NANAIMO – Local MLAs Sheila Malcolmson and Doug Routley are welcoming $36,000 through the province’s BC Arts Council Grant Program to support arts and culture organizations in Nanaimo, Gabriola, Ladysmith and Chemainus.
“Artists shine a light on our past and help us imagine a better future,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “I welcome this new arts funding for our region’s local creators and performers, to help them deliver community-boosting projects.”
“Our art galleries, film festivals and musical performances enrich our community and local economy in so many ways,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “Today’s funding announcement will go a long way in supporting the visibility and vibrancy of our local arts and culture community.”
Recipients in the region benefiting from this latest round of grants include:
- Crimson Coast Dance Society, $21,000
- Gabriola Arts Council, $8,500
- Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society, $3,000
- Hub City Cinema Society, $2,000
- Arts Council of Ladysmith and District, $1,500
The BC Arts Council is the provincial government’s lead agency for arts funding and development. Budget 2019 increased the BC Arts Council funding by an additional $15 million over three years, bringing the annual budget to $34 million. The new funding is in addition to the $15 million increase over three years in Budget 2018, and a component of the new funding is to make the arts more accessible to everyone.
The New Democrat government is committed to enhancing opportunities for British Columbians to succeed in their creative careers, and to increasing equity and access so that all people in British Columbia can participate in the arts and celebrate culture.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019TAC0032-000798