Scholars at Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf have named the public libraries in Vancouver and Montreal as the no. 1 libraries in world cities – topping a lengthy list that includes libraries in New York, Boston, London, Barcelona, Los Angeles, and Toronto.

Public libraries in 31 cities across the world were studied by researchers to determine how they support the digital, learning, and creative fabric of their cities.

The board of directors of ArtsBC announced today (December 18) the appointment of Neil Harrower as the organization's new executive director, effective January 13, 2014. 

The Key Events List (pdf), compiled by your Alliance for Arts and Culture, lists upcoming events in and around Metro Vancouver through the next 12 months. The list is designed to be a guide for event planners, who will find the roster helpful in avoiding scheduling conflicts.

Dear Member of the Creative Economy,

In case we haven’t met yet - my name is Lana Popham. I’m the MLA for Saanich South and the new Opposition Critic for Small Business, Tourism, Arts and Culture. 

Since July, I have been meeting with as many of you as I can to better understand the needs and desires of those in the creative sector. Although I’ve just begun to scratch the surface, I have learned that there are many dots to be connected to make the creative economy more successful.

Are you about to take the next step into your professional dance career? Get the edge at Vancouver’s on the MOVE conference, presented by the BC Dancer Transition Resource Centre on February 7, 2014. 

To alleviate the festival withdrawal Fringe fans experience outside of September, the Vancouver Fringe Festival announced this week that it will present five shows between February and May from beloved Fringe artists—plus special events with Fringe legend TJ Dawe.

Actsafe has issued the following safety bulletin, relevant to anyone working outside at this time of year:

When working in cold conditions, the two most common hazards are hypothermia and frostbite. With proper awareness and pre-planning, these hazards can be eliminated.

Built in 1936, the iconic art deco Hollywood Theatre has been having a rough few years. Sold to Bonnis Properties in 2011, it sat empty for about a year before being leased to the Point Grey Community Church in 2012. Now their lease is up, and Bonnis Properties has decided to turn the facility into a fitness centre. These plans involve adding a second floor, and it's unclear how much of the original facade would be kept.

The Key Events List (pdf), compiled by your Alliance for Arts and Culture, lists upcoming events in and around Metro Vancouver through the next 12 months. The list is designed to be a guide for event planners, who will find the roster helpful in avoiding scheduling conflicts.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Maestro Bramwell Tovey will become the longest-serving Music Director in the orchestra’s 99-year history. 

The VSO announced last week the extension of Tovey’s contract that will see him remain at the artistic helm of the orchestra through August of 2018, marking his 18th year with the organization. Tovey will become the VSO’s Music Director Emeritus, conducting up to two weeks per season starting in 2018/2019, the orchestra’s 100^th Anniversary Season.