The 2015 Canada Winter Games got a substantial provincial government investment this week, yet none of those dollars were earmarked for sports.
The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development has provided $150,000 towards an arts and culture festival during the games.
Arts and culture are intrinsic components of any Canada Games event. Host cities are mandated to entertain the visiting athletes and visitors, provide local residents with ways of gathering and interacting during the two-week event, and Games organizers hope for legacy elements to be left behind for public benefit long after the final horns and whistles blow.
"Government of British Columbia funding will help B.C. performers from throughout the province take part, with a focus on artists from First Nations and northern communities," said Karen Jeffery, manager of ceremonies and culture for the 2015 Canada Winter Games coming to Prince George next February. "Eligible artists include musicians, actors, dancers, writers, sculptors, visual artists, street performers and filmmakers. Events include music performances, mural painting, ice sculpture and literary readings. Presentations will be held at a variety of venues, including a Main Stage in the Canada Games Plaza. Workshops offered during the festival include dance, playwriting and choral music."
"The 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George will host the largest arts and cultural festival in the history of northern British Columbia," said minister responsible Coralee Oakes. "The festival offers British Columbia's artists, including representatives from First Nations, a wonderful opportunity to perform for a national and international audience alongside Canada's best talent. We are proud to help B.C.'s diverse, superb artists enjoy a great opportunity to show the nation and the world that artistic excellence and cultural creativity are thriving in our province."
Games CEO Stuart Ballantyne said "2015 marks the first time a winter edition of the Canada Games will be held in British Columbia and what better way to celebrate than to showcase some of British Columbia's great artists, entertainers and performers."
Artists of any description interested in how they can participate are encouraged to contact Jeffery at 250-596-2015 extension 218, or email: [email protected]
