VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Grace Lore, Murray Rankin, and Rob Fleming 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.

“Victoria is home to so many amazing arts organizations and talented artists who are served by these grants,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “Our community is made better by these artists and by being able to consume the art they create.”

In Greater Victoria 39 projects are receiving over $4,600,000 in funding, including $205,000 for Dance Victoria, $128,891 for The Belfry Theatre, and $16,814 for the Malahat Review.

“Our community has welcomed many arts students and working artists who we want to support throughout their careers as they continue,” said Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. “I’m pleased to be supporting these arts organizations and artists as they grow and share their talent.”

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.

“Having accessible infrastructure and equipment is key for arts organizations to continue to make art and to make more.” Said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “This funding will help our local artists to have spaces to create and inspire.”

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28659

Funding backgrounder: https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/funding/recipients/