MLAs Kelli Paddon and Dan Coulter say funding will support artists in Chilliwack area

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CHILLIWACK – New Democrat MLAs Kelli Paddon and Dan Coulter say that provincial funding for arts organizations and people working in the arts will help the local sector continue to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.

“Local arts councils and societies are full of dedicated members and volunteers who work hard to bring culture and connection to our communities. In communities across B.C. big and small, funding like this has a wide reach,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent.

Throughout the greater Chilliwack area, the following organizations are receiving funding, including:

Resilience Stream:

  • Chilliwack Museum & Archives, $73,155
  • Kent-Harrison Arts Council, $2,349
  • Harrison Festival Society, $36,956

Infrastructure Stream: 

  • Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society, $29,902 towards the purchase of LED lighting fixtures to replace the current Cyclorama fixtures in the HUB International Theatre.

“At the Chilliwack Arts and Cultural Centre, anyone can be an artist! Giving a boost to such important community spaces does so much more than help keep the doors open, it supports the people who offer classes and programs that help make Chilliwack such a great place to live,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack.

The funding is distributed through the BC Arts Council and will provide a total of $34.5 million to arts and culture organizations throughout B.C. Grants will help support infrastructure projects and address rising costs for organizations who have been impacted by a loss of audiences, reduced profits, and increased expenses since the pandemic.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023TACS0021-000606