2009-05-04

New Research report released on cultural development in rural communities

(April 21, 2009) Vancouver The Creative City Network of Canada (CCNC) unveils a new project on cultural development in rural communities today. The report, Developing and Revitalizing Rural Communities Through Arts and Creativity, is a comprehensive review of existing and original research and identifies 'best practices' in rural communities and includes information from Canada and around the world. This new research sets the stage for rural communities to determine the best approach to reach out and take advantage of their creative capacity.

CCNC Executive Director, Elizabeth Keurvorst, notes In todays economy every community has to understand how to take advantage of all of their assets; we are finding a wealth of creativity in rural settings which can have a hugely positve impact on a communitys economy as well as improving the quality of life.

The CCNC Rural Research project is a partnership with the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) and the Department of Canadian Heritage and the study was conducted by Dr. Nancy Duxbury and Heather Campbell of Simon Fraser Universitys, Centre for Policy Studies on Culture and Communities. The Creative City Network of Canada provides professional development and research for cultural development administrators. Its members directly serve over 16 million Canadians in the delivery of cultural planning and programming at the local level. To learn more about this project on cultural development in rural communities visit: www.creativecity.ca/projects-and-activities/index.html

To learn more about the Creative City Network visit www.creativecity.ca