British Columbians will enjoy and celebrate the province’s rich cultural scene during BC Arts and Culture Week, April 17-23.

BC Arts and Culture Week recognizes the importance of arts and culture for British Columbia and supports the province’s Creative Economy Strategy. Arts and culture not only honour B.C.’s cultural heritage and bring joy to people of all ages, but also help drive B.C.’s economy. The province’s world-class art, culture and creative industries improve the province’s prosperity and global profile as a great place to live, work, invest and play.

The three-year Creative Economy Strategy is about encouraging artists and others working in the sector to realize both creative and financial success. Building B.C.’s creative economy will attract new investment, foster innovation and create new jobs for British Columbians.

In 1999, the BC Arts Council initiated BC Arts and Culture Week to showcase and celebrate the arts in British Columbia. As the B.C. government’s key development and funding agency for the arts, the BC Arts Council supports arts and cultural organizations, as well as individual artists throughout the province.

“With more artists per capita than any other province in Canada, B.C. has a lot to celebrate this week and we are grateful for how arts and culture enhance our lives. People working in arts and culture are at the heart of B.C.’s creative economy, contributing to healthy and vibrant communities and driving the BC Jobs Plan. I encourage all British Columbians to connect with the arts in their community this week and throughout the year,” said Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.