NDP MLA Brenda Bailey says more people will enjoy improved arts spaces in Vancouver

VANCOUVER – New Democrat MLA Brenda Bailey says more people in Vancouver will benefit from improved arts spaces and facilities thanks to the BC New Democrat government’s continued support of artists throughout B.C.

“Community arts spaces play a huge role making our neighbourhoods healthy and vibrant. With this funding, local art organizations and community art spaces will be able to continue to expand Vancouver’s dynamic arts sector and enrich people’s lives year after year,” said Brenda Bailey, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek. “I am particularly pleased that we continue to support opportunities for youth to engage with community arts programming. In difficult times, expressing oneself though the arts contributes to one’s overall wellness.”

Over 25 artists and organizations in Vancouver will be benefitting from this Arts Infrastructure funding, including:

  • 211A
  • Ballet BC
  • Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
  • Historic Joy Kogawa House Society
  • L’Alliance Francaise de Vancouver
  • Massey Theatre Society
  • The Clutch

Through the Arts Infrastructure Program a total of 84 arts and cultural organizations will share in $4 million in grant funding. The program provides grants to arts and cultural organizations to develop and enhance spaces that support B.C.’s arts and cultural practitioners. Eligible activities include planning and consultation and capital improvements, such as improving safety features; increasing accessibility; or purchasing specialized equipment.

In April, the BC Arts Council introduced its Extending Foundations: Action Plan 2022-2024 which marked a shift in focus in the way the council provides funding to respond to calls to action for reconciliation, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

In alignment with these commitments, 50 per cent of grants in this recent round of Arts infrastructure funding was distributed to organizations from rural or remote communities or those led by or rooted in Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.

Learn More:

To learn more about these grants and see the list of recipients, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022TACS0014-000711