VICTORIA - Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett congratulated an acclaimed B.C. artistic director/choreographer and a successful self-taught visual artist recently appointed as new members of the BC Arts Council (BCAC) board.

Established in 1995, the BCAC is a publicly funded B.C. government agency that supports artists and cultural organizations throughout the province. Council enlists the input of British Columbia's arts community to evaluate funding applications through an independent peer-review process.

Emily Molnar, artistic director/choreographer of Ballet BC since 2009, is a graduate of the National Ballet School and a former member of the National Ballet of Canada. Molnar's stellar career in ballet includes extensive performance experience throughout Europe, Asia and North America. As a passionate mentor, advocate and coach, Molnar is committed to nurturing artists and supporting the development of dance and artistic leadership.

Visual artist Joseph Cross is an active member of the Cranbrook community and has also taught art locally. Named Artist of the Year by Trout Unlimited Canada in 2007, he has received international recognition for his work throughout his career. Cross has been commissioned to produce portraits, paintings and presentations by various individuals and organizations, including the Ktunaxa Tribal Council.

Bennett expressed warm thanks to three BCAC board members completing their service: Stephen Foster, Marilyn Timms and Karen Young.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -

"Congratulations to the two newest members of the BC Arts Council board. I'm confident that their invaluable perspective, energy and passion for the arts will support the great work done by council to ensure that arts and culture remain key components in building strong, healthy communities throughout British Columbia."

BC Arts Council chair Stan Hamilton -

"I want to extend a warm welcome to our new board members. Their expertise and vision will help council continue to work effectively on behalf of British Columbia's outstanding artists and great cultural organizations. On behalf of the BC Arts Council, I want to thank Stephen Foster, Marilyn Timms and Karen Young for their superb service to the arts in our province."

Quick Facts:

• This year, BCAC is again investing $16,831,000 in British Columbia's amazing artists and diverse cultural organizations - the same level of stable funding provided by the B.C. provincial government over the last two fiscal years.

• Last year, BCAC approved 1,027 grants to applicants from more than 200 communities throughout British Columbia.

• The B.C. government appoints council's chair, vice-chair and 15-member board.

• Since 2001, the BCAC has granted more than $185 million to artists and cultural organizations in British Columbia.

• Since 2001, the B.C. 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, visit the BCAC website at: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca

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

Media Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677