Working Definitions of Asset Categories 

The following are working definitions developed to inventory cultural assets based on best practices in the field and in consultation with the Advisory Committee. Each category is further defined using keywords.  These categories may evolve as we move through the project.  Assets may appear in multiple categories. 

Cultural Organizations 

Organizations that represent arts, heritage, and ethno-cultural interests in the community. These are usually non-profits.  
Sample Keywords:  Artisan/Craft, Dance, Film, Design, Digital/Media Arts, Fashion, Historical/Heritage, Indigenous, Music, Literary, Multicultural, Performing Arts, Photography, Textile, Theatre, Visual Arts 

Cultural Spaces & Facilities 

A physical space, building or site that hosts cultural activity where people gather to experience arts or heritage-related activities (may include spaces in the public, private and non-profit sectors, and everything from purpose-built facilities, to facilities that include cultural programming). 
Sample Keywords:  Art & Design Studios, Art Galleries, Cinemas, Cultural Centres, Performing Arts Centres/Theatres, Festival Sites, Religious Spaces 

Cultural/Creative Industries 

Businesses that provide the creation, production, manufacturing and/or distribution of goods and services that are cultural in nature (includes everything from recording studios, theatre costume making to creative software design). 
Sample keywords:  Dance, Digital Arts, Film, Literary, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts 

Cultural & Natural Heritage 

The legacy of buildings and/or sites, physical artifacts, activities, and intangible attributes of a group or society, of historical, cultural and educational value that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. It also includes assets in the natural environment that have cultural significance, including flora and fauna, cultural landscapes (natural features that have cultural attributes), or strictly delineated natural areas of particular value from a cultural point of view (municipal parks, conservation areas, and botanical gardens). 
Sample Keywords:  Archives, Built Heritage, Conservation Areas, Gardens, Heritage Registers, Historic Plaques and Monuments, Heritage Districts, Historic Sites, Intangible Assets, Museums, Nature Centres, Significant Parks, Trails, Walking Tours 

Festivals & Events 

A period or program of activities, events, and/or entertainment celebrating and/or educating one or many social cultures (may include performing arts events, tours of culturally significant places, seasonal celebrations) 
Sample Keywords: Gallery/Studio Tours, Multicultural Festivals, Film Festivals, Street Festivals, Workshops 

First Nations 

Places, stories, events, customs and traditions that represent the culture of local First Nations. Working in partnership with the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, it will be determined which assets to be shared through the cultural map and the most appropriate way to present the information. 

Intangibles 

Consists of non-physical aspects of a particular culture, including traditions, customs and practices, aesthetic and spiritual beliefs, artistic expression, language and other aspects of human activity. (can include legends, oral history, language preservation) 

Public Art 

Original, one-of-a-kind work that creatively reflects the culture, heritage and/or natural environment of the site or surrounding area. A distinctive cultural asset, public art provides a deep-rooted sense of place and serves as an artistic legacy for future generations. 

Public Institutions 

A public institution is a public body that operates accessible facilities and services for the public good, including but not limited to: elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools or institutions, local authorities at the municipal, provincial, or federal level. 
Sample Keywords:  Civic Offices, Community & Recreation Centres, Health Centre/Hospital, Libraries, Places of Worship, Senior Centres, Schools 

Service Organizations 

A service club or service organization is a voluntary non-profit organization where members meet regularly to perform charitable work either by direct hands-on efforts or by raising money for other organizations. A service club is defined by its service mission and membership benefits, such as social occasions, networking, and personal growth opportunities that encourage involvement.   
Sample Keywords: Arts Councils, Artist Guilds, Charities, Legion, Volunteer