2009 Cultural Capital of Canada designation for Whistler!

Whistler Museum is proud to be a part of this community legacy program

The Cultural Capital of Canada designation is awarded for merit, as determined by the quality of a proposed project and earlier achievements by the candidate community that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture. The program’s objective is to promote the arts and culture in Canadian municipalities through recognition of excellence and support for special activities that celebrate the arts and culture and integrate them into overall community planning. Designation as a Cultural Capital of Canada enables a recipient community to invest more in arts and culture, increase and improve cultural services, and strengthen connections with other communities through shared cultural experiences.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler recognizes the role that arts and culture play in a community committed to sustainable principles: in enhancing citizens' quality of life, ensuring economic development, partnering between cultural organizations, First Nations people and citizens involved in cultural celebrations. As a recipient community of the Cultural Capital of Canada designation in 2009 will allow those who live and visit Whistler to share enriching cultural experiences as Whistler ramps up to its role as Host Resort of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

"Whistler is thrilled and honoured to be named a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2009," said Whistler's Mayor, Ken Melamed. "Though a young community, Whistler is enjoying building its cultural identity. This designation and the funding for our program – Celebration 2020 – strengthens the cultural aspects of our sustainability commitments. It also signifies the importance of arts, culture, and heritage in Whistler and in Canada, as we prepare to welcome the world in 2010 and beyond.”