MLAs Malcolmson and Routley say grants will support local arts and extracurricular activities in Nanaimo and North Cowichan

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LADYSMITH – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson and Doug Routley say local organizations and parent advisory councils will be able to support young artists and extracurricular activities thanks to over $1 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.

“With thousands of dollars in funding going to some of Nanaimo’s brightest and best arts and culture groups, and the parent advisory councils supporting students, these organizations will help even more people get what they need to thrive,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo.

In Nanaimo and North Cowichan, 29 organizations are receiving over $800,000 in funding to support arts and culture, including:

  • Radio Malaspina Society, $21,000
  • Vancouver Island Symphony, $80,000
  • W.E. Theatre Society, $20,000
  • Ladysmith Festival of Lights, $46,000
  • Nanaimo Festival Heritage Theatre Society, $53,500

Thirty-one parent advisory councils/district parent advisory councils are receiving over $240,000 in funding to support extracurricular events, activities and equipment, including:

  • Nanaimo District Secondary School PAC, $31,740
  • John Barsby Community Secondary School PAC, $15,120
  • VAST Career Technical Centre Continuing Education PAC, $5,720
  • Island Connect Ed K-12 PAC, $9,060

“Our region continually punches above its weight in arts and culture, and our PACs are dedicated in their support for students in our community,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “This grant funding will help ensure these organizations can continue to do the excellent work they do every day in our communities.”

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: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023MUNI0055-001993

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