Cultural Capitals of Canada 2003

Vancouver, British Columbia: Creative City Celebrations
(Level 1 - population of over 125,000 - maximum contribution of $500,000)
Creative City Celebrations represents an ambitious celebration actively involving the local population, including First Nations, the Francophone community, and multicultural groups. The celebration features an awards program for emerging and Aboriginal artists, a new waterfront festival, and cultural diversity celebrations. The city will also commission more public art and promote studio and backstage tours. Vancouver's municipal government takes an active role in nurturing the arts and culture. Its thirty-five year commitment to cultural development is a testament to its leadership role in the area of culture. Creative City Celebrations is a fitting tribute to Vancouver, 2003 Cultural Capital of Canada.

Red Deer, Alberta: Culture! A Community Celebration
(Level 2 - population between 50,000 and 125,000 - maximum contribution of $500,000)
Culture! A Community Celebration highlights cultural diversity and public education, and breaks new ground in cultural exchanges involving the Aboriginal community. The planned activities will draw tourists and feed the community's growing cultural diversity. Red Deer devotes a significant level of resources to the arts and culture. The city has demonstrated innovative vision, developing creative solutions to challenges and integrating arts and culture into community life. The impact of Culture! A Community Celebration will create a ripple legacy for Red Deer, 2003 Cultural Capital of Canada.

Thunder Bay, Ontario: The Greatest Rendezvous Celebration
(Level 2 - population between 50,000 and 125,000 - maximum contribution of $500,000)
The Greatest Rendezvous Celebration marks the 200th anniversary of the First Rendezvous at Fort William. It engages Thunder Bay's Scottish heritage, Aboriginal people and Francophone community in an ambitious repertoire of performances, exhibitions, and events showcasing local artists and musicians. Visitors and residents will be entertained and educated by an impressive array of multi-disciplinary projects. The Greatest Rendezvous Celebration testifies to the vitality of the arts and culture and will create a lasting impact on Thunder Bay, 2003 Cultural Capital of Canada.

Caraquet, New Brunswick: Promotion des arts, de la culture et du tourisme culturel (Promotion of the arts, culture and cultural tourism)
(Level 3 - population under 50,000 - maximum contribution of $250,000)
Promotion des arts, de la culture et du tourisme culturel includes an anniversary event, expanded cultural tourism, and the creation of a permanent office for cultural development. This new facility will bring together arts organizations from the Acadian peninsula. Caraquet's cultural commitment is exemplary for a town of fewer than 5,000 residents. Caraquet is a model within New Brunswick as a center for Acadian culture and an artistically vibrant community. Promotion des arts, de la culture et du tourisme culturel is a symbol of the achievements of Caraquet, 2003 Cultural Capital of Canada.

Rivière-du-Loup, Québec: Le patrimoine comme projet de développement local (Heritage: A Local Development Initiative)
(Level 3 - population under 50,000 - maximum contribution of $250,000)
Le patrimoine comme projet de développement local will build a strong legacy for Rivière-du-Loup, thanks to the development of a Heritage Preservation Centre and through partnerships established with Université Laval in the area of heritage research, including the contribution of the Anglophone community to local culture. These activities will bring heritage to the forefront of community planning. Rivière-du-Loup is a vibrant community that demonstrates great pride in its heritage. The town has developed a clear vision of how Le patrimoine comme projet de développement local will benefit Rivière-du-Loup, 2003 Cultural Capital of Canada.