Media Releases 2008

$5,000 TO SUPPORT CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ARROW LAKES

Vancouver, B.C. (April 18, 2008): 2010 Legacies Now is contributing $5,000 to the Arrow Lakes Community Arts Council to conduct a study benchmarking existing arts and cultural resources in the area and to recommend ways of enhancing them in future.

Funding for the project enables the Council to profile the contribution of arts, cultural and heritage organizations; to build the area’s cultural capacity and engage more people in arts and culture activities; to increase the economic base connected with arts and culture; and to create opportunities for artists to achieve excellence. The study is expected to complete this summer.

"We look forward to the collaboration of groups, artists and individuals representing the arts, cultural and heritage sector throughout our region," said Marilyn Boxwell, President of the Arrow Lakes Arts Council. "This is a joint effort aimed at widening public awareness of the valuable contribution made in the realm of economic development, as well as artistic achievement."

The project will encompass the Arrow Lakes areas, which include Trout Lake, Galena Bay, Nakusp, Summit Lake, Arrow Park, Burton, Fauquier and Edgewood.

Funding for the study was awarded through 2010 Legacies Now, in partnership with the Province of B.C. Creative Communities helps local governments and arts organizations identify strengths and challenges in their arts and cultural sector and make plans for future cultural development.

"As a result of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games coming to British Columbia, our reputation as a centre for cosmopolitan, culturally diverse and creative activity has increased," said Lori Baxter, Director of Arts for 2010 Legacies Now. "This project aligns organizations in searching out opportunities during these exciting times."

Through funding from the Province of British Columbia, 2010 Legacies Now has invested $293,415 into 32 Creative Communities projects around the province, and $3.3 million in the arts overall through its contribution programs.

"We are pleased to support the growth of cultural capabilities around the province," said Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. "As these groups come together to share knowledge they will realize new economic, as well as cultural, impacts they can make."

2010 Legacies Now is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations, the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport and recreation, physical activity, arts, literacy, accessibility and volunteerism. 2010 Legacies Now actively assists communities in discovering and creating inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, and beyond, the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information, please visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.

For more information about Creative Communities please visit www.2010legaciesnow.com/creative_communities/

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Media Contacts:
Karen McDonald
Director, Communications
2010 Legacies Now
Ph: 778.327.5180
Cell: 778.840.8779

Karen Lee
Manager, Communications
2010 Legacies Now
Ph: 778.331.8647
Cell: 778.840.5026

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