Office of the Premier
British Columbia artists and arts organizations will be travelling internationally to share their work and make connections, thanks to provincial government funding, part of the Province’s Creative Economy Strategy.
Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, made the announcement today with representatives from Ballet BC. The International Presence pilot project is funding 18 projects totalling $237,574, representing a range of artistic disciplines and tour locations in Canada, the United States and Europe.
(flickr.com) Highlights include:
- Ballet BC’s international tour to Birmingham, U.K., New York City and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
- Roots music group Slim Sandy’s five-country European tour where it is the only Canadian act at several international festivals.
- Green Thumb Theatre’s North American tour of Celestial Being.
- Support for artist Geoffrey Farmer to represent Canada at the Venice Biennale in 2017.
- International tour of Kidd Pivot and Electric Company’s Betroffenheit.
By promoting international touring, the Province is strengthening the global presence of B.C.’s creative sector. As well as being artistic ambassadors for the province, recipients have an opportunity to expand their global exposure, build international relationships, tap into new markets, and help attract investors, collectors, patrons or presenters.
More information on support for B.C.'s international presence will be available in coming months, once a review of the pilot project is completed.
For a full list of recipients, visit: http://ow.ly/qsiI300AFYH
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development –
“Presenting made-in-B.C. art on the world stage helps to increase international exposure of our creative sector. These artistic ambassadors raise our province’s global profile as a great place to live, work, play and invest, strengthening B.C.’s creative economy. B.C.’s artists make us proud at home and abroad. Congratulations to all of the recipients.”
Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –
“It gives me great pride to see some of B.C.’s top artists present their work and make connections on the world stage. International Presence pilot project recipients will raise awareness of B.C.’s artistic excellence far beyond our province’s borders. Further, they will benefit tremendously from their tours, enriching their communities back home.”
Emily Molnar, artistic director, Ballet BC –
“Ballet BC is honoured to be one of the first recipients for funding through the Creative Economy Strategy. This generous support is making it possible for B.C.’s largest dance company to embark on an international tour that will strengthen B.C.’s reputation in international markets, allow Ballet BC to act as an ambassador of B.C. talent and highlight our cultural assets.”
Quick Facts:
- The United Nations has identified the creative economy as one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors for income generation, job creation and export earnings.
- With 24,800 artists, B.C. has more artists per capita than any other province.
- The number of artists in B.C. grew by 74% between 1989 and 2013.
- B.C.’s culture GDP was $6.7 billion in 2014, representing 3% of B.C.’s economy.
- B.C. had 81,385 culture jobs in 2014, 3.5% of total jobs in B.C.
- The B.C. government will spend more than $60 million on artists, arts and culture organizations in 2016-17, including $24 million through the BC Arts Council and about $17.5 million in community gaming grants.
Learn More:
- Read more about the Creative Economy at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/creativeeconomy
