Qathet - A Celebration of cultural achievements

November 25, 2003

What is the Cultural Capitals of Canada Grant?

The 2004 "Cultural Capitals of Canada Grant" was awarded to four municipalities and one group of municipalities in Canada who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture as well as plans to celebrate and further develop their artistic and cultural identity. To select this year's winners, Minister Copps received unanimous recommendations from an independent advisory committee composed of the mayors of the Cultural Capitals of Canada 2003, supported by experts in the field of arts and culture. The prizes are thus all awarded for merit, according to the quality of the project proposed and the earlier achievements of applicants. Each award consists of matching funding for specific activities, a Certificate of Excellence and the right to use the designation of Cultural Capitals of Canada for the year awarded. More information on the Cultural Capitals of Canada vote is available through Heritage Canada at www.pch.gc.ca/progs/ccc/prog_e.cfm.

Why was Powell River selected?

Qathet - a Coast Salish word meaning together, is an apt description of this community's ambitious project to work with professional artists, community residents and First Nations to celebrate its cultural achievements. Major landmark celebrations, including the 60th Anniversary of the Festival of the Performing Arts, the 50th Anniversary of Powell River Chorus, the 50th Anniversary of the Municipality of Powell River and the 20th Anniversary of the International Choral Festival "Kathaumixw" will combine with the establishment of a new bilingual Summer School, a Symphony Orchestral School, a major dance work celebrating the local First Nations history, a legacy in film, a new book and much more to showcase and develop the many talented artists and cultural workers that call Powell River home. Despite its small population and remote location, Powell River has an exciting history of cultural activity.

How much is the grant valued at?

The grant is valued at $250,000 and is matched to funds that will be provided by the Municipality.

How does Powell River plan to use the grant?

The steering committee identified a series of projects in February, when the application was first being put together. These projects will culminate in the showcase "Culture By the Sea", a month long celebration of the Municipality's 50th Anniversary. The projects will receive monetary help from the Cultural Capitals grant as well as funding (either monetary or in kind) from either the Municipality or the Powell River Regional Economic Development Society as Powell River moves forward on its quest to "brand" the community as a major cultural centre.

The projects listed below were planned in February 2003. These items are subject to change.

* Film Projects - Three film projects are planned - "Teeshoe" The true story of a young boy's survival when the rescue tug he was on sank in a winter gale. "Destination Powell River 2" This tourism-promotion video highlights the attractions of Powell River and Desolation Sound, focusing on the region's history. "Sliammon First Nations, Part II - Healing Traditions" is a tribute to aboriginal memory, thought and healing practices within the ancestral lands of the Sliammon First Nation. The film honors those who live the land and share, in their individual ways, the collective conscience of healing arts.

* Qathet Dance - A professional choreographer will create a dance for a professional dancer combined with First Nations dancers. Traditional ballet and First Nation dance will be come together in this new work. Qathet will be shown at "Culture by the Sea" and the International Choral Festival Kathaumixw.

* Theatre Projects - Three local amateur theatre companies will provide stage entertainment. One of the productions will be written and directed by a local playwright.

* Visual Arts Projects - The Malaspina Exhibition Center (a registered public gallery) will develop its own website, promoting Powell River as an arts destination, list the exhibition schedule and provide links to the society's artists and their work. The Society also proposes a one week long visual arts festival in conjunction with the Muncipality's 50th anniversary.

* 60th Anniversary of the Festival of the Performing Arts - "A Thousand Feet Across the Stage" each year a thousand feet or more cross the stage, performing and then listening to words from adjudicators. To celebrate the 60th anniversary, alumni of the festival who are now young professionals, will be invited back for a special event.

* 50th Anniversary of the Powell River Chorus - Plans for the celebration of a milestone for this popular community chorus include a series of mini-concerts given in schools, churches, malls, community groups and the aboriginal community. These concerts will spotlight the cultural and age diversity of Powell River and conclude with a Saturday Gala Concert featuring the Chorus, guest artists, a commissioned work and instrumentalists.

* 20th Anniversary of the International Choral Festival Kathaumixw - The main focus of the 20th Anniversary of this international event will be the creation of a new work for actors, dancers, singers and orchestra based on the legends of the Sliammon First Nations people. The premiere will be unveiled at the Gala Opening Concert on July 6, 2004 for an international audience of over 3000 people.

* Canadian International Orchestral School - Powell River will become the first site of a Canadian International Orchestral School. The school will be a high level training ground for the world's next generation of professional musicians. Beginning modestly over a period of two weeks, it will eventually become a full summer's retreat. Distinguished faculty have been recruited to offer master classes, lectures, group instruction and practical ways to enter the professional world of orchestras. Students will also have the opportunity to perform high level orchestral works.

* Summer Home for the Victoria Symphony Orchestra - Powell River will be the first community in Canada to be a "summer" home to a Symphony Orchestra. The Victoria Symphony Orchestra will be closely linked with the Orchestral School, just as the Boston Symphony Orchestra is synonymous with its associations with Tanglewood, which attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year.

* Composer in Residence - A composer will be engaged to write four new works for the four significant anniversaries. The works will incorporate First Nation's artists, Powell River youth and adults with professional singers and instrumentalists.

* Sliammon Arts and Culture Initiatives/"Edu-Tourism" - In consultation with the Coast Salish Band, the Municipality and Economic Development Society are planning to create a project that will bring greater exposure to the rich culture and the significant number of native artists and projects that are part of the Sliammon people. As Powell River is already a tourist destination, this project will concentrate on exposing tourists to this incredible culture.

* French Cultural and Language Camps - With Ecole Cote du Soleil now designated as Conseil Scolaire Francophone's summer program and special events site, this will expand the breadth and intensity of the local cultural component. The summer and weekend camps will welcome francophone students and French teachers from around the province on programs designed to offer a rich blend of cultural and outdoor activities in French. Guest artists will perform for both the camps and the local community.

* Music and the Arts in Powell River: an Evolution - Or "How a Small Town Grew up to Host an International Festival". This project is a book to be written that describes and honors some of the accomplishments of the Powell River arts community. The book will focus on the evolution and success of the International Choral Festival Kathaumixw as well as providing a lasting testament to the talents and success of Powell River artists, musicians and myriad volunteers.

* Vision for Cultural Development - Through the Powell River Regional Economic Development Society, the Corporation of the District of Powell River will develop a fully integrated Business and Marketing Plan, which will serve as a master cultural community plan for the long-range preservation of arts and culture.

Who should I contact for more information?

Mayor Stewart Alsgard, The Corporation of the District of Powell River

Valerie McNutt, Leisure Program Coordinator, The Corporation of the District of Powell River

Mike Heron, Steering Committee Member and Director? P. R. Regional Economic Development Society

Don James, CM, Steering Committee Member and Artistic Director, Powell River Academy of Music & Kathaumixw

Terry Sabine, Steering Committee Member and Administrator, Powell River Academy of Music & Kathaumixw