Innovative arts programs help grow young artists
By Contributor
British Columbia’s budding artists now will have more opportunities to attend professional arts performances, be mentored by artists and gain work experience thanks to new government-funded BC Arts Council programs, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said this week.
The BC Arts Council (BCAC), government’s lead agency for arts development, is launching:
- ·Creative Youth Initiatives ($2 million) to provide funding to local arts and culture organizations in communities throughout British Columbia to offer activities that help youth experience and participate in the arts; and
- ·The Early Career Development Program ($600,000) to help young career professionals and recent graduates gain work experience and make contacts to help build careers in B.C.’s creative sector.
“Creativity is serious business in British Columbia. We are committed to helping young, talented British Columbians build satisfying creative careers,” said Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes.
“These new programs are unique because through the BC Arts Council, our province’s dynamic arts and culture sector will help youth in their communities access opportunities to experience and participate in the arts. It’s a win-win situation for young British Columbians, established arts and culture organizations and British Columbia’s creative economy.”
Creative Youth Initiatives and Early Career Development support BC Creative Futures, the B.C. government’s strategy to foster success in British Columbia’s creative economy.
Announced last January, BC Creative Futures promotes youth engagement with the arts to help prepare young British Columbians for rewarding careers in the creative industries, including music, theatre, visual arts, design, animation, film and arts administration.
“British Columbia is fortunate to be home to world-renowned artists and arts and culture organizations. The BC Arts Council is proud to provide these programs, which will help our impressive artists and organizations play a key role in inspiring the next generation,” said BC Arts Council chair Stan Hamilton.
“By supporting opportunities to interact with accomplished artists and participate in art projects, these new programs will inspire artistic creativity and develop talent in British Columbia’s youth. We are very excited about helping young people build relationships and make contacts that will lead to successful careers in arts and culture.”
Quick Facts:
- ·To support BC Creative Futures, the B.C. government increased BC Arts Council funding to a record high $24 million in 2013-14.
- ·Arts and culture in British Columbia employ over 87,000 British Columbians, including almost 26,000 artists.
- ·Approximately 88,000 volunteers and 126,000 donors support arts and culture in British Columbia.
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·In 2013, the B.C. government increased funding for arts and culture to over $60 million – about $7 million higher than last year.
