The Granville Island Cultural Society (GICS) is bidding farewell to its current Executive Director and welcoming a new incumbent. 

After six years as Executive Director, Hazel Currie is retiring from arts administration at the end of October, 2013.  Following an in-depth search the Society has selected Barbara Chirinos as Ms. Currie’s successor.

Jean Hodgins, President of the Vancouver Recital Society (VRS) Board of Directors, has announced the appointment of Sean Bickerton as Executive Director of the Vancouver Recital Society, effective October 4, 2013.

Richmond's Gateway Theatre announced today (September 25) a three-phase, 15-year strategic plan which will add four major elements to its programming and offerings.

According to the news release issued, Gateway 2028 "will introduce inclusive, culturally diverse programs that connect the community. The plan will bridge the gap between our region's demographics and our audience composition, augment our reputation nationally and abroad, safeguard our company's sustainability, and respect the concerns of our existing stakeholders."

Vancouver Heritage Foundation has bid a fond farewell to Diane Switzer, who has retired after 14 years as VHF's Executive Director. 

Judith Mosley joins VHF this week as its new Executive Director, bringing to the position a background in marketing and heritage conservation. 

Presented by MISCELLANEOUS Productions, Raincity Rap festival and conference on October 4-5, 2013 features hip hop artists Maestro Fresh Wes, Kinnie Starr and Chin Injeti during two days of industry panels, in-depth interviews, exclusive jam sessions, specific all-ages and free performances, and a closing night urban music contest.

Vancouver Review magazine published its final print issue in the fall of 2011. Since that time, nearly all of the distributors and outlets which sold the publication have vanished. Basically, the magazine industry and, specifically, the market for general interest arts and cultural magazines had collapsed. 

There's a new face at New Works this fall: executive director Quincey Kirschner. 

Kirschner hails from the healthcare sector, and has a strong background in politics and advocacy. She brings to her new role with New Works extensive experience in financial management, human resource management and fundraising. 

City of Vancouver's Cultural Services announced key dates for 2013/2014 City of Vancouver cultural grants today:

Project Assistance 

Application Deadline – Monday, December 9, 2013
(Applications and Guidelines available in mid-October)

Operating Assistance 

Application Deadline – Monday, December 9, 2013
(Applications and Guidelines available in mid- to late-October)

The City of Victoria, the Victoria African & Caribbean Cultural Society, and Societé francophone de Victoria will host a free public event at Centennial Square beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 27 to officially launch Culture Days in British Columbia.

The Vancouver Chamber Choir's 34^th National Conductors' Symposium is an opportunity to take part in master classes with Canada's premier choral ensemble January 20-25, 2014 in Vancouver. 

The winners of the Prix Marcus-Banque Nationale, offered by the Fondation pour l’avancement du théâtre francophone au Canada, and supported by the National Arts Centre and National Bank of Canada, were announced at the NAC’s Fourth Stage on September 10.

Geoff Teoli has been selected as Actsafe's new Executive Director, effective September 23, 2013.

Teoli has worked in film location and production management for eighteen years, as a freelance location and production unit manager for major Canadian and US studios and networks such as Warner Bros., MGM, Sony Pictures, Miramax, NBC Universal, Fox Television, ABC Television, Disney and CBC Television.

Vancity and the City of Vancouver have recently partnered to present a series of Financial Fitness seminars designed to help arts and cultural groups with the basics of operating financially healthy and resilient organizations.

On the evening of Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Vancouver Art Gallery, artsScene will connect the city’s young professionals with vibrant arts and culture communities.

The Crazy8s Film Society has announced the launch of their 2014 season. Crazy8s is an 8-day filmmaking challenge that provides funding and support to emerging filmmakers to help them produce a short film. 

Can you make a short film in 8 days? If you’ve had that story you’ve always wanted to tell, now is the time to pitch it! If your idea is selected as one of six winners, your short film will screen for an audience of over a thousand at a gala and at festivals and markets around the world.

Twelve exceptional civic leaders were honoured this week at Government House in Victoria with the province’s highest form of recognition, the Order of British Columbia. Among the recipients, two—Christopher Gaze and Charles Jago—are recognized for their achievements and contributions to the arts. Gaze, a 2012 recipient, was invested on Monday having missed last year’s ceremony.