CEO Katherine van Kooy appointed to Premier's Council on Culture

CCVO is proud to announce the appointment of President and CEO Katherine van Kooy to the Premier's Council on Culture.

Read the Alberta Government's press release below. Click here for a full list of Council members

Prominent Albertans to champion Culture

Twenty-two dynamic Albertans have been appointed to a renewed Premier’s Council on Culture in an effort to make Alberta’s cultural sector one of the best in the world.

“We want our cultural sector to be vibrant, innovative, and forward-looking. Not only is it an important economic indicator for our province, but it’s also a reflection of who we are as Albertans,” said Premier Alison Redford. “The renewed leadership of this council will help invigorate our cultural sector and make Alberta an even better place to work and live.”

More than 270 community leaders, from artists and directors to academics and entrepreneurs, applied to be a part of the province’s highest level of advisory and representation on cultural matters after the council’s renewal earlier this year.

“These talented individuals will serve as our cultural champions,” said Alberta Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk. “The energy and calibre of these visionaries reflects the characteristics and diversity of Alberta’s cultural stakeholders. I expect their collective wisdom and experience to serve us well, guiding Alberta toward a model for sustainable growth in our cultural sector.”

The council’s first order of business when they meet in September 2013 will be to lead the development of a long-term, province-wide culture plan, and to identify new and innovative approaches to promote and support culture in Alberta. Members will represent the many areas responsible for cultural activities and experiences across the province - the arts, heritage, multicultural and nonprofit/voluntary organizations, creative and cultural industries, and youth and corporate partners.

“Culture is an important ingredient to the economic future of our province,” said the council’s new chair, Todd Hirsch. “Most importantly, exposure to culture opens the door to new ideas - a key to fostering a creative, innovative workforce and population.”

Culture-related industries are responsible for approximately three per cent of Alberta’s GDP, amounting to $7.81 billion and 78,900 jobs. See www.culture.alberta.ca/minister/premierscouncil/membership for details.

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.