Premier’s Council on Culture has new mandate, seeks membership
Premier’s Council on Culture open to applications for council members
Beacon Staff Reporter
Recruitment for Council on Culture positions begins immediately. Photo courtesy Alberta Culture.
In support of Premier Alison Redford’s vision to create a long-term culture plan for Alberta and reflect the province’s diverse cultural landscape, the Premier’s Council on Arts and Culture will be refocused as the Premier’s Council on Culture, with a renewed mandate and membership.
“Culture is a window into Alberta for the rest of the world,” said Premier Alison Redford.
“Albertans want others to view us as dynamic and creative; where our cultural industries are reflective of our quality of life and are an economic force. The council will ensure we capitalize on opportunities to grow all cultural sectors, attracting new Albertans to our province with opportunities in our cultural industries.”
Culture-related industries are responsible for approximately three per cent of Alberta’s GDP and 78,900 jobs. In addition, all cultural sectors depend on the work of Alberta’s 105,000 volunteers, whose efforts are estimated to contribute $9.6 billion to the economy.
Minister of Culture Heather Klimchuk launched a recruitment process for up to 20 new council members who will represent the many sectors responsible for cultural activities and experiences – the arts, heritage, multicultural and nonprofit/voluntary organizations, as well as creative and cultural industries, youth and corporate partners.
“Culture connects people and communities in our province,” said Klimchuk.
“This council will champion the Premier’s cultural vision for Alberta by developing synergistic partnerships within the sector as well as with the business sector. Its membership will be represented by community leaders with the knowledge, expertise and passion for culture to effectively guide the development of Alberta’s long-term cultural plan.”
An important first step in fulfilling the Premier’s vision was a gathering of over 400 cultural stakeholders in Culture Forum in Feb. 2012.
“Our group came together in the spirit of partnership fostered at the 2012 Culture Forum to determine how we could be of greater service to each other, the province and our fellow Albertans,” said Keri Mitchell, Executive Director of Theatre Alberta and member of the newly-formed Alberta Partners for Arts and Culture, a coalition of 13 provincial arts service organizations and cultural industry associations.
“The Premier’s Council on Culture is an exciting development that will help shape a cultural renaissance in Alberta.”
Recruitment for council positions begins immediately. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 28, and the new Premier’s Council on Culture will be announced in spring 2013.
Category: Provincial
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Comments (1)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
Sites That Link to this Post