The change in catchment rules means that students can attend any school they, or their parents choose. Student space in individual schools will first be filled by neighbourhood children, then by students from outside the (former) catchment area.

In Edmonton, schools with strong reputations or specialized programs, fine arts, for example, fill quickly and develop waiting lists. School trustees in BC are already lobbying Education Minister Christy Clark for the right to give siblings of students already enrolled in a school priority over "non-resident" applicants.

Edmonton's school board created open boundaries several years ago after enrollment dropped and funding was cut. Today, more than 62 percent of their senior high school students do not attend school in what was once their designated area.

Several school boards across Canada, reports the Alliance, have adopted the non-catchment policy and expect their specialized schools, such as those with programs in fine arts or technical trades, etc., to attract students from across boundaries.

The Edmonton experience allows us in BC to plan for the effects of the recent changes in BC policies. As the demand for BC schools specializing in fine arts, university preparation, technical trades, sports, etc., seems to be on the rise, we can expect there to be stiff competition for placement in all specializing schools.

The program aims to encourage cross-cultural exchange in the arts world for three, six, nine or 12 month placements. Appropriate visas are provided to selected candidates.

Students and graduates from France, Germany, Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil and Canada have already been placed with organizations in both the profit and non-profit sectors, in marketing, media, communications and other arts management roles.

The National Museum had 28 galleries and more than 125,000 items including the world?s first calendar and many priceless items dating back to 9000 BC. Most of the Sippar Library, the oldest library ever found intact, was stored at the Museum. Also in the museum were items from the Babylonian, Sumerian and Assyrian eras, as well as items from Mesopotamia.

Following on the heels of the destruction of huge carvings in Afghanistan, there continues to be a lot of bad news in the art world. The other ongoing travesty in the visual art world is the increasing international trade in stolen art and artifacts.
~ Courtesy of Synergy published by Alliance for Arts & Culture

Every community is special and has its stories to tell. This scavenger hunt sends you off on a quest exploring unique, and sometimes secret places that make-up our community.

The UQ challenge is a component of Intersections, the summer exhibition at Cityscape Community Art Space, located at 335 Lonsdale Avenue. Showing from July 17 to August 31, 2003, this interdisciplinary exhibition features the work of more than 20 local artists as they explore physical spaces that provide people with an opportunity to meet and interact.

To participate gather a team of two to four people and register for the race, with the North Vancouver Community Arts Council at 604-988-6844. The cost to participate is $5 per person, spaces are limited, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information call Kimcha at 604-988-6844.