PROVINCE FUNDS ARTS EDUCATION FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN

VANCOUVER – A $167,000 grant to the Arts Umbrella Provincial Outreach program will support the ongoing delivery of visual and performing arts programs to vulnerable children and youth in diverse regions of the province, announced Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen.

“An arts education helps children and youth build self-esteem, social and problem-solving skills and young people who participate in the arts use fewer social, justice and health services,” said Christensen. “This funding will make programs available to vulnerable children, youth and families who may otherwise not be able to benefit from an arts education because of financial challenges or geographic location.”

“This government has made investing in community arts development a priority,” added Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Bill Bennett. “These types of innovative programs are bringing the benefits of our vibrant arts culture to more and more British Columbians every year.”

Beginning in 2004, with a funding commitment from the Province, Arts Umbrella piloted its programs in communities such as Dawson Creek, Kelowna, Victoria, Fort St. John, Kitimat and Terrace, reaching almost 15,000 young people.

This grant is the second instalment of a $500,000 commitment over three years to enable Arts Umbrella to build on the successes of the pilot project, and take its programs to even more rural communities across the province.

“If we hadn’t been challenged by the government of B.C. to take our programming to other parts of the province, we would not have been in a position to even consider it,” said Lucille Pacey, chief executive officer of Arts Umbrella. “We thank the Ministry of Children and Family Development for having the foresight to recognize the importance of early intervention with young people and the role that arts education plays in changing a child’s perspective. We believe every child should have the chance to be the best they can.”

Arts Umbrella Provincial Outreach Programs deliver a range of visual and performing arts workshops for young people with a particular focus on painting, printmaking, theatre and dance. In addition, Arts Umbrella offers teacher-training workshops so the programming can continue. Student accomplishments are celebrated through public performances and art exhibitions. This initiative provides children and youth with a creative outlet through exposure to arts education, while creating effective partnerships with schools and community organizations across the province.

Located on Granville Island in Vancouver, Arts Umbrella is a non-profit centre for arts education for young people aged 2 to 19. Weekly classes are taught by professional artist-educators who help children and youth, regardless of financial situation, develop a myriad of skills and abilities that are needed throughout their life.

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Media contact:	Kelly Gleeson Communications Director Ministry of Children and Family Development 250 356-2007 250 361-6313 (cell)

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