CULTURAL OLYMPIAD SHOWCASES B.C. ARTISTS’ EXCELLENCE

VICTORIA – The 2009 instalment of the Cultural Olympiad, set to launch Feb. 1, will showcase the excellence of British Columbia’s artistic scene and build excitement for the cultural components of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Bill Bennett said today.

“We have a wealth of world-class talent in British Columbia. Arts and culture are an important part of our identity and strength as a province, and the Cultural Olympiad showcases that on a national and international stage. By investing in our finest arts performers and organizations, we’re ensuring that when the eyes of the world are on B.C. in 2010, they’ll see our incredible cultural richness and diversity,” said Bennett.

The Province has supported 48 of the groups and organizations involved in the various instalments of the Cultural Olympiad. Thirty-seven artists and organizations shared in $350,000 in 2008 through the Arts Legacy fund, a $20-million endowment fund that supports the creation, development and presentation of works of art at significant venues and events.

Groups that benefited from this funding include the South Asian Arts Society, the Bill Reid Foundation and the Canadian Music Centre.

A further 11 groups shared in $214,850 in grants in the fall of 2008, thanks to a new program launched with the proceeds of the BC150 Cultural Fund. The program was created by the BC Arts Council to support the production costs of participation in significant national or international cultural events.

Groups that benefited from this funding include the Hard Rubber New Music Society, for the Drum and Light Festival, and Dancers of Damelahamid, for the We yah hani nah Coastal First Nations Dance Festival.

“The BC Arts Council is proud to support artists and arts organizations participating in the 2009 Cultural Olympiad through the Special Projects: Unique Opportunities program. The Cultural Olympiad is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strength of B.C.’s artistic community to the rest of the country and indeed the world,” said BC Arts Council chair Donald Shumka.

The Cultural Olympiad is a series of multi-disciplinary festivals and digital programs showcasing the best in Canadian and international arts and popular culture. Launched in 2008, this multi-year celebration features an expanded program in 2009, and culminates with the 60-day Cultural Olympiad 2010, which begins before and continues throughout the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information on the Cultural Olympiad, visit www.vancouver2010.com/culturalolympiad.

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Media contact:	Jeff Rud Communications Director 250 356-9869 250 208-4028 (cell)

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