Dear Friends,

For over 10 years, the Van Dop Arts and Cultural Guide to British Columbia has inspired and enlightened visitors with inspiring profiles of arts and cultural locations, intriguing regional journeys, and remarkable creators.

Recently we’ve noticed a number of individual’s pulling back from their marketing activity. As a gallery owner myself I couldn’t urge you more to ensure visitors can find you, particularly with the tourism breakthrough year of 2010 just around the corner.

In the case of the Arts & Cultural Guide I personally know how long the shelf life can be. I’ve had new clients appear on my doorstep with a four-year-old Guide in hand -- and they bought art at the gallery!

This Guide belongs to all of us. Without you, publication is not possible.

We have much to be proud of in the arts and culture sector of our province. At the Guide alone, we’ve experienced over 200% growth in the last ten years, expanding from 48 to 160 pages and building ever-closer relationships between local and provincial stakeholders across British Columbia.

I believe cultural tourism is an economic tool and together we are creating momentum and making progress. These economic times are not the time to back down or pull back. We are a collective and we need to communicate a strong message that British Columbia is filled with vibrant and talented cultural creators -- artists, curators, and performers -- you!

Let’s join together and show British Columbia’s cultural diversity to the world,

As a Cultural Capital of Canada, Coquitlam is raising its cultural profile through this Heritage Canada designation that supports Canadian cities to promote the benefits of arts and culture in community life. Two of Coquitlam’s Cultural Capital projects are:

Kwikwetlem First Nation Canoe Project
The Kwikwetlem First Nations on Colony Farm Road are making history as their first traditional canoe in over 100 years is carved from a salvaged cedar that was pulled from the Coquitlam watershed. The Kwikwetlem First Nation is looking forward to sharing their traditions with the public. Check their website for carving dates and times: www.kwikwetlem.com.

Maillardville Centennial – Centenaire de Maillardville
Maillardville, one of Coquitlam’s founding neighbourhoods and the oldest francophone community in British Columbia, will include legacy projects and a gala presentation on Maillardville’s history in October. Visit www.maillardville100.com for details of all the events.

Find out more about Culture Capital sanctioned events and Cultural Coquitlam.

There is still time to participate in the Van Dop Guide’s 11th Edition, which will be distributed during the Olympics!

Our annual publication is the quintessential guide for the cultural traveler and art collector. With a print run of 100,000, the guide showcases the best of BC with high quality images representing British Columbia's high calibre of arts. The Guide offers endless opportunities for artistic exploration and travel, featuring individual artists to provincial galleries, historic buildings to heritage towns, and amazing festivals and performances throughout BC.

Contact us at artguide@art-bc.com to find out more about your community feature and regional discounted rates.

New Westminster has already started planning its 6th annual Cultural Crawl in tandem with the city’s 150th birthday celebrations!

Through the Cultural Crawl’s new provincial partnership with the Assembly of BC Arts Councils, organizing your own community cultural crawl has never been easier! We’re always seeking ambassadors, so please contact Samantha Allen or Trudy Van Dop at 604.540.1064 or artguide@art-bc.com and let us know you want to explore and promote your community’s cultural footprint. It’s easy, sustainable, and FUN!

For guidelines to participate in the 8th Annual BC Cultural Crawl simply download the Tool Kit.