Culture

Photo Credit: Charles Hope

When the Olympic movement was founded back in 1894, inspiration was drawn from Ancient Greece where the famous games included events involving both the best athletes and artists of the days. It was believed that the artistic component of the Games would highlight the different cultures and help promote understanding and peace between nations. And so the notion of a Cultural Olympiad was born.

In Alberta, arts and culture are an important part of our cultural identity and strength, and the Cultural Olympiad gives us an opportunity to showcase that on a national and international stage.

The Government of Alberta and its principal funding agency the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, are working with Vancouver organizers to coordinate Alberta's involvement and providing funding to Alberta's attending artists. The events of the Cultural Olympiad will allow people to realize the astonishing level of talent and accomplishment in Alberta's performing arts scene. The selection of pieces they will be offering runs the gamut from traditional to avant-garde. Some of the performers include:

• Teagan and Sara
• Woodpigeon
• Laura Vinson
• Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
• Springboard Dance
• Asani
• Alberta Ballet
• Ronnie Burkett

To find out when and where Alberta artists will be appearing during the Cultural Olympiad visit www.vancouver2010.com