As part of the Alliance's preparations for Arts Summits 2013 and 2014 we researched cultural policies and strategy documents of other provinces to inform our work towards a comprehensive and sustainable cultural policy framework for British Columbia. We were fortunate to be joined at Arts Summit 2013 by Richard Hornsby, one of the architects of New Brunswick’s first cultural policy initiative in 2002 and a participant in that province's policy renewal process.

Do you have questions about what you should be doing to prepare for CASL (Canada Anti-Spam Legislation), coming into effect July 1, 2014?  According to new information provided by Industry Canada officials, the Anti-Spam Law could be much less prohibitive than we initially thought.

The 32nd Annual Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards, celebrating excellence in theatre, were held Monday, June 23 at the Commodore Ballroom.

Cultural Services is accepting applications for a second (Fall) deadline to the Cultural Infrastructure Program. The Fall Intake will focus on Minor and Major Capital projects up to $150,000.

The Beaumont Studios Artist Society in Mount Pleasant is looking for motivated partners to join them as co-anchor tenants in a 2-level 12,000 square foot building adjacent to the Beaumont's current home. The Beaumont Studios Artist Society will occupy the 6,000 square foot ground floor, leaving the upstairs offices available for another organization. 

Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) takes effect on July 1, 2014. Are you ready?  The intent of the legislation is to deter damaging and deceptive forms of spam, such as identity theft, phishing and spyware, and to combat threats to online safety and security. 

Alliance members and Arts Summit 2014 registrants are invited to join us this Thursday, June 19, 2014 for a special presentation by Kelly Hill of Hill Strategies Research Ltd. on diversity in British Columbian arts audiences.

BC Touring Council has joined the I Want To Showcase partner conferences, which presents an easier way to apply for showcasing opportunities across many regional conferences. Performing artists can apply to several major performing arts conferences across North America, all in one place online - completely paperless!

It's your last chance to register to join the cultural community this Friday, June 20 at the Roundhouse and take part in the work of developing a cultural policy framework for all of British Columbia.

Learn about how you can make the most of Culture Days this year through a free live webinar on June 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (PDT).

It looks like even more affordable cultural spaces will be created in Vancouver, following the approval today (June 11) by City Council of funding to Toronto Artscape to develop an affiliate organization in BC.  

The Vancouver Art Gallery has received its largest photography donation to date by the acclaimed American photographer Harry Callahan. The gift of 556 photographs, donated by the Montreal-based Larry and Cookie Rossy Family Foundation, is the most important collection of Callahan’s work in Canada and the second largest public collection in the world.

Vancouver City Council unanimously approved capital grant funding of $4.5 million to four arts and cultural non-profits today (June 11) towards stable community based artist production spaces in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. 

British Columbia is a vast province and too many important discussions often include only the denizens of the metropolitan centres. BC Creative Convergence, the initiative to develop a cultural policy framework for BC, has been working to ensure that every region, discipline, and sector is heard from in this discussion. Representatives from Victoria, Nelson, Whistler, Nanaimo and Kelowna will be among the many voices heard at Arts Summit 2014.

Register now to join the cultural community on Friday, June 20 for Arts Summit 2014 and take part in the work of developing a cultural policy framework for all of British Columbia.

The City of Vancouver is mapping the community’s cultural spaces and is seeking your help to identify those which don't currently appear on the list.

This workshop series, designed for non-profit organizations, includes valuable, practical tools and techniques to help you deliver projects successfully. It focuses on specific areas of project management while interconnecting in a comprehensive series over 2 days.

Tourism Vancouver’s Board Chair Bob Lindsay announced this week the appointment of Ty Speer as president and CEO of the 111-year-old destination marketing and management organization. Speer joins Tourism Vancouver from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games where he was Deputy CEO before accepting this new role in Vancouver.