BC ART AND CULTURE WEEK


 
APRIL 18-24, 2010
The Assembly of BC Arts Councils is happy to announce that the funding for Arts and Culture Week 2010 has been approved by BC Arts Council.  Once again the Assembly and ArtStarts in Schools will be able to provide support for events in schools and communities around the province.  

In the meantime, the Assembly is encouraging everyone involved with community arts:  arts councils, performance companies, schools, galleries, municipalities ~ everyone! ~ to ask, "What are we doing for Arts and Culture Week?"  

In spite of the current difficulties around arts funding, Arts and Culture Week, always held the third week of April, is still an opportunity to celebrate the richness of community arts in BC.  It is an opportunity to explore ways to celebrate in spite of widespread funding cuts.  Plan low-cost activities:  displays and public workshops in parks and other public places, spontaneous and random "acts of art", and joint activities with other groups in your community. 

Art doesn't have to be expensive - creativity is more important to success!   Don't forget to think about who else in your community could benefit from an arts activity.  Ask a seniors' home if your performance artists can put on a show for them.  Work with schools to produce an exhibit of children's art.  Talk with an environmental group about demonstrations of art from recycled materials, help them develop signage for wildlife refuges, community forests, etc.  Ask the First Nations whose territory you share to teach a class in drumming, carving, beading, or another arts and cultural activity for your members and the public. 

If your community has another significant minority, ask them to get involved ~ your community will be enriched by the larger variety of events ~ and so will your organization!   Remember that Arts and Culture Week is about celebrating community through arts and culture.  

Groups and Individuals who have activities planned for this may submit a notice of their activity to be included in the Abbotsford Arts Council's website.   Send information to abbotsfordartscouncil@telus.net or fax 604-870-1862.

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The Abbotsford Arts Council Presents 2010 ARTY Awards   - April 24, 2010 Matsqui Centennial Auditorium  
To honor the vision, creativity, & energy of the community in the arts. Eight awards will be presented to recipients for outstanding achievement, dedication, and support of the Arts.

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The Reach Discovery Run
Sunday, April 25, 2010 Starts:  9:00 am The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford at Library Square 32388 Veterans Way (near the corner of Trethewey & South Fraser Way) Run Types:  Family/5K and 10K Registration Fees: $25 for 5K, $20 for 5K (youth), $35 for 10K.
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Arts and Culture Fair
10 am - Noon As a celebration of the end of BC Arts and Culture week in Abbotsford, The Reach will host an Arts and Culture Fair in conjunction with end of our first Reach Discovery Run.  The celebration will highlight The Reach arts and heritage programming, local artists and businesses in a fun family celebration.  Reach Discovery Run sponsors will have the opportunity to participate in the Arts and Culture Fair and provide an interactive activity for the participants.