The Government of British Columbia is providing $150,000 to help B.C.’s diverse artists, including First Nations, participate in a national arts and culture festival celebrating Canadian talent during the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said today.

Prince George is inviting B.C. artists to participate in the Arts & Cultural Festival from Feb. 13 to March 1, 2015, held as part of the 2015 Canada Winter Games hosted by the city. Government of British Columbia funding will help B.C. performers from throughout the province take part, with a focus on artists from First Nations and northern communities.

Eligible artists include musicians, actors, dancers, writers, sculptors, visual artists, street performers and filmmakers. Events include music performances, mural painting, ice sculpture and literary readings. Presentations will be held at a variety of venues, including a Main Stage in the Canada Games Plaza. Workshops offered during the festival include dance, playwriting and choral music.

The Prince George 2015 Canada Winter Games Host Society is mandated to program a professional arts and cultural festival demonstrating excellence in a variety of disciplines. Programming will be guided by a jury review made up of local artists representing various fields of practice.

For more information on how to participate, contact Karen Jeffery, manager of ceremonies and culture: 250 596-2015 extension 218, or email: kjeffery@canadagames2015.ca

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes -

“The 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George will host the largest arts and cultural festival in the history of northern British Columbia. The festival offers British Columbia’s artists, including representatives from First Nations, a wonderful opportunity to perform for a national and international audience alongside Canada’s best talent. We are proud to help B.C.’s diverse, superb artists enjoy a great opportunity to show the nation and the world that artistic excellence and cultural creativity are thriving in our province.”

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond -

“It is fantastic that the 2015 Canada Winter Games will celebrate both athletics and the arts.  The arts and cultural festival will add an important dimension and showcase British Columbia's best artists and performers.  All of us can look forward to great performances, workshops and demonstrations making our Games experience even more memorable.”

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris -

“The 2015 Canada Winter Games provide a unique opportunity for artists to showcase and share their work from various artistic mediums. This is a great way for us to celebrate our artists here in B.C.”

Prince George 2015 Canada Winter Games Host Society CEO Stuart Ballantyne -

“We are grateful for and proud of the Province's support of the Arts & Cultural program at the 2015 Canada Winter Games. 2015 marks the first time a winter edition of the Canada Games will be held in British Columbia and what better way to celebrate than to showcase some of British Columbia’s great artists, entertainers and performers.”

Quick Facts:

• The 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George will be the biggest sporting event northern British Columbia has ever hosted.
• Prince George and northern British Columbia will host 2,350 athletes, 950 coaches and officials and thousands of visitors.
• The Lheidli T’enneh is the Official Host First Nation for the 2015 Canada Games.
• Prince George is the first city of British Columbia to host a winter edition of the Canada Games.

Learn More:

For more information on the 2015 Canada Winter Games, visit: http://www.canadagames2015.ca/

Check out the Government of British Columbia’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 Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462