MLAs Greene, Singh and Yao say grants will support local arts and extracurricular activities in Richmond

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RICHMOND – New Democrat MLAs Kelly Greene, Aman Singh and Henry Yao say local organizations and parent advisory councils will be able to support young artists and extracurricular activities thanks to over $1.8 million in Community Gaming Grants funding. This round of funding is from the Community Gaming Grants program’s arts and culture stream and parent advisory council and district parent advisory council (PAC/DPAC) stream.

“Richmond has a thriving arts and culture sector that keeps our community vibrant and healthy,” says Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre. “This investment not only sustains the cultural vibrancy of our province but ensures that arts and culture remain accessible to all, regardless of economic barriers.”

In Richmond, 13 organizations are receiving over $315,000 in funding to support arts and culture, including:

  • Richmond Gateway Theatre Society, $87,000
  • BC Youth Music Society, $40,000
  • The Richmond Art Gallery Association, $50,000
  • Richmond Music School Society, $50,000

Additionally, 50 parent advisory councils/district parent advisory councils in Richmond are receiving over $1.5 million in total funding to support extracurricular events, activities and equipment.

“The work that parents and caregivers do through their PACs are invaluable for fostering a sense of community and providing enriching experiences beyond the classroom,” says Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “This funding not only relieves financial pressure on parents but also ensures that Richmond students can access a variety of extracurricular activities.”

“Richmond’s parent advisory councils are instrumental in shaping our students’ educational environment,” says Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “This funding enables PACs to continue fostering community engagement and providing valuable opportunities that contribute to the overall well-being of Richmond’s students.”

More than $18.2 million in new funding will go to over 650 organizations to support arts and culture across the province.

More than 1,300 parent advisory councils and district parent advisory councils will also receive over $11.2 million to support extracurricular activities throughout British Columbia.

Learn more:

Arts and Culture funding stream: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023MUNI0055-001993

PAC and DPAC funding stream: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023MUNI0053-001975