Capitalizing on the Culture Industry community by Laura MacMaster C ulture, with a capital " C , " has been erroneously described as services to help capitalize on this growing industry: A 24-hour Internet site with event listings and on-line ticketing services for residents and visitors. Cultural tourism packages that develop partnerships, products, and marketing strategies to capture tourists already within the region. A touring coordination service and on-line directory of artists, presenters, and venues to facilitate region-wide tours The issues and opportunities facing the cultural community as a whole are important to N o r t h Vancouver.The arts and cultural sector can make a significant contribution t o o u r economy and the quality of life we enjoy. Make a point of attending the next regional forum, on June 7, at the Shadbolt Centre for the A r t s , when the dialogue focuses on a business plan outlining the implementation, organizational, and funding options for a regional cultural strategy. Laura MacMaster, is Manager, Tourism, Arts & Cultural Services, District of North Voncouver. For more information, call 990-2324. an elitist, frivolous activity, subsidized by the public purse, yet patronized by few. A recent report commissioned by Greater Vancouver's municipalities refutes this perception. Research findings confirm that more than 79 percent of Greater Vancouver residents participate in arts and heritage activities, generating $3 billion in direct revenues and employing over 65,000 people--7 percent of the region's total employment. This March, over 100 cultural administrators, elected officials, and arts service agencies came together to suggest a range of products and N O R T H V A N C O U V E R RECREATION C O M M I S S I O N C o m e & E x p r e s s Y o u r s e l f ! L O N S D A L E recCentre & C E N T E N N I A L Theatre & Music Camps for kids o f a l l a g e s _ M u s i c M a k e r s 5 - 7 yrs THEATRE ' Piano Introduction ^ 6 - 9 y r s & 9-1 2 y r s Musical Theatre 7 - 12 yrs & 1 2 - 1 6 yrs ^ Please see the N V R C Summer 2 0 0 0 Leisure G u i d e for more details or call Kelly M c C r e a at 983-6461