The City of New Westminster is inviting community members to share ideas about arts and culture.
The city is hosting a community information session on Wednesday, March 28 at 7: 30 p.m. at the Massey Theatre to share information and solicit ideas from community members involved in the city's arts and cultural organizations about the designation of Cultural Capital of Canada 2014.
The City of New Westminster will be applying to the Department of Canadian Heritage for designation as a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2014. A successful bid could mean up to $1 million in funding for arts and cultural groups in the city.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise the cultural profile of New Westminster on a national scale," said Greg Magirescu, the city's manager of arts and cultural development.
"Designation as a Cultural Capital of Canada would be a tremendous boost for the local community by contributing to economic development, increased tourism and supporting innovative and sustain-able creative partnerships."
The city is inviting all arts, cultural and community groups to attend the information session. The session is also open to neighbourhood associations, businesses, multicultural groups, heritage organizations, First Nations groups, youth groups and seniors' organizations.
Coun. Bill Harper said it's crucial that local groups participate in the endeavour, no matter how big or small their projects.
"It's really important that people put their thinking caps on and get their groups involved in this," he said.
Any organizations or groups within New Westminster who can fulfil the program criteria are invited. Program criteria can be viewed online at www.tinyurl. com/culturalcapital.
The deadline to apply for the grant is June 30. In order to present a comprehensive proposal, the city is anticipating a great turnout to the community forum on March 28.
In 2014, New Westminster will mark several important milestones in its history. The city will celebrate its 155th anniversary; the new civic centre will be open to the community, complete with art studio spaces, a new 350-seat theatre, museum and art gallery; and a new Massey Performing Arts Centre will be in the planning stages.
Anyone interested in attending the information session should RSVP to info@ masseytheatre.com or call the Massey Theatre at 604-517-5900 before March 26.
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