Every year at the end of April, schools and communities across the province host a spectacular array of events and activities as part of Arts and Culture Week. Now entering its 9th year, Arts and Culture Week turns the spotlight on the vital contribution that arts and culture make in learning and in life. Music, films, media arts, dance, books, theatre and visual art are a part of daily life, and have a lasting impact. They inspire us, challenge us and broaden our horizons.
How arts and culture affect British Columbians
The arts and culture sector employs over 63,000 people in
communities across BC, with a growth rate three times the
provincial average. The film and television industry alone
brings in $2.82 billion to our economy. BC artists in all
disciplines are recognized internationally as among the best.
Each year, our museums, galleries, festivals and performances
attract visitors from around the world.
Arts and culture also play an essential role in learning. Participating in
arts programs and activities not only provides students with the
discipline and creativity to enhance their learning - schools
with strong arts programs cite improved attendance and student
motivation, renewed community participation, increased
graduation rates and higher scores on standardized tests - but
also gives them a strong foundation for enriching their lives.
Arts and Culture Week Presenters
This year Arts and Culture Week is presented by the Assembly of BC Arts Councils and ArtStarts in Schools. With the support of the Province of BC
through the British Columbia Arts Council, these two organizations bring
the value of arts and culture in education and at the community
level into sharp focus. We invite all British Columbians to join
the celebration by participating in local Arts and Culture Week
events.
About ArtStarts in Schools:
ArtStarts links learning and the arts. Founded in 1996, we are a unique not-for-profit organization offering educators, artists, parents and students a programs and resources to foster arts and creativity among BC's young people including grants for artist-in-the-classroom and performance activities, a cross-BC booking and touring service, an annual performing arts showcase and exhibition, and a new gallery dedicated to young people's art opening in spring 2006 in downtown Vancouver.
Our vision: “ArtStarts envisions a society where the arts are regarded as an essential part of educating young people and a catalyst for creating innovative, engaged and contributing members of society. ArtStarts in Schools has a leadership role in transforming the way children and youth are engaged, in and through the arts, and in promoting the value of the arts in young lives.”
Our mission: “ArtStarts in Schools provides innovative arts programs for young people, practical resources for teachers and artists and leadership in advocacy for arts in education.”
More on our website http://www.artstarts.com/
About the Assembly of British Columbia Arts Councils
The Assembly of BC Arts Council was founded in 1979 to represent and serve the diverse needs of community and regional arts councils in BC. We serve a province-wide membership of 96 community and regional arts councils and 35 other arts organizations and individuals who support our aims and objectives. While our purpose and role have evolved over the past 26 years, we remain committed to offering programs and support services that advance skills and encourage the understanding and growth of community arts and cultural development learning and practice throughout BC.
Our mandate is to create and support initiatives and improve opportunities and for community development through arts and culture through the delivery of programs and services to the community arts sector, through advocacy and the development of resources to support of grass roots arts advocacy, and by fostering partnerships and joint actions on the unique ways arts and culture principles and practices contribute to healthy, diverse, creative communities.
Over the past 26 years, the Assembly has been a leader in community arts development, providing education, training, services and resources and by encouraging dialogue and strategic partnerships across sectors around arts based community development.
More on our website www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca
