2008 Cultural Capitals of Canada

• Surrey, British Columbia
• Nanaimo, British Columbia
• Morden, Manitoba
• Sackville, New Brunswick

Surrey, British Columbia

Category: population over 125,000 – Maximum contribution of $2 million

The City of Surrey's proposal Fusion 08 – A Catalyst for Cultural Sharing offers many opportunities for residents and professional artists to highlight and celebrate diversity and respect among cultures. First Nations and ethnocultural communities will play a large role in the proposed activities. As a 2008 Cultural Capital, Surrey will recognize the achievements of leaders who have contributed to the development of the arts and culture. Glocal: Me and My World, a project which features new digital technologies, will appeal to youth and offer them workshops and an interactive exhibition. As well, the new Fusion Festival will enable Surrey residents to learn more about the city's various cultural communities, through music, dance, culinary customs, and clothing traditions. In addition, six public art projects will be implemented in order to highlight not only Surrey's cultural and natural heritage, but also its cultural diversity and the fascinating history of First Nations.

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Category: population between 50 000 and 125 000 – Maximum contribution of $750,000

Nanaimo's proposed programming is an excellent example of partnership among the diverse cultural communities, First Nations and artists. It shows the extent to which promoting the development of culture and artistic excellence has had a positive impact on a medium-sized community. Nanaimo will present its first Multicultural Arts Festival, which will explore the culture, the traditions and the artistic works of different Aboriginal and ethnocultural communities. A series of concerts, workshops, and competitions will also be organized to showcase and celebrate Nanaimo's rich musical heritage. In addition, the project Giving Voice to Our Diverse History will offer two exhibits to mark the opening of the Nanaimo Museum. The exhibits will showcase the history of some of the region's key industries, the contribution of immigrants, and the culture and knowledge of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Morden, Manitoba

Category: population under 50 000 – Maximum contribution of $500,000

Morden's long-standing commitment to the arts and culture is reflected in its Chautauqua Spirit project, which recalls the celebrations that took place the first time the Dominion Chautauqua train came to Morden in the early 20th century. The festivities planned include a songwriting competition in honour of Loreena McKennitt, a renowned international artist originally from Morden. As well, during the two-day Back Forty Festival, Aboriginal performers will display their talent, and a new performing arts festival will include dance and music, and theatre performances. Finally, in order to leave a lasting legacy for the community, local youth and artists will create four murals using the Chautauqua theme as their inspiration. The importance that Morden residents place on culture as well as their pride in their arts scene will be highlighted throughout the year through this programming, which will focus on Métis artists, youth, and arts organizations.

Sackville, New Brunswick

Category: population under 50 000 – Maximum contribution of $500,000

The Town of Sackville's project offers a multitude of ambitious and exciting activities that highlight artistic excellence, regional history, the achievements of its residents, and its natural environment. As a Cultural Capital, Sackville will celebrate the 300th anniversary of its founding by presenting four short plays and introducing a guided tour of the town. Young people aged 12 to 17 will participate in a program that encourages the creation of music to record on CD and video. Sackville will also be the site of the International Environment Sculpture Conference: throughout the town, local, regional, national, and international artists will create artwork using natural materials. The industrial history of the community will be featured in an exhibit and in activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of Sackville's first museum.