VANCOUVER, November 12, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, accompanied by His Worship Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver, today announced that Vancouver has been designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2011. The other two cities to receive this title are Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Lévis, Quebec.
"Vancouver is renowned for its cosmopolitan charm, its vibrant cultural scene, and its wide range of activities," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is pleased to confer on Vancouver, for the second time in that city's history, the prestigious title of Cultural Capital of Canada. This honour is well deserved and a fitting celebration of Vancouver's 125
th anniversary."
"Vancouver is home to a vibrant and diverse arts and cultural community, and in 2011 we'll be showcasing it throughout the city with our 125
th anniversary celebrations," said Mr. Robertson. "This support from the Government of Canada will help us build on the cultural legacy of the 2010 Winter Games and make 2011 a year to remember in Vancouver."
The
Cultural Capital of Canada designation is awarded for merit, on the basis of a candidate community's achievements that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture. Funding amounts vary according to the size of the municipality. Vancouver could receive up to $1.75 million.
The City of Vancouver will use the funding to organize and implement several activities, including celebrations to mark the city's 125
th anniversary, a literary festival, free tours of municipal sites, pedestrian spaces for public art, a commissioned artwork by a First Nations artist, a poster series about remarkable women, a mural project, and a multimedia presentation based on Aboriginal and immigrant cultural traditions.
