Just apply, already!

Let’s talk resources for arts and heritage. How many of you know about the ‘Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program’? Well, if you don’t, I think it is time that you did.

An initiative of the Canadian Heritage Department, the ‘Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program’ was created to help Canadians celebrate their communities. The Program is meant to increase opportunities, through festivals or other events and activities, for local artists and artisans to be involved in their community and for local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage.

Studies say that it is the festivals and celebrations that are pivotal to community engagement, identity, and cohesiveness. And it is in the fostering of our communities’ cultural identities that we find social, capital, or civic renewal. Festivals, concerts, and events create opportunities for people to be active and engaged and we know that families who play together, stay together. And you don’t have to take my word for it… the actual studies for these facts can be found in ACE’s online Benefits Catalogue. (Yes, this is a shameless plug for the Benefits Catalogue. Seriously people, this is another resource that kicks butt… use it!... http://benefits.acecommunities.ca)

Because let’s face it…each of Canada’s communities is unique and each is uniquely Canadian. This is, by far, one of our nation’s biggest strengths. Geography, history, their founders and those who came to live there shape our communities. And they continue to grow and change as the people who live there now build on those foundations.

The ‘Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program’ is one of those resources that can truly be used to celebrate your community. This program has three components:

Local Festivals: Festivals, events and activities that involve your whole community, give opportunities to local artists and artisans and/or celebrate local history and heritage.

Community Anniversaries: One-time commemoration through festivals or other activities that celebrates a major anniversary of a significant local person or event.

Legacy Fund: 
Awards for the creation of tangible, lasting capital projects which commemorate or celebrate a major anniversary of a significant local person or event.

Eligible events and activities must be local – created by and for your community. They must be open and accessible to the public and strongly encourage and promote the participation of everyone in your community.

So the opportunity is there for those entrepreneurial enough to look more into the potential of this grant and then to apply! Imagine what cultural impact this would make in your community.

For more info and the application process see: http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/communities/