New Additions to Vancouver's Arts and Culture Policy Council

Six individuals from Vancouver's cultural community are the latest additions to the city's Arts and Culture Policy Council. 

The committee's mandate is to advise City Council and staff on all civic programs that relate to arts and culture, and to ensure that arts and culture are appropriately represented in City plans and policy initiatives.

The newest members of the Arts and Culture Policy Council are: 

• Norman Armour, artistic and executive director of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival;
• Sean Bickerton, executive director of the Vancouver Recital Society;
• Barb Clausen, co-founder of DanceHouse and New Works;
• Terry Hunter, executive director of Vancouver Moving Theatre and artistic producer of the Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival;
• Donna Spencer, artistic producer of the Firehall Arts Centre; 
• Melody Ma, National co-Chair artsScene of Business for the Arts, and co-Founder of Ballet BC Up young patrons group

The committee includes returning members Sharman King, Paddy Macleod, Katherine McManus, Nigel Prince, Esther Rausenberg, Eric Szeto and Marcus Youssef. Committee members are selected through the City of Vancouver's Civic Committee public selection process. Those appointed in 2015 will serve until February 2017.

In addition to providing input on policy to City Council, the committee participates in awareness and community outreach, works co-operatively with other groups whose activities affect Vancouver communities, and acts as a resource for staff doing public involvement processes and events. 

They submit an annual report to Council, describing the committee's accomplishments of the past year, referencing objectives set out in their work plan and identifying any arising issues to which the committee has responded. 

For more about the Arts and Culture Policy Council, visit the City's webpage here.