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Tourists Crave Culture, Too Nestled against a stunning mountain backdrop. Etched by clear cascading streams. Framed by a beautiful coast. North Vancouver is not just a scenic tableau but a place to inspire, to imagine, to create. Home to a vibrant and talented arts community. Tourists don't come here just to seek out our favoured attractions. They come here to discover the people and places and stories that animate our community: our heritage sites, our community galleries and museums, our artist studios and public art spaces, and the varied festivals, concerts, theatre, dance performances, and other distinctive events that enliven our neighbourhoods. In short, tourists crave cultural experiences that are unique and authentic - that reflect the personality and character of the local area. Cultural patrons and producers are invited to contribute ideas for how WE NEED YOUR INPUT, IDEAS AND VISION. PLAN TO ATTEND! Saturday, January 27 Wednesday. February 7 Thursday, February 22 To register, call 990-2494. 1 to 5pm 6 to 10pm 6 to 10pm Holiday Inn District Municipal Hall International Plaza * : w e m i t o u r j s m Tourism Task Force is hosting three search conferences (January 27, , . ^ ^ ,, , ^ ^ ^ ^ F e b r u a | y ? a p d F e b r u a r y u ) 0 i d e m j f y c o m m u n i t y d r i v e n p r o g r a m s w j | | e n t i c e t r a v e | | e r s t Q N o r t h S p o r e W e w a n { 0 p | a n p r o m o t e s u n i q u e f e a ( u r e s a n ( J e x p e r i e n c e s 9 h t r e a l i z e t h e region's potential as a cultural destination. The District a n d a t h a t set us apart from anywhere else," says Laura MacMaster, manager of Tourism, Arts and Cultural Services for the District of North Vancouver. Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival There's much more to the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) than watching adrenalin-loaded films. The VIMFF, now going into it's fourth year, was started by a group of local mountain enthusiasts who came together to create a platform for the exchange of ideas between filmmakers, outdoor activists, and the public Elladee Brown, a professional mountain biker, explains why the VIMFF is growing in popularity. "Coming together under one roof to celebrate our passions and pursuits for the outdoors is truly the church of our species. Sharing the experiences of what we do as mountain people through film, photo and multi-media is truly an inspiring (and necessary) way to celebrate our' culture', which is being defined through events like the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. To be a part of something that has no intention other than to inspire is very powerful." The week long festival, beginning on February 16, is action packed. The Leica Mountain Photography competition and exhibition is at the Centennial Theatre Feb 16 - Mar 15. Mountain films from around the world are on view at various venues, including: a special presentation by Poland's Leszek Cichy (the first one to step on Mt. Everest in winter); and the North American premiere of Mac/ste A/p/'no, one of the oldest Italian films ever. Dynamic guest speakers are sure to inspire. John Clarke presents "Young People and Wild Places" on Thursday, Feb. 22,1:30 pm at the Centennial Theatre. That evening, Chris Holm speaks at a multimedia show by the Women Wave Across stage on Saturday, Feb 24, 7 pm, with presentations by Todd Skinner and Ron Kauk.The Grande Finale is on Feb. 25, 7:00 pm with a presentation of the Film Festival Awards; a multi- media show by Greg Child; and screenings of the Festival winning films. For more info visit www.vimff.org or call 990-1505. Canada team before screening Festival mountain biking films. Friday, Feb. 23 the BC/Canada Evening highlights a multi-media show by Will Gadd, a Canadian premier rock climber, ice climber and paraglider. Rock Climbing and Mountaineering take centre 16 January | February