Summaries of Cultural Capitals of Canada 2005 special projects

Toronto, Ontario:

Category: Population over 125,000
Maximum contribution $500,000

Toronto Cultural Capital truly reflects cultural creativity. It showcases the work of professional and local artists of all ages and from diverse cultures, who blend traditional art forms with the newest technologies. The celebrations include activities such as Telling Toronto's Diverse Story, 80 vignettes in 40 locations along Spadina Avenue; Music Makers, bringing music to children and youth; Songs from Above the Treeline, sharing history and song among northern and urban Aboriginals. Toronto Cultural Capital reflects a vision of a cultural capital!

Victoria, British Columbia:

Category:  Population between 50,000 and 125,000 
Maximum contribution $500,000

Celebrating our Diversity brings together myriad threads of interest. Among the highlights are an Artist-in-Residence program; Arts in the City, a week-long showcase of professional and community artists; a Symposium of the Arts, a forum on arts and cultural issues; and the Inner Harbour First Nations Interpretive Walkway. Victoria is a vibrant city where arts and cultural policies have been in effect for more than 15 years, and the results are evident!

Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, Ontario

Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution $250,000

Cultural and Community Pride blends tradition with innovation through a series of creative initiatives which features a Clip Art Development program that will use computer technology to hone a marketable skill; the Storytellers initiative that will record oral history for future generations; a Photography Skills Workshop, where participants express themselves through a camera lens; and a Heritage Festival focusing on a pow wow. These events are truly community-based and inclusive, and recognize that culture is essential for the community's future!

Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec

Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution $250,000

L'Art et la manière builds on this community's reputation for woodcarving, sculpture and folk art. The Fête d'hiver will feature snow sculptors from across Quebec, some of whom are Aboriginal artists. L'Internationale de la sculpture will include a visual arts exhibition. La Fête des Chants de Marins will feature maritime votive exhibits, and offer performances by Newfoundland and international musicians. A cultural award will honour a local personality's commitment to the arts and culture. By attracting international artists, along with local sculptors, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli illustrates its vision of reaching outward to enrich life within its own community.

Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution $250,000

Port Royal 400^th Anniversary Celebrations are a remarkable extravaganza of workshops, festivals, re-enactments and celebrations. From a re-enactment of Samuel de Champlain's arrival at Port Royal, to a costume workshop and a festival for bands from around the world, these celebrations highlight the prominent place this small community (pop. 525) holds in Canadian history. A partnership with nearby Bridgetown helps Annapolis Royal to organize music festivals. Annapolis Royal proves that an inspired vision can succeed!