What sets Vancouver apart?

Livability

Vancouver is consistently rated one of the most livable cities in the world. We have accomplished this by recognizing that livability is affected by many aspects of life in the community, including a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Sustainability

Vancouver is a city that balances and enhances the environmental, economic, cultural and social needs of the community. We are considered a leader in sustainable practices (this paper-reduced public consultation is but one example).

Innovation

Vancouver is known as a city on the leading edge of public policy and planning. We have won numerous awards for urban and cultural planning innovation including the City’s unique cultural amenity bonusing program.

Inclusivity

Ours is a city with many diverse communities. The City of Vancouver as an organization supports and encourages all citizens to celebrate the wide array of distinct cultures that contribute to the creative life of our city.

Our Creative Sector

GVTV on Vancouver's Creative Sector CreativeCity TV

In this five-minute GVTV segment, learn how the City is contributing to the growth of Vancouver’s creative sector.(12.5 MB .wmv)

Vancouver is a dynamic, multicultural city set in a spectacular natural environment. One of the world's most livable cities, Vancouver is both the terminus of the trans-Canada transportation system and the gateway to the Pacific Rim.

It is the third largest city in Canada. With a population of about 600,000 residents, and an area of only 113 sq km, Vancouver sits at the western edge of a region that comprises almost three million people.

Though it has a rich indigenous heritage, Vancouver has been a city of newcomers from many different cultures since non-Native peoples began settling in the area. The 2001 census found that 46 per cent of Vancouver residents say they are immigrants, and that more than two-thirds of all recent immigrants have come from Asian countries.

It is expected that Vancouver's population and its diversity will continue to grow in the coming years, as world attention focuses on the city. Events such as the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will showcase Vancouver as an extraordinary place to live, work, learn and play.

City’s role in arts and culture

The City of Vancouver encourages and supports arts and cultural activities through a variety of programs and services, and works as a catalyst to support the non-profit community in producing cultural events. Culture makes our city grow

The City of Vancouver currently:

awards about $10 million annually to non-profit arts and cultural organizations through numerous grants programs
is landlord to more than 36 arts and cultural organizations that receive rent-free and tax-free occupancy of public facilities
owns and operates the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Vancouver Playhouse and the Orpheum
owns an extensive collection of art and artifacts in the stewardship of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Museum and Maritime Museum
owns the Pacific National Exhibition – BC’s largest annual festival
develops public art through civic, private sector and community arts programs
participates in the City's planning processes and development to ensure a place for arts and cultural activities in our city.

Arts and Culture in Vancouver

Vancouver is alive with arts and cultural events. More than three million people attend live performances, screenings, exhibitions, festivals and special events every year in the city. Festivals in our parks and community centres present more than 1,700 performances. Music, dance and theatre groups present more than 750 different live productions, and the city’s major museums and galleries feature more than 600 exhibitions. Throughout Vancouver, performances and exhibitions and other activities celebrate the diversity and vitality of our unique and evolving city.

Vancouver's municipal government recognizes the importance of the creative sector to citizen health and well-being, to the city's livability, and to its economic future. A healthy arts and culture community helps the City attract knowledge-based businesses, workers, and tourists—all of which boosts the local and regional economy.