Five arts organizations are receiving a combined $250,000 through the Government of British Columbia’s International Presence funding in 2016-17.

These grants will provide the opportunity for more than 70 B.C. artists and arts organizations to connect with more than 60 international presenters and curators from over 20 countries. This investment aims to increase international awareness of and exposure to B.C. artists, culture, creativity and innovation.

Recipients include:

Fascinator Management ($30,000)

Fascinator Management will represent seven B.C. arts organizations at 12 international industry events in the U.S., Europe and India over the next two years.

Made in BC Dance on Tour ($50,000)

A collaborative market development initiative for B.C.’s contemporary dance sector. Made in BC, Eponymous Management and Ballet BC will travel together to international trade shows and other market gatherings, providing a united public face for B.C. dance.

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival ($60,000)

PuSh will bring 30 international curators to participate in the PuSh Assembly and to see B.C. works. This international networking event provides opportunities for B.C. artists to interact and build relationships with the incoming presenters.

Theatre Replacement Society ($50,000)

For 2017 and 2018, Theatre Replacement and Company 605 will produce PushOFF, a two-day curated platform of touring works and works in development timed with the PuSh Festival in Vancouver.

Vancouver Art Gallery Association ($60,000)

Vancouver Special: Ambivalent Pleasures will be the first iteration of a new triennial series examining contemporary art practices in Vancouver. The project will introduce 40 emerging and mid-career Vancouver artists to a global network of 33 curators, programmers and critics.

This round of funding aims to develop relationships between B.C.’s arts and culture sector and its international counterparts through projects that expose participants to new markets and promotional opportunities; that bring international presenters and curators to the province to increase their exposure to B.C. artists; and that nurture long-term relationships that result in cultural and artistic exchange or unique collaborative opportunities.

Projects receiving International Presence funding will have a positive, long-term impact on B.C.’s creative economy, fulfilling one goal of the Creative Economy Strategy to maximize opportunities to showcase B.C. artists internationally in support of trade and investment objectives.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development –

“B.C.’s outstanding artists and arts organizations deserve a spotlight on the international stage. By investing in key projects, we are helping artists throughout B.C. build global relationships, thereby strengthening our creative economy.”

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –

“Art is a medium that can transcend language and cultural barriers. By supporting British Columbia’s artists, we are not only establishing ourselves on an international level, but empowering future artists to pursue their dreams. I would like to congratulate the five organizations receiving funding and thank them for their contributions to B.C.’s art sphere.”

Norman Armour, artistic and executive director, PuSh International Performing Arts Festival –

“Connecting with the international community is a crucial step in an artist’s career. With support from International Presence funding, the PuSh Assembly will showcase an exciting range of B.C. works, groups and individual artists to 30 contemporary arts curators from around the world, forging important new relationships and raising the profile of our dynamic arts scene.”

Quick Facts:

• The 2015-16 International Presence pilot project invested $237,574 through 18 grants to support international touring by B.C. artists and arts organizations.
• The Government of B.C. is investing more than $60 million in arts and culture organizations in 2016-17, including about $17.5 million through community gaming grants.
• Launched in February 2016, the Government of British Columbia’s three-year Creative Economy Strategy is supporting and growing the creative sector. This strategy focuses on four key areas:
  • Leveraging talent and creative clusters.
  • Accessing new markets.
  • Maximizing investment.
  • Enriching communities.
• 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.

Learn More:

Creative Economy Strategy: http://www.gov.bc.ca/creativeeconomy

International Presence: http://ow.ly/sxdk3083Co5