The vibrancy of Vancouver's arts and culture scene is a priceless benefit to its citizens and visitors. In 2008, City Council affirmed it's commitment to a diverse and healthy creative sector through the adoption of the Cultural Plan for Vancouver 2008 - 2018.

To achieve the goals set out in the plan, Cultural Services will continue to work on behalf of City Council to offer direct support and information services to large and small not-for profit cultural organizations. It coordinates cultural grant and promotional support programs and manages the City’s Public Art Program which includes community projects as well as large-scale public and private development initiatives, and the City's Olympic and Paralympic Public Art Program celebrating the 2010 Winter Games.

Working with other civic departments, Cultural Services participates in the development and upgrading of cultural facilities through zoning incentives and capital funding. It is also responsibile for the operation of the three Civic Theatres: The Vancouver Playhouse, the Orpheum and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

In addition, Cutlural Services is invloved in many special development projects including the Hastings Park/PNE Master Planning Process and the Olympic Live Sites.

Using the Culture Plan as a map, Cultural Services will continue to advise Vancouver City Council on issues, policies, and strategies related to arts and culture in the city. These activities will be informed by research and analysis of trends in Vancouver’s cultural sector and best practices in other cities.