Every 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 12th 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
Arts and Culture Week is presented through the joint effort of ArtStarts in Schools and the Assembly of BC Arts Councils. 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 5,000 square foot gallery and resource centre dedicated
to young people's art 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.
Learn more about ArtStarts at www.artstarts.com
About the Assembly of BC 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 31 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 31 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.
Learn more about the Assembly of BC Arts Councils at www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca
