discussing themes from operas featured during the performance season.

The majority of funding for Vancouver Opera from the provincial government is through the BC Arts Council.

Quotes:

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

"Every year Vancouver Opera makes an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of British Columbia families. The opera brings renowned classics and innovative presentations to the Vancouver stage."

"I commend Vancouver Opera for sustaining immensely successful community outreach programs for youth that promote public appreciation of a great art form and cultural tradition."

James W. Wright, general director, Vancouver Opera -

"We are very grateful for the support of the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. These funds will help support our education and community engagement initiatives which extend throughout British Columbia and connect people of all ages with issues and ideas important to them."

"For example, this fall and winter, our 'Vancouver Opera in Schools' touring program will present about a hundred performances of Naomi's Road, VO's commissioned opera for young audiences. With this support from the ministry, we will also be widening and deepening our connection to local communities through events at our exciting new all-inclusive headquarters on Vancouver's east side, the O'Brian Centre for Vancouver Opera."

Quick Facts:

• During 2011-12, the B.C. government provided more than $53 million in arts funding.
• 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:

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

Find out more about the BC Arts Council at: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca

Explore Vancouver Opera at: http://www.vancouveropera.ca

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677