Media Releases 2008

WHISTLER ARTS COUNCIL UNDERTAKES $20,000 REGIONAL IMPACT STUDY OF ARTS AND CULTURE

Vancouver, B.C. (April 18, 2008): 2010 Legacies Now is contributing $20,000 to the Whistler Arts Council to study the economic impact that arts, culture and heritage brings to the Sea to Sky Corridor. Whistler Arts Council is leading this seven-month project in partnership with the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District.

Titled Regional Economic Impact Study of Arts, Culture and Heritage in the Sea to Sky Corridor, the study undertakes surveys, interviews and workshops with people who live in Sea to Sky communities. The study is scheduled for release in June 2008.

"Our community consultations are taking place from Lions Bay to Mt. Currie," said Anne Popma, community cultural consultant to the Whister Arts Council. "Arts and culture are at the heart of these communities, but in addition, they are also important in attracting tourists and driving economic development. Using this study, we are going to positively impact the cultural sector so the region can realize long-term benefits."

Members of the regional steering committee include:

Anne Popma, Consultant, Whistler Arts Council
Bob Kusch, Director of Recreation, Parks & Tourism, District of Squamish (formerly with the Parks & Recreation Department, Resort Municipality of Whistler)
Doti Niedermayer, Executive Director, Whistler Arts Council
Jeff Dawson, General Manager, Community Futures, Howe Sound
Jodi Westbury, Director of Research and Product Enhancement, Tourism Whistler
Karen Love, Pemberton artist, and Founder/Director, Pemberton Arts Council
Kim Needham, artist, and representative of the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (formerly in the planning department, Resort Municipality of Whistler)
Kirstin Clausen, Executive Director, BC Museum of Mining, Britannia Beach
Sonja Lebans, Squamish community cultural advocate

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.

"The 2010 Winter Games are not only a great sporting event, they are also an unprecedented opportunity to display the culture and heritage of British Columbia," said Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Garibaldi. "As demonstrated in the 2008 Speech from the Throne and Balanced Budget 2008, our government is committed to funding for the arts and encouraging the cultural pursuits of British Columbians. And as one who has been actively supporting an arts and culture alliance in the Sea to Sky corridor, I am personally delighted that this funding has been awarded to quantify the economic impacts of these opportunities and to better understand the benefits."

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/

-30-

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

<< back to Media Releases 2008